FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
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(PHILADELPHIA PA, 01/24/17) — On Thursday, January 26, at Philadelphia City Hall, Jacob Bender, Executive Director of the Philadelphia Chapter of CAIR (Council on American-Islamic Relations) will offer testimony at the Philadelphia City Council, from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm, in support of the adoption of Resolution No. 161119, submitted last December 8th by Councilmember Helen Gym.
WHAT: CAIR-Philadelphia to Offer Testimony at City Council Meeting
WHEN: Thursday, January 26, 10:00 am
WHERE: Philadelphia City Hall, Broad and Market Streets, Philadelphia
CONTACT: CAIR-Philadelphia Executive Director, Jacob Bender 267-515-6710, jbender@cair.com
Resolution No. 161119, which is co-sponsored by Councilman Curtis Jones, Jr., seeks to affirm the City’s support and protection of Muslim communities. Responding to an alarming increase in anti-Muslim violence and hate speech in the wake of the November election, the resolution calls for Philadelphians to stand in solidarity with Muslims and all targets of xenophobia, racism, and bigotry.
“We are affirming Philadelphia’s commitment to the United States as a pluralistic democracy in which all people have a right to freedom and dignity,” said Gym of the resolution. “We will not be deterred by those who seek to frighten and attack our friends and neighbors and undermine the fundamental values our nation.”
“The Muslim community, both immigrant and American-born, will not be silent in the face of government or vigilante harassment, intimidation, or violent attacks,” said Jacob Bender. “By adopting Resolution No. 161119, Philadelphia will be living up to its heritage as the birthplace of the US Constitution and the Bill of Rights.”
If the resolution is passed, Philadelphia will join over 30 cities and counties across the country that have taken a public stand to support American Muslims against the widespread anti-Muslim bigotry that was at the center of the fear-mongering election campaign of American’s new President.
CAIR is America’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.
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CONTACT: Jacob Bender, CAIR-Philadelphia Executive Director, jbender@cair.com, 267-515-6710
