Sunday, May 24, 2009
ISNA Condemns Plots to Attack Synagogues and National Targets
(Plainfield, IN - May 21, 2009) The Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) is relieved to learn that law enforcement agencies were able to foil a plot to blow up two synagogues in New York, and is appalled that suspects planned to attack places of worship and to commit crimes against national institutions.
"We commend the FBI and other law enforcement agencies for preventing the planned acts of violence by fanatics," Dr. Ingrid Mattson, ISNA president stressed. "We reject unequivocally such violence or any attempt to undermine public safety and national security. We are repulsed by the hatred directed towards the Jewish community and stand in solidarity with our Jewish neighbors," she added.
The FBI and New York police accused four men on Wednesday night of planting explosives in two cars that were parked outside two synagogues, and of planning to use surface-to-air missile to shoot down military planes. The suspects were, reportedly, unaware that the explosives were inert and the stinger was deactivated as the four suspects were led to believe that they were part of real operation by an FBI informant who infiltrated the group and provided the fake weapons.
Several media reports referred to the suspects as Muslim. ISNA rejects the association of Islam with such criminality, hatred and bigotry.
ISNA has been working actively with Muslim leaders to foster inter-communal harmony and to introduce effective measures to counter extremism. Among other interfaith initiatives, ISNA values our ground-breaking partnerships with the American Jewish community to foster mutual respect and understanding.
ISNA held today at 1:00 pm a Press Conference to address this incident in collaboration with the Foundation for Ethnic Understanding (CEU). CEU was represented by Rabbi Mark Schneier. The Press Conference was held at the Islamic Culture Center in New York City and Imam Shamsi Ali representing the Center as well as the Muslim community.
"We commend the FBI and other law enforcement agencies for preventing the planned acts of violence by fanatics," Dr. Ingrid Mattson, ISNA president stressed. "We reject unequivocally such violence or any attempt to undermine public safety and national security. We are repulsed by the hatred directed towards the Jewish community and stand in solidarity with our Jewish neighbors," she added.
The FBI and New York police accused four men on Wednesday night of planting explosives in two cars that were parked outside two synagogues, and of planning to use surface-to-air missile to shoot down military planes. The suspects were, reportedly, unaware that the explosives were inert and the stinger was deactivated as the four suspects were led to believe that they were part of real operation by an FBI informant who infiltrated the group and provided the fake weapons.
Several media reports referred to the suspects as Muslim. ISNA rejects the association of Islam with such criminality, hatred and bigotry.
ISNA has been working actively with Muslim leaders to foster inter-communal harmony and to introduce effective measures to counter extremism. Among other interfaith initiatives, ISNA values our ground-breaking partnerships with the American Jewish community to foster mutual respect and understanding.
ISNA held today at 1:00 pm a Press Conference to address this incident in collaboration with the Foundation for Ethnic Understanding (CEU). CEU was represented by Rabbi Mark Schneier. The Press Conference was held at the Islamic Culture Center in New York City and Imam Shamsi Ali representing the Center as well as the Muslim community.
Saturday, May 23, 2009
MANA Condemns Alledged Plot to Bomb New York Synagogues
Lexington, KY (05/22/09) - The Muslim Alliance in North America (MANA) strongly and unequivocally condemns the recent alleged plot to bomb two New York synagogues and to shoot down American military airplanes. The accused suspects are said to be affiliated with the American Muslim community.
Terrorist acts are prohibited in Islam, and MANA rejects any Islamically-based interpretation that purports to justify these or any other terrorist acts. The Holy Qur'an clearly states that killing one innocent person is like killing the whole of humanity (5:32). MANA stands united with other American Muslim organizations to condemn, confront, and challenge Muslim extremism.
While condemning the alleged bomb plot and the individuals said to be involved, MANA is concerned that their case might involve a paid FBI agent-provocateur who did not join an existing plot but actually manufactured and facilitated the plot. The FBI's use of agent-provocateurs who instigate terrorism by preying upon those who are angry and alienated is not an effective or ethical way of fighting terrorism. Such tactics engender suspicion of the FBI within the American Muslim community, and further compromises what could be a strategic and effective partnership to combat Muslim extremism.
About MANA
MANA is a national network of masjids, Muslim organizations and individuals committed to work together to address certain urgent needs within the Muslim community.
Terrorist acts are prohibited in Islam, and MANA rejects any Islamically-based interpretation that purports to justify these or any other terrorist acts. The Holy Qur'an clearly states that killing one innocent person is like killing the whole of humanity (5:32). MANA stands united with other American Muslim organizations to condemn, confront, and challenge Muslim extremism.
While condemning the alleged bomb plot and the individuals said to be involved, MANA is concerned that their case might involve a paid FBI agent-provocateur who did not join an existing plot but actually manufactured and facilitated the plot. The FBI's use of agent-provocateurs who instigate terrorism by preying upon those who are angry and alienated is not an effective or ethical way of fighting terrorism. Such tactics engender suspicion of the FBI within the American Muslim community, and further compromises what could be a strategic and effective partnership to combat Muslim extremism.
About MANA
MANA is a national network of masjids, Muslim organizations and individuals committed to work together to address certain urgent needs within the Muslim community.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
CAIR Applauds FBI for Preventing Attacks on NY Jewish Sites
(WASHINGTON, D.C., 5/21/2009) The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) today applauded efforts by the FBI and other law enforcement agencies that apparently thwarted an alleged plot to attack Jewish institutions in New York.
Four men were arrested Wednesday for allegedly plotting to bomb a synagogue and a Jewish community center. The men also allegedly planned to shoot down military planes.
SEE: Synagogue Targeted in NY Plot, Four Charged (Reuters)
In a statement, CAIR National Executive Director Nihad Awad said:
“We applaud the FBI, the New York Police Department and the other law enforcement agencies that took part in the investigation for their efforts in helping to prevent any harm to either Jewish institutions or to our nation’s military.
"We repeat the American Muslim community’s repudiation of bias-motivated crimes and of anyone who would falsely claim religious justification for violent actions. Members of the American Muslim community should remain vigilant in reporting any activities that could harm the safety and security of our nation or its citizens.”
CAIR also requested that media outlets and public officials refrain from linking this case to mainstream Islam and to challenge those who will inevitably exploit this disturbing incident to promote anti-Muslim fear and stereotypes.
Along with innumerable condemnations of other terror incidents, CAIR has in the past launched an online anti-terror petition drive called “Not in the Name of Islam,” initiated a television public service announcement campaign of that same name and coordinated a “fatwa,” or Islamic religious ruling, against terrorism and religious extremism.
SEE: CAIR’s Anti-Terrorism Campaigns
[NOTE TO EDITORS: American Muslims are often accused of not speaking out forcefully against acts of terror committed in the name of Islam. This statement, along with the many other past anti-terror statements by mainstream Muslim groups, reaffirms the American Muslim community’s unequivocal condemnation of terrorism in all its forms.]
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 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 or 202-341-4171, E-Mail: arubin@cair.com
Four men were arrested Wednesday for allegedly plotting to bomb a synagogue and a Jewish community center. The men also allegedly planned to shoot down military planes.
SEE: Synagogue Targeted in NY Plot, Four Charged (Reuters)
In a statement, CAIR National Executive Director Nihad Awad said:
“We applaud the FBI, the New York Police Department and the other law enforcement agencies that took part in the investigation for their efforts in helping to prevent any harm to either Jewish institutions or to our nation’s military.
"We repeat the American Muslim community’s repudiation of bias-motivated crimes and of anyone who would falsely claim religious justification for violent actions. Members of the American Muslim community should remain vigilant in reporting any activities that could harm the safety and security of our nation or its citizens.”
CAIR also requested that media outlets and public officials refrain from linking this case to mainstream Islam and to challenge those who will inevitably exploit this disturbing incident to promote anti-Muslim fear and stereotypes.
Along with innumerable condemnations of other terror incidents, CAIR has in the past launched an online anti-terror petition drive called “Not in the Name of Islam,” initiated a television public service announcement campaign of that same name and coordinated a “fatwa,” or Islamic religious ruling, against terrorism and religious extremism.
SEE: CAIR’s Anti-Terrorism Campaigns
[NOTE TO EDITORS: American Muslims are often accused of not speaking out forcefully against acts of terror committed in the name of Islam. This statement, along with the many other past anti-terror statements by mainstream Muslim groups, reaffirms the American Muslim community’s unequivocal condemnation of terrorism in all its forms.]
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 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 or 202-341-4171, E-Mail: arubin@cair.com
