CAIR-NY Calls Governor's Statement on Muslims 'Grossly Misinformed'
(NEW YORK, NY, 8/27/10) -- The New York chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NY) today called recent comments about Muslims by New York Governor David Paterson "grossly misinformed."
In remarks about the developers of the planned Park51 community center in Manhattan, Paterson said: "This group who has put this mosque together, they are known as the Sufi Muslims. This is not like the Shiites. . .They're almost like a hybrid, almost westernized. They are not really what I would classify in the sort of mainland Muslim practice."
SEE: Paterson: Mosque Developers 'Hybrid, Almost Westernized' Muslims
http://tinyurl.com/2bwheqx
"For the governor to draw a comparison between Muslims and to make comments that are grounded in nothing but ignorance is abhorrent. Shi'a Muslims work hard, live their lives in a lawful fashion and are as much American as anyone else," Syed Meesam Razvi, representative to ECOSOC of United Nations, Al-Khoei Foundation.
"Governor Paterson's comments are grossly misinformed and will be used to support the false notion that mainstream Muslims are somehow incapable of being productive citizens," said CAIR-NY's Community Affairs Director Faiza N. Ali. "Responsible leaders should refrain from mainstreaming misinformation about Islam and instead reach out to the Muslim community and its leaders. Of particular concern is the governor's derogatory description of Shia Muslims."
She urged Governor Paterson to sit down with representatives of the state's Muslim community to discuss the anti-Islam hysteria generated by the Park51 controversy.
Ali also reiterated CAIR-NY's request that the governor repudiate any insinuation of collective guilt by standing up for the right of Muslim New Yorkers to build a house of worship anywhere in the state.
CAIR is America's largest Muslim civil liberties group. 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: CAIR-NY Community Affairs Director Faiza N. Ali, 212-870-2002, 718-724-3041, E-Mail: fali@cair.com; CAIR-NY Civil Rights Director Aliya Latif, 212-870-2002, 732-429-4268, E-Mail: alatif@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-488-8787 or 202-744-7726, E-Mail: ihooper@cair.com; CAIR Communications Coordinator Amina Rubin, 202-488-8787, 202-341-4171, E-Mail: arubin@cair.com
CAIR-NY Calls on NY Gov to Protect Muslim Religious Rights
--FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE--
(NEW YORK, NY, 8/11/10) – The New York chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NY) today urged Governor David Paterson to uphold the constitutional rights of Muslim New Yorkers and reject the divisive tactics that have clouded the issue of a community center in Lower Manhattan.
Yesterday, Governor Paterson offered state assistance to developers of Park51 located near Ground Zero, if they agreed to move the project from its original site.
See: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100810/ap_on_re_us/us_ground_zero_mosque_paterson
"By suggesting to move Park51, Governor Paterson risks furthering an agenda of hate and division," said CAIR-NY Board President Zead Ramadan. "We urge him to repudiate any insinuation of collective guilt by standing up for the rights of Muslim New Yorkers to build a house of worship anywhere in our state."
CAIR is America's largest Muslim civil liberties group. 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: CAIR-NY Community Affairs Director Faiza N. Ali, 212-870-2002, 718-724-3041, E-Mail: fali@cair.com; CAIR-NY Civil Rights Director Aliya Latif, 212-870-2002, 732-429-4268, E-Mail: alatif@cair.com
Elected Official Highlights ‘Flagrant Bias’ of Mayor against Muslim students
Hundreds of New Yorkers Rally for Muslim School Holidays
(New York, NY 6/30/10)— On Wednesday, June 30, the one year anniversary of the city council vote overwhelmingly in favor of Muslim school holidays, hundreds of New Yorkers joined Comptroller John Liu and Council Member Robert Jackson at a rally and press conference on the steps of City Hall.
The rally, hosted by the Coalition for Muslim School Holidays, a diverse group of more than 80 community, labor, civil rights, and religious organizations from throughout New York, called on Mayor Michael Bloomberg to keep his promise and include Eid-ul Adha and Eid-ul Fitr in the New York City public school calendar.
At the press conference, Councilmember Jackson noted a "flagrant bias" against Muslim students highlighted in a June 28th letter sent by Chancellor Joel Klein to NYC public school parents: "How is it that you can consider re-tooling the school calendar for parental convenience or the Jewish holidays but categorically refuse to accommodate the 12% of the student body who are forced to choose between honoring the tenets of their faith or meet academic obligations?"
To view the entire letter, see: http://bit.ly/9oZGU8
In response to the letter, Community Affairs Director from the New York chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NY) Faiza N. Ali said: "The Chancellor's letter indicates that the NYC school calendar is flexible and incorporating Muslim holidays will not compromise instructional days. Then why is the mayor's office failing to accommodate 100,000 Muslim students? "
Comptroller John Liu said: "One in every eight school kids in the City of New York observes the Muslim faith. Yet these students are forced to choose between their education and their faith, and it's a situation that needs to be rectified. For a long time, this has been framed as a contracts issue. But this is not an issue of contracts. This is an issue of conscience. And we need to do the right thing to ensure that our school kids no longer have to choose between schools and their faith."
Public Advocate Bill de Blasio said: "About 12 percent of New York City students are Muslim and consequently thousands of students miss exams and important activities because they are scheduled on Muslim holidays. The Department of Education should treat these students equally and include the two main Islamic holidays in the school calendar, just as it does with other major religions."
United Federation of Teachers President Michael Mulgrew said: "The United Federation of Teachers is committed to helping ensure that all New York City school children are equally supported and respected in their religious traditions. The United Federation of Teachers supports the students, parents and educators who are seeking a way to incorporate these important Muslim holidays into the school calendar."
Social justice activist and daughter of Malcolm X Ilyasah Shabazz said: "By incorporating the Eids in the public school calendar, we will send a powerful message of inclusion and respect to the City's 1 million Muslims—and we will send a message of inclusion to the world. We will uphold my father's vision of an America that grants our children an equitable education while respecting religious traditions and diversity—while respecting humanity."
After the rally, NYC public school students hand delivered an Eid Now! Message to the mayor's office to highlight the unfair choice 100,000 Muslims students have to make between observing important religious holidays and their education.
The Coalition for Muslim School Holidays is a broad inter-faith, inter-ethnic coalition of labor, community, civil rights and religious organizations as well as students, parents and educators. The Coalition recognizes the importance of the City Council's passage of Resolution 1281 and calls on the Department of Education to incorporate the holidays into the school calendar.
CAIR-NY: Brooklyn Resident Threatens to Bomb Sheepshead Bay mosque
Muslim civil rights group asks FBI, NYPD to investigate threat
(NEW YORK, NY, 6/28/10) -- The New York chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NY) today reported a threat made Sunday to bomb a proposed mosque in Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn, and called on elected officials to publicly repudiate the growing bigotry toward mosques and community centers in New York City.
CAIR-NY also called on the FBI and local law enforcement authorities to investigate the alleged threat.
The Brooklyn Paper reported that a protester at an anti-mosque rally threatened violence in an effort to block a planned Islamic community center in the neighborhood. The newspaper quoted one of the protesters, who said: "If they build a mosque there, I'm going to bomb the mosque. . .I will give them a lot of trouble. . .They're not going to stay here alive."
SEE: Hate-Filled Rally to Stop Mosque (Brooklyn Paper)
http://www.brooklynpaper.com/stories/33/27/bn_tt_baypeoplemosquerally_2010_07_02_bk.html
"New York City mosques and centers are a reflection of a well-integrated Muslim community," said CAIR-NY Community Affairs Director and Brooklyn resident Faiza Ali. "The silence from elected officials in the face of such outrageously racist and violent remarks is tacit approval of hatred against an entire religious minority."
Ali said CAIR-NY has reached out to the FBI, the New York Police Department (NYPD), New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, and the Brooklyn Borough president's office about the threat.
She noted that a mosque in Jacksonville, Fla., was recently the target of a bomb attack and that a Houston radio host called for the bombing of a proposed mosque and community center in New York City.
SEE: Fla. Mosque Attack Called Terrorism
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EEGRSzqT_3o
CAIR Video: Texas Talk Show Host Under Fire for Mosque Bomb Remark
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CLA2I6epgUE
CAIR is America's largest Muslim civil liberties group. 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: CAIR-NY Community Affairs Director Faiza N. Ali, 212-870-2002, 718-724-3041, E-Mail: fali@cair.com; CAIR-NY Civil Rights Director Aliya Latif, 212-870-2002, 732-429-4268, E-Mail: alatif@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, 202-488-8787, E-Mail: ihooper@cair.com; CAIR Communications Coordinator Amina Rubin, 202-488-8787, 202-341-4171, E-Mail: arubin@cair.com.
CAIR Seeks Probes of Bias Motives for N.Y. and Ore. Incidents
New York Muslim reportedly beaten, bomb scare at Oregon Muslims' home
(Washington, D.C., 5/25/10) -- The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) today called on law enforcement authorities to investigate possible bias motives in two recent incidents involving Muslims in New York and Oregon.
CAIR's New York chapter (CAIR-NY) has asked the NYPD Hate Crimes Taskforce to investigate a possible bias motive in the brutal beating of a Muslim man in East New York on Saturday. According to media reports, the 57-year-old man of Bangladeshi origin was jumped by four assailants who beat but did not rob him. The man's daughter and nephew reported that the attackers referred to his being Muslim at the start of the assault.
"Attacks motivated by racial or religious animosity are directed at entire communities," said CAIR-NY Civil Rights Director Aliya Latif. "Such incidents should be investigated from all angles to serve as both a deterrent and repudiation of intolerance."
SEE: Family Says Muslim Man's Attackers Targeted Him Because of His Religion
SEE ALSO: Was Muslim's Beating A Hate Crime Or Just Regular Brutality?
CAIR also called on the FBI to investigate a possible bias motive for a bomb scare at a Muslim family's home under construction in Oregon.
According to news reports, a 30-year-old Muslim man of Afghan origin was watching the house in Tigard, Ore., while his parents were away. He was woken Sunday night by the smell of gasoline and the sounds of intruders, who ran when the man yelled. He called 911 when he found the floors of the home covered in gasoline and a ticking device in one room. The bomb squad said the device was a timer with a sparking mechanism, not an explosive device.
The Washington County Sheriff's Office said it is not ruling out the possibility of a hate crime, although the motive is not clear.
SEE: Bomb Scare at Muslim Family's Tigard Home (Video)
SEE ALSO: Portland Police Bomb Squad Investigates after Tigard Man Finds Mysterious Timed Device in His Home
"Given recent events and the rise in anti-Islam rhetoric nationwide, we urge the FBI to add its resources to those of local and state authorities to investigate a possible bias motive for this troubling incident," said CAIR Legislative Director Corey Saylor.
He noted that earlier this month, a bomb exploded outside a Florida mosque. Despite a $20,000 reward offered by CAIR, the FBI and other organizations, no perpetrator has yet been identified.
CAIR is urging American Muslim individuals and institutions to review advice on security procedures contained in its "Muslim Community Safety Kit."
Saylor said extremist anti-Islam rhetoric is unfortunately moving to the mainstream without a significant response from America's religious and political leaders.
SEE: CAIR Asks Tenn. Tea Party to Drop Anti-Islam Speaker
SEE ALSO: Tea Party Leader Says Muslims Worship 'Monkey-God'
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: CAIR-NY Civil Rights Director Aliya Latif, 212-870-2002, 732-429-4268, E-Mail: alatif@cair.com; CAIR-NY Community Affairs Director Faiza N. Ali, 212-870-2002, 718-724-3041, E-Mail: fali@cair.com; CAIR National Legislative Director Corey Saylor, 202-384-8857, E-Mail: csaylor@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-488-8787 or 202-744-7726, E-Mail: ihooper@cair.com; CAIR Communications Coordinator Amina Rubin, 202-488-8787, 202-341-4171, E-Mail: arubin@cair.com
Sold-Out Crowd at CAIR-NY Banquet
(NEW YORK, NY, 5/19/10) – Hundreds of people turned out on Saturday for the annual fundraising dinner of the New York chapter of the Council on American- Islamic Relations (CAIR-NY) at the Faculty House, Columbia University.
The sold- out event, entitled "I am Muslim, I am American: Building Community, Serving Country" marked thirteen years of CAIR-NY's service to the NY Muslim community through civil rights advocacy, community organizing, government accountability and media engagement.
The keynote address was delivered by Georgetown University Professor Dr. John Esposito and honorees included Alioune Niass, a Muslim immigrant from Senegal who was the first vendor to notice and speak up about the smoke rising from the parked vehicle used in the Times Square plot.
SEE: Focus on Muslims in America at CAIR-NY Annual Banquet
CAIR, America's largest Muslim civil liberties group. 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: CAIR-NY Civil Rights Director Aliya Latif, 212-870-2002, 732-429-4268, alatif@cair.com; CAIR-NY Community Affairs Director Faiza N. Ali, 212-870-2002, 718-724-3041, fali@cair.com
CAIR-NY Joins Thousands at NYC May Day March & Rally
(NEW YORK, NY, 5/3/10) – The New York chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NY) joined the New York Civil Liberties Union and the Alliance for Labor & Immigrants Rights & Jobs for All at the 125th annual May Day march and rally on Saturday, assembling with thousands in Foley Square in downtown Manhattan.
SEE: Thousands Rallied in NYC to Protest Arizona Immigration Law
CAIR-NY’s endorsement of the march, as part of its ongoing grassroots campaign Project MOE: Mobolize. Organize. Empower., called for comprehensive immigration reform and workers’ rights in the backdrop of an Arizona immigration law that advocates say sanctions profiling.
“Meaningful comprehensive immigration reform requires protections of our civil liberties and privacy,” said CAIR-NY Community Affairs Director Faiza Ali. “The law enacted in Arizona sets a dangerous national precedent. We are deeply concerned that it will erode the trust between law enforcement and impacted communities by sanctioning racial profiling of people of color not only in Arizona but also other states inspired to enact similar legislation.”
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.
CONTACT: CAIR-NY Community Affairs Director Faiza N. Ali, 212-870-2002, 718-724-3041, fali@cair.com; CAIR-NY Civil Rights Director Aliya Latif, 212-870-2002, 732-429-4268, alatif@cair.com.
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Rights Groups Question Fairness in Upcoming NY Trial of Muslim Detainee After 3 Years of Solitary Confinement
(NEW YORK, NY, 4/23/10) – The New York chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NY), in conjunction with the Center for Constitutional Rights and Amnesty International USA, today released an open letter expressing serious concerns about the trial of Syed Fahad Hashmi.
Hashmi is scheduled for trial April 28 on charges relating to material support for terrorism.
SEE: US Torturing Muslim Pre-Trial Detainee in NYC
Manhattan Vigil for Muslim Held Prisoner for Three Years
The conditions under which Hashmi has been held have been questioned by a number of human rights advocates:
"He is under 24-hour video and audio surveillance, even when he uses the toilet. He eats all his meals in his small cell. He is not allowed to communicate with other prisoners. He is a Muslim but is not allowed to participate in group prayer. He is not allowed to phone anyone but his lawyer. He did not even have his free choice of that lawyer and had to take one approved by the government.
"The newspapers he receives have whole sections cut out of them by the government. They are always at least a month old. Once a day, for an hour, he is taken to another room where he remains in isolation. He cannot read any translated documents unless the translator is pre-approved by the government. Contact with the media is forbidden.
"For one hour every other week, one member of his family can "visit" through a heavy screen. No touching or hugging is allowed or possible. Sometimes the government takes away his family visits as punishment. He once lost his visits for three months; he was seen shadow boxing in his cell and when asked what he was doing his response apparently failed to pass muster with the authorities."
SEE: Feel Safer Now?
In the open letter, the human rights organizations discussed Hashmi's severe conditions of confinement over the last three years in which he has awaited trial under Special Administrative Measures (SAM) and the impact of these conditions on his mental health and his ability to effectively participate in his own defense.
The letter reads in part:
"We are concerned that Mr. Hashmi has not been informed of the reasons for the imposition of SAMs. We are also concerned that Mr. Hashmi is being held under conditions that are not consistent with international standards for humane treatment. Due to their likely impact on his mental health, we are further concerned that these conditions will prejudice his ability to assist in his own defense.
"The Department of Justice stated last year that 46 inmates around the country were being confined pursuant to SAMs. Although we recognize that the department has a legitimate interest in protecting classified information that may harm national security and in protecting the public
against acts of terrorism, we are very concerned that inmates held pursuant to such measures are not being given an adequate opportunity to defend against the imposition of SAMs in their cases.
"We urge the Attorney General to review and revise the agency's regulations governing the imposition of SAMs to ensure that all prisoners regardless of their security status are held in humane conditions, are not subjected to discriminatory treatment, are given adequate information about why SAMs are being imposed, and are given a full opportunity to argue and present evidence against their imposition."
To view the letter in full click here.
CAIR is America's largest Muslim civil liberties group. 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: CAIR-NY Civil Rights Director Aliya Latif, 212-870-2002, 732-429-4268, E-Mail: alatif@cair.com; CAIR-NY Community Affairs Director Faiza N. Ali, 212-870-2002, 718-724-3041, E-Mail: fali@cair.com
CAIR-NY Welcomes EEOC Finding of Bias in Ouster of Principal EEOC
Debbie Almontaser discriminated against 'on account of her race, religion and national origin'
(NEW YORK, NY, 3/13/10)- The New York chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NY) today welcomed a determination by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) that city officials discriminated against Debbie Almontaser "on account of her race, religion and national origin" by removing her as interim principal of the Khalil Gibran International Academy in 2007 and disqualifying her for the permanent position as principal of that Arabic language school.
In a letter issued Tuesday, the EEOC stated that the Department of Education (DOE) "succumbed to the very bias that creation of the school was intended to dispel and a small segment of the public succeeded in imposing its prejudices on D.O.E. as an employer."
SEE: Federal Panel Finds Bias in Ouster of Principal (NY Times)
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/13/nyregion/13principal.html
"This preliminary victory is a strong rebuke to the vocal, agenda-driven minority that seeks to marginalize the American Muslim and Arab-American communities," said CAIR-NY Civil Rights Director Aliya Latif. "We call on the Department of Education to reinstate Ms. Almontaser or place her in a comparable position."
CAIR is America's largest Muslim civil liberties group. 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: CAIR-NY Civil Rights Director Aliya Latif, 212-870-2002, 732-429-4268, E-Mail: alatif@cair.com; CAIR-NY Community Affairs Director Faiza N. Ali, 212-870-2002, 718-724-3041, E-Mail: fali@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, E-Mail: ihooper@cair.com; CAIR Communications Coordinator Amina Rubin, 202-488-8787, 202-341-4171, E-Mail: arubin@cair.com
CAIR-NY: Vigil for Muslim Held in Pre-Trial Solitary Confinement
(NEW YORK, NY, 3/9/10) - The New York chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NY), together with Theatres Against War, hosted a vigil yesterday for Fahad Hashmi, an American citizen who is being held on material support charges in a federal jail under conditions that threaten his mental health and his ability to participate in his own defense.
SEE: Guantánamo at Home
More than 100 supporters gathered across from the Metropolitan Correctional Center where Hashmi is being held. Monday, March 8th marked the 1,371st day of Hashmi's incarceration and the 871st day since the implementation of Special Administrative Measures in his case, under which he has been held in pre-trial solitary confinement.
SEE: Opinion: Let Our Name Not be 'Mudd'
"The constraints placed on Hashmi jeopardize his right to a fair trial," said CAIR-NY Civil Rights Director Aliya Latif. "Prolonged solitary confinement may severely impair his mental well-being and thus his right to testify on his own behalf. These conditions are draconian and are tantamount to torture."
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: CAIR-NY Civil Rights Director Aliya Latif, 212-870-2002, 732-429-4268, alatif@cair.com; CAIR-NY Community Affairs Director Faiza N. Ali, 212-870-2002, 718-724-3041, fali@cair.com.
CAIR-NY Rep Takes Part in Civil Rights Panel at NYU
(NEW YORK, NY, 1/28/10) – A representative of the New York chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NY) participated recently in a civil rights panel discussion during a two day conference, themed, "Building Momentum in Mainstream Culture," at New York University (NYU).
The panel, organized by the Islamic Center at NYU, focused on pressing civil rights issues and contemporary cases, ranging from airport security to Guantanamo Bay.
Speakers at the event included CAIR-NY Civil Rights Director Aliya Latif; Imam Zaid Shakir, Islamic Scholar and professor at Zaytuna Institute; Faiza Patel, counsel in the Liberty and Justice Project Law, Brennan Center for Justice at NYU's School of Law; Shayana Kadidal, senior managing attorney of the Guantanamo Justice Initiative, Center for Constitutional Rights; and Abu Yousef, representative, Muslim Justice Initiative.
Some 400 attendees turned out for the panel discussion.
CAIR, is America's largest Islamic civil liberties group. 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: CAIR-NY Civil Rights Director Aliya Latif, 212-870-2002, 732-429-4268, alatif@cair.com; CAIR-NY Community Affairs Director Faiza N. Ali, 212-870-2002, 718-724-3041, fali@cair.com.
CAIR: NY Muslims Featured in "I am American" Times Square Ad
Public service announcement (PSA) to air on CBS Super Screen Dec. 22-Jan. 16
(WASHINGTON, D.C., 12/22/09) – A prominent national Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization announced today that its new public service announcement (PSA), called "I am Muslim, I am American," began airing this morning on the CBS Super Screen in New York City's Times Square.
The Washington-based Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) said its New York chapter (CAIR-NY) produced the 15-second PSA, which will air every hour for 18 hours each day through January 16, 2010, on the 26-foot by 20-foot full-motion screen. More than one million people pass through Times Square each day.
CAIR-NY's PSA features an American Muslim NYPD sergeant, as well as a Muslim Little League all-star, a human rights activist, a doctoral candidate, and an attorney. It begins with the statement, "Building Community, Serving Country." Viewers are encouraged to visit CAIR's web site.
To view the PSA, go to: http://www.cair.com/ny/
"This public service advertisement features ordinary American Muslims whose everyday lives are dedicated to building community and serving country," said CAIR-NY Community Affairs Director Faiza N. Ali. "This initiative is part of our ongoing effort to ensure that a fair and accurate portrayal of Islam and Muslims is presented to the American public."
Ali added that the PSA will air during the New Year's Eve celebration in Times Square, when up to one million people turn out to watch the ball drop at midnight.
"We hope that the millions of people from around the nation and the world who view this public service announcement will return home with enhanced understanding of Islam and the American Muslim community," said CAIR National Executive Director Nihad Awad. "Our PSA shows that American Muslims are a vital part of our nation's social and religious fabric."
Awad noted that a 2007 study by the Pew Research Center described American Muslims as "middle class" and "mainstream." The first-ever nationwide study said American Muslims are "largely assimilated, happy with their lives, and moderate with respect to many of the issues that have divided Muslims and Westerners around the world."
SEE: Muslim Americans: Middle Class and Mostly Mainstream
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: CAIR-NY Civil Rights Director Aliya Latif, 212-870-2002, 732-429-4268, E-Mail: alatif@cair.com; CAIR-NY Community Affairs Director Faiza N. Ali, 212-870-2002, 718-724-3041, E-Mail: fali@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-488-8787 or 202-744-7726, E-Mail: ihooper@cair.com; CAIR Communications Coordinator Amina Rubin, 202-488-8787, 202-341-4171, E-Mail: arubin@cair.com
CAIR: Racist Slurs Used During Attack on NY Muslim
(NEW YORK, NY, 10/6/09) – The New York chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NY) today welcomed hate crime charges brought against a man who allegedly used racist slurs during an attack in Queens, N.Y., on a Long Island Muslim woman.
According to the alleged victim, who wears an Islamic head scarf, the perpetrator pulled
alongside her vehicle on a local parkway, spat on it, and shouted, “Dumb f***ing Pakistani! Go back to your country!”
SEE: CAIR Concerned by 'Spike' in Anti-Muslim Incidents in Ramadan
http://www.reuters.com/article/pressRelease/idUS168015+10-Sep-2009+PRN20090910
SEE ALSO: IL College Sued by Muslim Teacher Alleging Discrimination
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-university-suit-06-oct06,0,1748893.story
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CONTACT: CAIR-NY Civil Rights Director Aliya Latif, 212-870-2002, 732-429-4268, E-Mail:
alatif@cair.com; CAIR-NY Community Affairs Director Faiza N. Ali, 212-870-2002, 718-724-3041, E-Mail: fali@cair.com
CAIR-NY: As Muslims Celebrate Eid, Coalition to Host Rally to Urge the Mayor to Incorporate Muslim Holidays in Schools
New York, NY, 9/18/09 – On Monday, September 21, the Coalition for Muslim School Holidays (CMSH), a diverse group of more than 80 community, labor, civil rights, and religious organizations from throughout New York, will host a rally and press conference on the steps of the Department of Education to urge Mayor Michael Bloomberg to incorporate the two Muslim holidays in the New York City public school system.
Following the NY City Council’s overwhelming vote in support of recognizing the two Muslim holidays and intense grassroots pressure from New Yorkers across the boroughs, Mayor Bloomberg has indicated he is looking into the community’s request to extend the calendar and add two days.
WHAT: Rally Urging Mayor to Incorporate Muslim Holidays in NYC Public Schools
WHEN: Monday, September 21, 3 p.m. (Press conference at 4 p.m.)
WHERE: Steps of the Department of Education,
52 Chambers St., New York, NY, 10007
WHO: Coalition for Muslim School Holidays
Students, Parents, Teachers
Interfaith Leaders
CONTACT: Faiza N. Ali: 718-724-3041, fali@cair.com; Aisha Gawad: 703-863-7119, aisha.aaany@gmail.com
The Coalition for Muslim School Holidays is a broad inter-faith, inter-ethnic coalition of labor, community, civil rights and religious organizations as well as students, parents and educators.
CAIR-NY Applauds Sentencing in Election Night Bias Attacks
(New York, NY, 9/11/09) The New York chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NY) is applauding the sentencing of four Staten Islanders convicted of a series of hate crimes on election night 2008 to prison terms, ranging from four to nine years.
The victims of the attacks included Liberian teen Alie Kamara who was beaten with a metal pipe and police baton and a white male Ronald Forte who was driven over by a car because he was thought to be black.
SEE: 4 Men Sentenced in Election Night Racial Attacks (NY Newsday)
http://www.newsday.com/news/new-york/4-men-sentenced-in-election-night-racial-attacks-1.1437294
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CONTACT: CAIR-NY Civil Rights Director Aliya Latif, 212-870-2002, 732-429-4268, E-Mail:
alatif@cair.com; CAIR-NY Community Affairs Director Faiza N. Ali, 212-870-2002, 718-724-3041, E-Mail: fali@cair.com
CAIR-NY: Barnes and Noble Allows Religious Accommodation for Employee
(New York, NY, 9/11/09) – CAIR-NY is welcoming the decision of a Barnes and Noble in Queens for making a work schedule accommodation to allow a Muslim employee to observe his prayer and fast without shortening his work hours.
“We thank Barnes and Noble for their flexibility by making the necessary accommodations to ensure that their employees may enjoy their religious rights fully,” said CAIR-NY’s Civil Rights Director Aliya Latif, who served in a consultative capacity. “Indeed, the outcome was reasonable under the circumstances because it took in consideration the interests of all parties involved.”
The schedule now allows employees observing Ramadan to have a 45 minute break during shifts under eight hours to breakfast and pray in an employee’s lounge. On shifts over eight hours, employees may take a one hour break for prayer and breaking fast.
Latif said CAIR publishes a booklet, called "An Employer's Guide to Islamic Religious Practices," designed to assist in providing legally-mandated reasonable religious accommodation to Muslim employees.
CAIR, America’s largest Islamic civil liberties group, has 35 offices and chapters nationwide and
in Canada. 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: CAIR-NY Civil Rights Director Aliya Latif, 212-870-2002, 732-429-4268, E-Mail:
alatif@cair.com; CAIR-NY Community Affairs Director Faiza N. Ali, 212-870-2002, 718-724-3041, E-Mail: fali@cair.com
CAIR-NY Co-Sponsors Manhattan Borough President Iftar
(NEW YORK, NY, 9/3/09) - Some 350 people turned out yesterday for the second annual iftar (Ramadan fast-breaking) dinner hosted by Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer at the Malcolm X and Dr. Betty Shabazz Memorial & Educational Center in Manhattan, N.Y.
Councilmember and Comptroller candidate John Li, Public Advocate candidate Norman Siegal, and the daughter of Malcolm X, Ilyasah Shabazz, attended the dinner, which was co-sponsored by CAIR-NY, the Council of Peoples Organization, Dalia Mahmoud, the Islamic Cultural Center of NY, Islamic Relief, Mosque of Islamic Brotherhood, Muslim Bar Association of NY, Muslim Consultative Network, Muslim Day Parade, the Muslim Public Affairs Council, and Women in Islam, Inc.
“Borough President Stringer has displayed his commitment to Manhattan’s diverse community by not only hosting the second annual iftar dinner, but by joining New York City Muslims in their call for the incorporation of two Muslim holidays in the public school system,” said CAIR-NY’s Civil Rights Director Aliya Latif, who co-moderated the iftar dinner and sits on the steering committee of the Coalition of Muslim School Holidays.
Latif added: “We applaud him for his strong commitment to building bridges with all communities. Ramadan is a time of inner reflection, spiritual growth and prayer. It is a time to reaffirm our community obligations and responsibility to our fellow brothers and sisters, to the great borough of Manhattan, and the great city of New York.”
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: CAIR-NY Civil Rights Director Aliya Latif, 212-870-2002, 732-429-4268, E-Mail: alatif@cair.com; CAIR-NY Community Affairs Director Faiza N. Ali, 212-870-2002, 718-724-3041, E-Mail: fali@cair.com
VOTE NYC: Building Community, Building Country
(NEW YORK, NY, 7/16/09) – New Yorkers across the five boroughs will head to the polls this November to elect leaders that will help shape the future of our great city. VOTE NYC: Building Community, Building Country is a grassroots effort launched by CAIR-NY that aims to keep Muslim New Yorkers informed and engaged in the political process.
Join CAIR-NY as we mobilize the community to actively participate in this year’s local elections by hosting voter registration and education drives at local mosques and community centers citywide.
Upcoming Voter Registration and Education Drives:
When: July 17, 2009 from 12:30 to 3:00 PM.
Where: Masjid Al Taqwa, 1266 Bedford Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11216
When: July 24, 2009 from 12:30 to 3:00 PM.
Where: Islamic Cultural Center of NY (96th St.), 1711 Third Ave, New York, NY 10029
When: July 31, 2009 from 12:30 to 3:00 PM.
Where: Bronx Muslim Center, 380 Walnut St, Yonkers, NY 10701-3443
Mosques and centers interested in scheduling voter registrations drives should e-mail CAIR-NY Community Affairs Director Faiza N. Ali, fali@cair.com.
Upcoming Events:
What: NYC Public Advocate Candidates’ Civil Rights Debate, hosted by NYCLU, endorsed by CAIR-NY and other civil rights and civil liberties communities.
When: Tuesday, July 28, 7pm
Where: New York Law School, 57 Worth St., at Church St., Tribeca
Contact: Ari Rosmarin at 212-607-3358 or by email arosmarin@nyclu.org
What: NYC Mayoral Candidates Forum, hosted by NYCLU, endorsed by CAIR-NY
When: TBD
If you’re interested in volunteering for VOTE NYC: Building Community, Building Country,
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CONTACT: CAIR-NY Civil Rights Director Aliya Latif, 212-870-2002, 732-429-4268, E-Mail:
alatif@cair.com; CAIR-NY Community Affairs Director Faiza N. Ali, 212-870-2002, 718-724-3041, E-Mail: fali@cair.com
