Friday, January 16, 2009
Muslim leaders in the U.K. condemn attacks on Jewish community
More than 20 prominent British Muslims have signed a joint letter denouncing antisemitic attacks and called for continued Muslim vigilance against antisemitism. Some of the UK's leading theologians, imams, writers, community activists and others have signed and circulated this message widely. It has been sent today, to coincide with Friday prayers, to nearly a thousand British mosques.
In the name of God, most compassionate, most merciful,
Dear Fellow Muslims,
We are deeply saddened to hear about antisemitic assaults on British Jews, and a recent arson attack on a London synagogue. Although the perpetrators are yet unknown, we unreservedly condemn attacks on innocent British citizens and the desecration of all places of worship.
The ongoing killing of Palestinian civilians in Gaza by Israeli forces has angered us all.
However, this does not, and cannot, justify attacks on our fellow citizens of Jewish faith and background here in Britain.
Read the whole statement at:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2009/jan/16/islam-synagogue-arson-gaza-antisemitism
In the name of God, most compassionate, most merciful,
Dear Fellow Muslims,
We are deeply saddened to hear about antisemitic assaults on British Jews, and a recent arson attack on a London synagogue. Although the perpetrators are yet unknown, we unreservedly condemn attacks on innocent British citizens and the desecration of all places of worship.
The ongoing killing of Palestinian civilians in Gaza by Israeli forces has angered us all.
However, this does not, and cannot, justify attacks on our fellow citizens of Jewish faith and background here in Britain.
Read the whole statement at:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2009/jan/16/islam-synagogue-arson-gaza-antisemitism
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Council of Islamic Organizations of Greater Chicago condemns attacks on three synagogues
Salam/Peace:
Blogger's Note: Although the following is related to a hate crime and not an act of international terrorism, I am posting it for the purpose of clarifying that Muslims have and do condemn attacks on other religious groups committed, in this case possibly, by Muslims, but not necessarily so.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 12, 2009
Contact:
Janaan Hashim, Esq.
Spokesperson
(312) 218-4961 (cell)
Janaan@...
Junaid M. Afeef, Esq.
Executive Director
(847) 370-3297 (cell)
director@...
The Council Condemns Desecration of Synagogues
Chicago, Illinois – January 12, 2009 – The Council of
Islamic Organizations of Greater Chicago (the Council) condemns, without
reservation, the attacks against synagogues in and around Chicago over the
weekend.
“The desecration of synagogues is vile and unconscionable”
said Junaid M. Afeef, Executive Director of the Council. “No matter what
the grievance and no matter the perceived injustice of the as yet unknown
perpetrators, hate and violence are not the solutions” he added.
A few weeks earlier the Council issued a similar statement
after the arson attempt on Temple Sholom on Chicago’s northside. After
that attack the Council publicly stated that it stood ready to support Temple
Sholom and its members and reached out privately to the leadership of Temple
Sholom to offer its support. The Council’s commitment to stand out firmly
against anti-Semitism remains as strong as ever.
“Today the Council will be reaching out to the individual
synagogues to offer our condolences and support, and we will reach out to our
partners in the Jewish community to plan a unified response to this hate” said
Dr. Zaher Sahloul, Chairman of the Council.
The Council is an ardent advocate for peace, tolerance and
justice and will stand by the Jewish community against any act of
anti-Semitism.
END
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
The Council of Islamic Organizations of Greater
Chicago (the Council) is a federation of over 50 mosques and Muslim
organizations throughout the metropolitan Chicago region. The Council’s
members collectively represent over 400,000 Muslims. The Council works to
coordinate the activities of the Muslim community as well as provide education,
training, networking and advocacy to and on behalf of our member organizations.
Blogger's Note: Although the following is related to a hate crime and not an act of international terrorism, I am posting it for the purpose of clarifying that Muslims have and do condemn attacks on other religious groups committed, in this case possibly, by Muslims, but not necessarily so.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 12, 2009
Contact:
Janaan Hashim, Esq.
Spokesperson
(312) 218-4961 (cell)
Janaan@...
Junaid M. Afeef, Esq.
Executive Director
(847) 370-3297 (cell)
director@...
The Council Condemns Desecration of Synagogues
Chicago, Illinois – January 12, 2009 – The Council of
Islamic Organizations of Greater Chicago (the Council) condemns, without
reservation, the attacks against synagogues in and around Chicago over the
weekend.
“The desecration of synagogues is vile and unconscionable”
said Junaid M. Afeef, Executive Director of the Council. “No matter what
the grievance and no matter the perceived injustice of the as yet unknown
perpetrators, hate and violence are not the solutions” he added.
A few weeks earlier the Council issued a similar statement
after the arson attempt on Temple Sholom on Chicago’s northside. After
that attack the Council publicly stated that it stood ready to support Temple
Sholom and its members and reached out privately to the leadership of Temple
Sholom to offer its support. The Council’s commitment to stand out firmly
against anti-Semitism remains as strong as ever.
“Today the Council will be reaching out to the individual
synagogues to offer our condolences and support, and we will reach out to our
partners in the Jewish community to plan a unified response to this hate” said
Dr. Zaher Sahloul, Chairman of the Council.
The Council is an ardent advocate for peace, tolerance and
justice and will stand by the Jewish community against any act of
anti-Semitism.
END
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
The Council of Islamic Organizations of Greater
Chicago (the Council) is a federation of over 50 mosques and Muslim
organizations throughout the metropolitan Chicago region. The Council’s
members collectively represent over 400,000 Muslims. The Council works to
coordinate the activities of the Muslim community as well as provide education,
training, networking and advocacy to and on behalf of our member organizations.
Friday, January 02, 2009
CAIR Condemns Arson Attack on Chicago Synagogue
(CHICAGO, IL, 12/29/08) - The Chicago chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Chicago) today condemned an arson attack on a Chicago synagogue as "reprehensible."
The incident occurred just before 2 a.m. Monday at Temple Sholom on North Lake Shore Drive. An individual allegedly threw an incendiary device against the wall of the synagogue causing a small fire.
SEE: Arson suspected in synagogue fire (ABC 7)
http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=news/local&id=6576250
"This reprehensible attack on a house of worship should be condemned by all people of conscience," said CAIR-Chicago Communications Coordinator Amina Sharif. "We spoke with synagogue officials and are relieved to hear that no one was hurt."
Sharif expressed the Muslim community's sympathy and support in the wake of the attack.
CAIR, America's largest Islamic civil liberties group, has 35 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.
This press release can be found here:
http://www.cairchicago.org/presscenter.php?file=ps_synagogue_hatecrime12292008
The incident occurred just before 2 a.m. Monday at Temple Sholom on North Lake Shore Drive. An individual allegedly threw an incendiary device against the wall of the synagogue causing a small fire.
SEE: Arson suspected in synagogue fire (ABC 7)
http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=news/local&id=6576250
"This reprehensible attack on a house of worship should be condemned by all people of conscience," said CAIR-Chicago Communications Coordinator Amina Sharif. "We spoke with synagogue officials and are relieved to hear that no one was hurt."
Sharif expressed the Muslim community's sympathy and support in the wake of the attack.
CAIR, America's largest Islamic civil liberties group, has 35 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.
This press release can be found here:
http://www.cairchicago.org/presscenter.php?file=ps_synagogue_hatecrime12292008
