Editorial Note: The following news reports are summaries from original sources. They may also include corrections of Arabic names and political terminology. Comments are in parentheses. Share the link of this article with your facebook friends

 

Warmongering Islamophobia in the US, August 21-31, 2016, CAIR Reports

September 8, 2016 

Editorial Note:

Islamphobia (exaggerated and baseless fear of Muslims) has been perpetrated and perpetuated to justify the continuous US wars and invasions of the Muslim World since 1990, in order for the war industry beneficiaries to justify the enormous and unprecedented US national debt, which has reached more than $19 trillion, as a result of the permanent-war military spending.

Tens of thousands of Americans are killed by non-Muslim other Americans every year, in gun violence. However, Islamophobes ignore that fact and focus on an incident or two perpetrated by Muslims in an entire year.

For example, in 2015, there were 53,228 shooting incidents, resulting in the killing of 13,415 Americans. Of these, there were only two incidents perpetrated by Muslims and resulting in the killing of 18 Americans.

The Zionist media, like Fox News and CNN, together with the  war industry agents and Zionist-controlled politicians like Trump, kept mentioning these two incidents while totally ignoring the other 53,226 incidents, which resulted in the killing of 13,398 Americans!

The end outcome is that the American people are indeed actual victims of a continuous warmongering campaign, Islamophobia, and a daily holocaust, perpetrated against them by the war industry beneficiaries and their agents in the media and politics.

For a background, read: 

Zionist Creative Destruction of the Middle East for the Benefit of the Apartheid Israeli Regime

The Terrorism Industry, A Merciless Continuous Attack on the American People's Blood and Treasure

 

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• Video: CAIR ISLAMOPHOBIN Ad with Turkish Subtitles
•  
  • DC: Muslim Vendors Egged and Robbed in Possible Hate Crime
• CAIR: These Are the American Cities Where Police Officers Can Wear Hijabs
  
  "I think the general trend is toward acceptance of the hijab by law enforcement," said Ibrahim Hooper, a spokesperson for the Council on American-Islamic Relations. "That's just a natural trend as they seek to make a more diverse force. If you don't allow it, you're excluding Muslim women who seek to practice their faith."
• CAIR-Alabama Backs Christian Woman's Right to Headscarf in License Photo
  
  The Alabama Chapter of Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Alabama) today said a Christian woman in Alabama should be able to wear her headscarf for a driver's license photo, just as Muslim woman and Sikh men are allowed to wear religious head coverings. . .
  
  "Alabamans of all faiths should have the right to wear religious apparel in driver's license photos," said CAIR-Alabama Executive Director Khaula Hadeed. "The right to practice one's faith is a universal right, one that should not be limited to Muslims and Sikhs."
  
  Hadeed noted that CAIR has dealt with the issue of religious head coverings in driver's license photographs in a number of states.
• CAIR: Muslims Look to Jewish Example in Campaigning for School Days Off
• In Houston, Muslim Community Enjoying a Surprising Source of Growth: Latinos
• CAIR: Muslims Prepare for Potential for Holy Day to Fall on 9/11
  
  
• Watch/Listen to CAIR's 'Know Your Rights as a Hajj Traveler' Webinar
  
  Today, CAIR offered a 'Know Your Rights as a Hajj Traveler' community training webinar for those taking part in the hajj, or pilgrimage to Mecca.
  
  The training provided information on airport security agencies, screening, body scanners, your rights at customs and U.S. entry points, the terrorist screening database, no-fly and selectee lists, the complaints process, and more. Common scenarios were discussed. 

Georgia County Commissioners Commit to Lifting Moratorium on Mosque
Mosque to engage in more community outreach before pursuing construction

Newton County Commissioners, Masjid At-Taqwa, CAIR-Georgia release joint statement

(ATLANTA, GA, 8/31/16) -

The Georgia chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-GA) today thanked a majority of Newton County commissioners for publicly committing to lift a moratorium on houses of worship during their next meeting on September 13, when the county expects to consider recommended updates to its zoning ordinances.

Video: CAIR Thanks Georgia County Commissioners for Agreeing to Lifting Moratorium on Mosque

CAIR-GA: Georgia County Will End Ban, Mosque Project Can Go Forward

CAIR-GA: Newton County to Lift Moratorium on Mosque

For Background, SEE: CAIR-GA, Georgia NAACP, Other Groups to Host Press Conference on Newton County Mosque

None of those updates will impact projects with prior approval such as the blocked Newton mosque and cemetery.

"As a result of the County's quick and efficient review of our zoning ordinances, I plan to vote in favor of lifting the moratorium at the special called meeting on September 13," District 3 Commissioner Nancy Schulz said in a joint statement released by Newton County, CAIR-GA and Masjid At-Taqwa. "Newton County is rich in diversity and hospitality, and we are happy to see residents of all faiths and backgrounds live and worship together in our community."

"We thank and commend the Newton County commissioners for pledging to lift the moratorium on permits for houses of worship," said Edward Ahmed Mitchell, executive director of CAIR-GA. "Although Newton Muslims will once again have the right to proceed with building a cemetery and house of worship, they plan to first spend more time building bridges with their neighbors."

Imam Mohammed Islam, the leader of Masjid At-Taqwa in Doraville, has accepted invitations to attend Sunday service at different churches in the area over the next four weeks.

"As Muslims, we believe that God has commanded us to follow the teachings of the Prophets Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus and Muhammad, who exercised patience and treated their neighbors well, even in the face of injustice," said Imam Islam. "For that reason, we consider building bridges with our neighbors far more important than immediately building a new cemetery and house of worship."

Imam Islam plans to continue meeting with other church, civic and community leaders in Newton County.

CAIR-GA also plans to visit Newton County to deliver educational Islam 101 presentations about American Muslims in an effort to correct misinformation about Islam that inspired some of the public opposition to the mosque project.

The joint statement released by Newton County, CAIR-GA, and Masjid At-Taqwa can be read below.

CONTACT: CAIR-GA Executive Director Edward Ahmed Mitchell; 404-285-9530; [email protected]

***

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•  
  • CAIR-MA: Why Police Killings Require Independent Reviews
• CAIR-OK Action Alert: Thank Library System for Promoting Positive Image of Islam in Oklahoma
  
  Ask that Muslim woman's image remain on Pioneer Library System Vehicle
  The Oklahoma chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-OK) is requesting Oklahomans of all faiths and backgrounds to send a note of appreciation to the Pioneer Library System for featuring the image of a Muslim woman on the side of Pioneer Library System vehicles.
• Video: CAIR-Missouri Joins St. Louis 'Refugees Still Welcome Here' Rally
•  
  • CAIR-GA: Islamic Community Leader Says
  •  Moratorium On Mosque, Cemetery
  • Unconstitutional
• CAIR: Muslim Americans Strive to Make Their Voices Heard at the Polls (Yahoo)
  
  CAIR is among several national groups currently working under the U.S. Council of Muslim Organizations in a larger effort to get a million Muslim Americans registered ahead of the 2016 election.

CAIR: 50+ Groups Release Open Letter to FIBA Urging Religious Rights for Sikh, Muslim and Jewish Athletes

(WASHINGTON, D.C., 8/30/16) -

The Council on American-Islamic Relations today joined the Sikh Coalition and MPower Change to release an open letter in partnership with more than 50 interfaith and advocacy organization calling on the Switzerland-based International Basketball Federation (FIBA) to lift its ban on religious headgear that bars Muslim, Sikh and Jewish athletes from competing on a professional level.

SEE: Open Letter to FIBA President Horacio Muratore

CAIR: Hijabs and Turbans are Not a Threat to Sports (TIME)

Addressed to FIBA President Horatio Muratore, the letter spotlights two American athletes who have been directly impacted by FIBA's discriminatory policy: Bilqis Abdul-Qaadir, who made history in 2010 to become the first Muslim-American NCAA basketball player to compete wearing the Islamic headscarf, and Darsh Preet Singh, who in 2004 to become the first Sikh-American NCAA basketball player to compete wearing the Sikh turban.

The coalition's letter reads in part:

"We understand FIBA is expected to announce a permanent decision in the near future on whether the ban on religious accommodations will be enforced. We believe this rule, as it stands, violates basic religious rights of athletes like Singh and Abdul-Qaadir, and countless others, and defies international human rights norms.

"FIFA's International Football Association Board has acknowledged the religious rights of athletes by changing its rules to allow hijabs and Sikh turbans. We request that FIBA follow suit and amend this discriminatory policy to allow athletes of all faiths to compete while maintaining religious principles.

"No athlete should be forced to choose between faith and sport. Muslim women and Sikh men seeking to participate in sporting activities like anyone else should not face superficial and arbitrary barriers to that participation."

"This open letter, signed by dozens of diverse national and local organizations, indicates the strong support for religious accommodation in sports," said CAIR Spokesperson Dr. Zainab Chaudry. "Athletes of all faith traditions are inspired by their religious beliefs to work hard to qualify and compete in professional-level sports. We respectfully urge Mr. Muratore and FIBA to change the discriminatory policy and let all athletes play."

"The dozens of organizations signed on to this letter all agree that FIBA's ban has an unfair and discriminatory impact on Muslim, Sikh and Jewish players," said MPower Change Campaign Manager Mohammad Khan. "Other international sporting organizations, such as FIFA, allow religious head coverings. FIBA should join them and allow athletes of all backgrounds to participate in professional and international basketball."

"Nobody should have to choose between their faith and professional sports," said Sikh Coalition Director of Law & Policy Arjun Singh. "We urge FIBA to end its discriminatory ban and allow Sikh, Muslim and Jewish athletes to compete at the highest level."

CAIR applauded FIBA's decision to suspend the ban in September 2014 for a 2-year provisional period, limited only to national competitions, that is set to expire soon. The federation is expected to announce a final decision on allowing religious headgear in the near future.

Recently, CAIR called on the federation again to permanently lift the ban. An online petition spearheaded by MPower Change calling for the ban to be lifted has collected nearly 17,000 signatures.

SEE: CAIR Calls on FIBA to Permanently Lift Basketball Hijab Ban

Petition: FIBA: Don't Ban Players From Professional Basketball Because of Religious Dress

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 Spokesperson Dr. Zainab Chaudry, [email protected], 410-971-6062; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, [email protected]

 

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• Video: CAIR-GA to Hold 'Islam 101' Event for Mosque Moratorium Community
  • CAIR: Muslims Seek New Burial Ground, and a Small Town Balks (NY Times)
    
    "Usually it's couched in terms of parking or groundwater or traffic," said Ibrahim Hooper, the spokesman for the Council on American-Islamic Relations. "When you scratch the surface, generally you find that there's more to it than that."

  • CAIR: Muslim Holy Day on Sept. 11? Coincidence Stirs Fears (NY Times)

• Video: CAIR Rep on CCTV to Discuss French 'Burkini' Ban

  • CAIR-NJ: Burkini Controversy Puzzles North Jersey Muslim Women

• Video: CAIR Partners with Community Organizations to Hold Back-to-School Drive in Baltimore

• CAIR-MN: Alleged Threat Against Somali Family Stirs Discussion, Puts Spotlight on Little Falls

  • Mass. Man Accused of Collecting Weapons, Threatening Attacks on Muslims, Obama

  • Oklahoma Man Pushing for Removal of 'Islamic Imagery'

  • OK: Judge Worried About Freeing Man Now Charged in Murder of Arab Neighbor

CAIR to Offer 'Know Your Rights as a Hajj Traveler' Webinar

(WASHINGTON, DC, 8/29/2016) �

On Wednesday, August 31, the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) will offer a "Know Your Rights as a Hajj Traveler" community training webinar for those taking part in the pilgrimage to Mecca. The free webinar will be held at 1 p.m. EDT. Hajj travelers and others are encouraged to attend.

The training will provide information on airport security agencies, screening, body scanners, your rights at customs and U.S. entry points, the terrorist screening database, no-fly and selectee lists, the complaints process, and more. Common scenarios will be discussed.

Trainers include CAIR-OK Civil Rights Director Veronica Laizure and CAIR National Staff Attorney Maha Sayed. NOTE: This webinar is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.

WHAT: 'Know Your Rights as a Hajj Traveler' Webinar
WHEN: 1 p.m. EDT, Wednesday, August 31
REGISTER

[MEDIA NOTE: Each year, thousands of American Muslims take part in religious observances associated with the annual Hajj, or pilgrimage to Mecca. Hajj is one of the "five pillars" of the Islamic faith. (The other pillars include a declaration of faith, daily prayers, offering regular charity, and fasting during the month of Ramadan.) Pilgrimage is a once-in-a-lifetime obligation for those who have the physical and financial ability to undertake the journey. When the main portion of the pilgrimage is completed, Muslims worldwide will gather for communal prayers on the first day (on or about September 11) of Eid ul-Adha (eed-al-odd-ha), the second of the two major Muslim holidays.]

CAIR offers an informational pocket guide, "Your Rights and Responsibilities as an American Muslim," which states in part:

"As an airline passenger, you are entitled to courteous, respectful and non-stigmatizing treatment by airline and security personnel. It is illegal for law enforcement officials to perform any stops, searches, detentions, or removals based solely on your race, religion, national origin, sex, or ethnicity."

SEE: CAIR Know Your Rights Guide: Your Rights as an Airline Passenger

Other CAIR Hajj-specific travel recommendations for Muslim travelers include:

* Check any baggage containing Zamzam water bottles that you bring back to the U.S. Airlines will NOT allow you to carry liquids in large quantities on the plane, so be sure to check Zamzam and other liquids. (Zamzam water is drawn from a well within the Masjid al-Haram in Mecca and has religious significance for Muslims.)

* If you are bringing back dates, make sure they are processed and sufficiently dry. You may consider vacuum sealing your dates to ensure freshness and to minimize the likelihood of contamination.

* When packing, ensure that your shoes are cleansed of any soil. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has strict rules regarding entry of soil and chemicals into the country.

* If you are bringing back items worth more than $800 per person, declare them using the CBP Declaration Form made available by airline staff when landing. If you do not declare items worth more than $800, CBP may confiscate them.

If you believe your rights have been violated, you may call CAIR's Civil Rights Department at 202-742-6420 or email [email protected]

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.

La misión de CAIR es mejorar la comprensión del Islam, fomentar el diálogo, proteger las libertades civiles, capacitar a los musulmanes estadounidenses, y construir coaliciones que promuevan la justicia y la comprensión mutua.

CONTACT:

CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, [email protected]; CAIR-OK Civil Rights Director Veronica Laizure: [email protected]; CAIR National Staff Attorney Maha Sayed: [email protected]

***

• Verse of the Day: Send Forth Some Good Deeds
  
  "As for man, when his Lord tries him through giving him honor and blessings, he says: 'My Lord is bountiful to me.' When He tries him through restricting his subsistence, he says: 'My Lord has humiliated me.' But you did not show kindness to the orphan, nor did you encourage each other in feeding the poor. Greedily, you lay your hands on the inheritance of the weak, and you love wealth with all your hearts. You should know, when the earth will be pounded to powder, your Lord will come. . .On that Day man will remember his deeds. . .He will say: 'Alas! Would that I had sent forth some good deeds for this life of mine.'" The Holy Quran, 89:15-24
• CAIR-GA Breaking News: Georgia Mayors Protest Mosque Moratorium
  
  The mayors of the five municipalities in the county sent a letter Friday, Aug. 26, to the Newton County Chair and members of the Board of Commissioners (BOC), asking them to remove the five-week moratorium on permits for places of worship. That decision, along with a town hall meeting to discuss a proposed mosque has spurred involvement by the Justice Department, and responses from the Council on American-Islamic Relations, NAACP, Anti-Deformation League and American Civil Liberties Union.
• CAIR-CA to Continue Elections Efforts to Mobilize Bay Area Muslim Vote
• CAIR: What an Alleged Hate-Fueled Murder Says About Islamophobia in America
  
  "I definitely believe that tragic incident was symptomatic of the overall rise of Islamophobia in our country," says Ibrahim Hooper, the national communications director at CAIR. "It's all part of the same package of hate promoted by Trump and Gingrich and Ben Carson."
• CAIR-MI: Town Hall in Dearborn to Focus on Profiling in Arab Community
•  
  • Islamophobia: A Reminder of Japanese-American Internment (CAIR)
    
    "From Citizen to Enemy? Looking back at Japanese American incarceration to understand modern-day Islamophobia," a panel discussion, will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at the University of Cincinnati College of Law, 2540 Clifton Ave., University Heights.
    
    Panelists are Emily Houh, co-director of UC Law's Center for Race, Gender and Social Justice; Roula Allouch, aCincinnati-based lawyer and chair of the Council on American-Islamic Relations board; Gordon Yoshikawa, who was imprisoned in an internment camp with his parents during World War II; and Sikh community activist Jaipal Singh of the Guru Nanak Society. The moderator will be Verna Williams, a professor and co-director of UC Law's Center for Race, Gender and Social Justice.
• CAIR-MN: Central Middle School Student Responds to Donald Trump
  
  CAIR-MN Executive Director Jaylani Hussein said they wanted to send the message that Trump's comments are affecting not just an organization, but real people. 
  • CAIR-FL: Tampa Men Sue Ex-Cop Who Held Them at Gunpoint, Made Anti-Muslim Comments (Tampa Bay Times)
    
    CAIR became aware of the case shortly after Young's arrest, said Katherine Heffner, a civil rights staff attorney for the organization. Heffner said they brought the lawsuit in part to call attention to the prevalence of anti-Muslim discrimination.
    
    "If you look at the climate right now, it's hard to be Muslim and it shouldn't be," Heffner said. "We have a constitutional right to freedom of expression of religion.
  • CAIR-GA: Mosque Proposal Sets Off Fiery Fight in Georgia

CAIR-Missouri: St. Louis 'Refugees Still Welcome Here' Rally Planned in the Loop

(ST. LOUIS, MO, 8/26/2016) �

On Sunday, August 28, the #BringThemHere campaign, STL4Syria and the Missouri chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Missouri) will hold a rally and march to continue to welcome Syrian refugees to St. Louis and to urge elected officials to increase the number of refugees in the community.

The rally will be held in the parking lot behind Cicero's Pizzeria. There will be speeches from various community leaders, along with participation by Syrian refugee families. The march will start on the corner of Delmar and Kingsland and will go east until North Skinker. Marchers will then turnaround and return to the rally point.

WHAT: Refugees Still Welcome Here Rally and March
WHEN: Sunday, August 28, 6:30 p.m.
WHERE: The Delmar Loop, 6691 Delmar Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63130
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/1617237438606907/
CONTACT: CAIR-Missouri Executive Director Faizan Syed, 314-403-3626, [email protected]

"After witnessing yet another iconic photo of the young Syrian boy¸ Omran Daqneesh, covered in dust and bleeding, we as a community must continue to welcome Syrian refugees." said Faizan Syed, executive director of CAIR-Missouri. "The GOP Missouri primary was another horrific example of major candidates fueling fear and hatred against Syrian and all refugees for their own selfish political gains, and we need to speak out against that."

SEE: Missouri Asian-American Community Speaks out against 'Xenophobic' Campaign Ads

St. Louis is expected to welcome many more Syrian and other refugees from around the world. The Islamic Foundation of Greater St. Louis (IFGSTL) has created a charity, Bait Ulmal (House of Goods), that provides free donations to refugees and all Missourians.

SEE: Welcoming refugees, Creating Community in St. Louis

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.

La misión de CAIR es mejorar la comprensión del Islam, fomentar el diálogo, proteger las libertades civiles, capacitar a los musulmanes estadounidenses, y construir coaliciones que promuevan la justicia y la comprensión mutua.

CONTACT:

CAIR-Missouri Executive Director Faizan Syed, 636-207-8882, 314-330-2946, E-Mail: [email protected]; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, E-Mail: [email protected]

***

• Save the Date! Please save Saturday, October 1, for CAIR's 22nd annual banquet in Arlington, Va.
• CAIR at ISNA 2016
  
  
  
  
  
  Join CAIR representatives at the ISNA Convention September 2-5, 2016, in Rosemount, Illinois.
• CAIR-Florida Sues Tampa Body Shop After Employee Shouting Racial and Ethnic Slurs Holds Muslim Customers at Gunpoint
• CAIR-Dallas: Man Arrested, Accused of Threatening to Behead Mosque Members (Star Telegram)
  
  "The overall general anti-Muslim sentiment in the country is on the rise," Alia Salem, executive director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, said.
  
  Salem spoke at a news conference called in response to the news from Watauga police that a man accused of threatening mosque worshipers has been arrested.
• CAIR: Anti-Muslim Fury Greets Proposals for U.S. Mosques (Toronto Star)
  
  "I think it's recognized now that any time there's a new proposal for a mosque or an Islamic school or a cemetery, anything to do with Islam in America, you're going to get some degree of bigoted opposition. Sometimes small, sometimes great," said Ibrahim Hooper, spokesman for the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR).
• Video: CAIR-GA, NAACP Seek DOJ Probe of Mosque Moratorium
• CAIR and Coalition Partners Welcome Passing of Safe Place to Learn Act in CA State Legislature
• Trump Ignites Activism Among Young Muslims in Connecticut
  

CAIR-OK: Oklahoma Muslims, Interfaith Partners Raise $25K for Family of Khalid Jabara

(OKLAHOMA CITY, OK, 08/25/2016) �

The Oklahoma chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-OK) today announced that a fundraising campaign for the family of Khalid Jabara, a Tulsa man allegedly murdered in a hate crime, met its initial goal of $25,000 through 467 individual donations from across the country.

The 'Justice for Khalid' campaign is just one of the ways that the Oklahoma Muslim community and interfaith partners are helping the Jabara family during thier time of difficulty. CAIR-OK has been joined by various interfaith and social justice organizations in promoting the campaign using #Justice4Khalid.

SEE: Justice for Khalid Launchgood Page

Earlier this week, CAIR-OK joined more than 50 organizations in a letter to the city of Tulsa demanding a fair investigation into the murder of Khalid Jabara. His alleged killer was charged with first degree murder, malicious intimidation and harassment (hate crime), threatening an act of violence, and possession of a firearm after being convicted of a felony.

SEE: 50-Plus Organizations Demand Fair Investigation of Tulsa Man's Murder

"We stand by victims of racial or religious attacks and hope that Khalid's family will get justice for their loss," said CAIR-OK Civil Rights Director Veronica Laizure. "We also hope that this tragic incident will galvanize the Oklahoma community into reforms that will protect victims of violent crimes and prevent something like this from ever occurring again."

On Sunday Laizure joined friends and family of Khalid Jabara in an Interfaith prayer vigil hosted by the Oklahoma Center for Community and Justice.

SEE: Friends, Family Gather at Tulsa Vigil for Khalid Jabara

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.

La misión de CAIR es mejorar la comprensión del Islam, fomentar el diálogo, proteger las libertades civiles, capacitar a los musulmanes estadounidenses, y construir coaliciones que promuevan la justicia y la comprensión mutua.

CONTACT:

CAIR-Oklahoma Civil Rights Director Veronica Laizure, 405-430-9877, [email protected]; CAIR-Oklahoma Executive Director Adam Soltani, 405-248-5853, [email protected]; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, [email protected]

***

• Video: CAIR-OK Welcomes Hate Crime Charges in Khalid Jabara Shooting
• CAIR-NY: Elmont Muslims React to Murder of Imam
  
  The New York Chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations urged the New York Police Department and the district attorney to continue the investigation into a possible hate motive.
• CAIR: Georgia County Fights Plans for Mosque (CNN)
•  
  • Video: CAIR-GA, NAACP Welcome DOJ of Review of Georgia Mosque Moratorium
  • Video: CAIR-GA Director Speaks Out on Mosque Moratorium
  • Video: CAIR-GA Asks That Mosque Moratorium Be Lifted
• CAIR-Dallas Welcomes Arrest of Suspect in Death Threats to Mosque
• CAIR-San Antonio: How American Muslim Women Are Taking on Trump (The Atlantic)
  
  Sarwat Husain, the 57-year-old president of the San Antonio chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations and national board member, believes Muslim women can do even more to counter negative stereotypes about Islam than men.
  
  "If you wear a hijab, you are much more likely to be harassed walking down the street, but there is also much more to gain by being so highly visible," Husain said.
• CAIR: Anti-Black Racism - Where We Were, and Where We Are Today
  
  Dr. James Jones is a professor of world religions and African studies at Manhattanville College and a CAIR national board member.
• CAIR: "From Citizen to Enemy" Presents Historical Context to Fear Mongering in the US
  
  From Citizen to Enemy, a program presented by the Cincinnati chapters of the Japanese American Citizens League (JACL) and Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), aims to educate on the historical context and dangers of fear-mongering in the United States.

CAIR Asks American Muslims to Participate in Survey on Bank Account Closures

(WASHINGTON, D.C., 8/24/16) -

The Council on American Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation's largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, is urging American Muslims who had their bank accounts closed suddenly and without any explanation to participate in a national survey on that issue.

While CAIR is aware that bank account closures are affecting other communities, it continues to see a disproportionate number of these closures negatively impacting members of the American Muslim community.

Closures have occurred at almost every banking institution, including Bank of America, Chase and Wells Fargo. CAIR believes these closures may not be isolated incidents, but instead a pervasive systematic issue that lacks documentation and is in need of redress.

When Muslim community members have inquired as to why their accounts are being closed, they receive only vague answers or are provided no information of any kind.

CAIR suspects otherwise normal day-to-day banking activity, such as moving funds to different accounts, wiring money overseas, making several withdrawals and deposits in a short period of time, selling items online, or even a bad credit history, may be the cause for some accounts closures.

Under federal law, banks are legally responsible for ensuring that accounts are not being misused to fund domestic or foreign criminal or terrorist groups or activities. Instead of monitoring the accounts of all clients, CAIR believes that many banks may be religiously and ethnically profiling Muslim account holders and closing their accounts in a discriminatory manner.

In order to better understand this somewhat recent phenomenon of banks closing American Muslim accounts, CAIR has developed a survey to determine how banks are penalizing the lawful activities of Muslims and whether or not banks are targeting American Muslims with discriminatory account closure policies.

The Washington-based Muslim civil rights group is also asking Muslim community members to report any bias incidents to police and to CAIR's Civil Rights Department at 202-742-6420 or by filing a report at: http://www.cair.com/civil-rights/report-an-incident/view/form.html

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.

La misión de CAIR es mejorar la comprensión del Islam, fomentar el diálogo, proteger las libertades civiles, capacitar a los musulmanes estadounidenses, y construir coaliciones que promuevan la justicia y la comprensión mutua.

CONTACT:

CAIR Government Affairs Director Robert McCaw, 202-742-6448, [email protected]; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, [email protected]; CAIR Communications Coordinator Nabeelah Naeem, 202-341-4171, [email protected]

***

• CAIR-CA: Muslim Leaders Mark Muslim Awareness Month, Call for Greater Acceptance
  
  "It's a difficult time for many American Muslims. . .but especially challenging for our youth," said Zahra Billoo, executive director of the Bay Area chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations.
• CAIR-OK Joins 50-Plus Organizations in Demanding Fair Investigation of Tulsa Arab-American Man's Murder
• CAIR: PA Commissioner Posting Anti-Islamic Remarks Is on Her Own
  
  "Anyone is free to hold whatever religious beliefs they wish, but public officials who serve a diverse population and are thereby obligated to protect the religious rights of all community members should be held to a higher standard of conduct," said Ibrahim Hooper, national communications director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations.

CAIR-GA, Georgia NAACP, Other Groups to Host Press Conference on Newton County Mosque

(ATLANTA, GA, 8/23/16) �

Later today, the Georgia chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-GA) will hold a joint press conference with the Georgia NAACP and several other organizations to announce several updates regarding the blocked mosque in Newton County, Ga., and to respond to the anti-Muslim rhetoric expressed at town hall meetings on the issue last night.

[MEDIA NOTE: The news conference will be livestreamed on CAIR's Facebook page:

 https://www.facebook.com/CAIRNational ]

Video: CAIR-GA, Georgia NAACP to Respond to Newton County Mosque Controversy

WHAT: CAIR-GA News Conference on Proposed Mosque
WHEN: Tuesday, August 23, 12:30 p.m.
WHERE: Atlanta Masjid of Al-Islam, 560 Fayetteville Rd SE, Atlanta, GA 30316
CONTACT: CAIR-GA Executive Director Edward Ahmed Mitchell; 404-285-9530; [email protected]

Islamophobic rhetoric at last night's meetings included: "We have already seen bombings and beheadings. Eight years ago our U.S. government got a Muslim president who has put Muslims in power." Also: "I don't want these people and these teachings in our community. Were you not watching your television on 9/11/ 01? Have we lost our minds?"

CAIR: Anti-Muslim Rhetoric at Meeting on Planned Georgia Mosque (Video)

Hundreds Gather at Courthouse to Discuss Mosque

Updates include information regarding the U.S Department of Justice (DOJ) response to CAIR-GA's report of religious discrimination, the status of the blocked mosque's outreach to local churches and community leaders, and CAIR-GA's plan to visit Newton County and deliver an "Islam 101" presentation to the public.

Last week, CAIR-GA called on the Department of Justice to review Newton County's decision to pass a moratorium blocking the mosque, despite prior county approval and local laws allowing its construction. Public comments leading up to the moratorium by opponents of the proposal, including a county commissioner, expressed anti-Muslim and anti-immigrant sentiments. Hundreds of people expressed similar views at a public town hall in Newton County on Monday, Aug. 22nd.

More than 30 local religious, political and civil organizations, including the Georgia NAACP and the ACLU of Georgia, have united in support of CAIR-GA's call for a DOJ probe.

SEE: Georgia NAACP, Project South, Other Organizations Join CAIR-GA's Call for DOJ Probe of Newton County

"We thank the office of the U.S. attorney for agreeing to review our request regarding the situation in Newton County," said Edward Ahmed Mitchell, executive director of CAIR-GA. "However, we remain hopeful that Newton County's commissioners will reverse course and uphold religious freedom without the need for outside legal intervention."

The Washington-based Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization has successfully defended the religious rights of a number of Muslim communities nationwide based on the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act (RLUIPA), which protects individuals, houses of worship and other religious institutions from discrimination in zoning and landmarking laws. So has the ACLU of Georgia.

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.

La misión de CAIR es mejorar la comprensión del Islam, fomentar el diálogo, proteger las libertades civiles, capacitar a los musulmanes estadounidenses, y construir coaliciones que promuevan la justicia y la comprensión mutua.

CONTACT: 

CAIR-GA Executive Director Edward Ahmed Mitchell; 404-285-9530; [email protected]; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, [email protected]

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• CAIR: After Imam Shooting, a Bangladeshi Community Re-Evaluates Its Relationship with Police (PBS)
  
  On Thursday, the families of the murdered men gathered on the steps of City Hall to call for justice. Afaf Nasher, the president of the New York chapter of the Council on American Islamic Relations, pushed for a hate crimes investigation.
  
  "I applaud the district attorney for upgrading the charges to murder-one however at the same time, we continuously pursue and push for the investigation of hate crimes," Nasher said.
  
  CAIR-GA: Islamic Group Asks Justice Department to Review County's Actions Against Mosque Proposal

CAIR Demands Firing of Trump Staffers Who Posted Racist, Anti-Muslim, Anti-Mexican Messages Online
Muslim civil rights group calls on GOP presidential candidate to 'reexamine' his own bigoted views and policies

(WASHINGTON, D.C., 8/22/16) �

The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) today demanded that GOP presidential nominee Donald Trump fire paid campaign staffers who have posted racist, anti-Muslim and anti-Mexican messages on their personal social media accounts.

CAIR, the nation's largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization, also called on Trump to "reexamine" his own bigoted views and policies that attracted the racist staffers to his campaign in the first place.

A report by the Associated Press found Trump staffers who posted "that Muslims are unfit to be U.S. citizens, mocked how Mexicans talk, called for Secretary of State John Kerry to be hanged and stated their readiness for a possible civil war."

AP noted that seven Trump staffers "expressed views that were overtly racially charged, supportive of violent actions or broadly hostile to Muslims." A similar AP review of public social media accounts of Hillary Clinton's larger campaign staff found nothing as offensive.

According to AP: "A graphic designer for Trump's advance team approvingly posted video of a black man eating fried chicken and criticizing fellow blacks for ignorance, irresponsibility and having too many children. A Trump field organizer in Virginia declared that Muslims were seeking to impose Sharia law in America and that 'those who understand Islam for what it is are gearing up for the fight.'"

One former Trump staffer posted an image stating: "We need Islam control, not gun control."

SEE: Donald Trump Staffers Express Racially Charged and Anti-Muslim Views on Social Media (AP)

"Any person currently employed by the Trump campaign who has expressed racist or bigoted views should be fired," said CAIR National Executive Director Nihad Awad. "To keep individuals holding such intolerant views on the campaign staff would indicate an acceptance of their bigotry and racism."

He added: "The fact that so many racists and Islamophobes seem to be attracted to Mr. Trump's campaign demonstrates the need for him to reexamine his own bigoted views and policies."

Awad noted that CAIR said Trump's newly-announced proposal to subject immigrants to an ideological "test" would be a violation of American values.

CAIR also challenged Trump to repudiate a top adviser, who spoke at the Republican convention and was considered as a vice presidential pick, for stating in an address to an anti-Muslim hate group that Islam is a "cancer" and not a real religion.

In July, CAIR demanded that Donald Trump apologize for disparaging the parents of a Muslim who died while serving in the U.S. Army in Iraq.

SEE: CAIR Demands Apology from Donald Trump for Disparagement of Muslim Gold Star Family

The Washington-based civil rights organization has previously spoken out against Trump's apparent support for an Islamophobic town hall question and demanded that Trump "stop the bigotry" after he falsely claimed on Fox News that assimilation of American Muslims is "pretty close" to nonexistent and that a "percentage" of American Muslims "want to do what this maniac did in Orlando."

SEE: CAIR Says Donald Trump's 'Hibi-Jabis' Reply Endangers Muslim Women

Earlier this year, CAIR said Donald Trump's continued use of a debunked myth about U.S. Gen. John Pershing executing Muslim prisoners in the Philippines using bullets dipped in pig's blood was endangering ordinary American Muslims who were already facing a surge in hate.

SEE: CAIR Tells Donald Trump: 'Stop the Bigotry'

CAIR stated that Trump's pig's blood claim and other instances of his Islamophobic rhetoric, including his calling for a ban on all Muslims entering the United States, his false claim that "Islam hates us," his refusal to rule out special IDs for American Muslims, and his willingness to consider closing down American mosques place millions of innocent, law-abiding citizens in the American Muslim community at risk.

CAIR has reported an unprecedented spike in anti-Muslim incidents nationwide since Trump's bigoted call for a complete ban on Muslims entering the United States.

The Washington-based Muslim civil rights group is asking Muslim community members to report any bias incidents to police and to CAIR's Civil Rights Department at 202-742-6420 or by filing a report at: http://www.cair.com/civil-rights/report-an-incident/view/form.html

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.

La misión de CAIR es mejorar la comprensión del Islam, fomentar el diálogo, proteger las libertades civiles, capacitar a los musulmanes estadounidenses, y construir coaliciones que promuevan la justicia y la comprensión mutua.

CONTACT:

CAIR Government Affairs Director Robert McCaw, 202-742-6448, [email protected]; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, [email protected]; CAIR Communications Coordinator Nabeelah Naeem, 202-341-4171, [email protected]

***

• Video: CAIR Rep Corey Saylor in Florida to Discuss How to Deal with Islamophobia
  • CAIR-MN: Somali-Americans Fear Trump Fosters Hate
    
    In Little Falls, the Minnesota chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations is asking the FBI to investigate an alleged threat by two men to burn down the house of a Somali-American woman. According to the Star Tribune, the men called her a terrorist and said Muslims weren't allowed to live in the city.
• Video: Bill O'Reilly Defends the Burkini

CAIR Asks Penn. County Commissioners to Repudiate Colleague's Anti-Islam Posts

(WASHINGTON, D.C., 8/21/16) �

The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation's largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today called on officials in Mifflin County, Penn., to repudiate anti-Muslim bigotry expressed by a colleague who posted a series of Islamophobic messages on Facebook.

Mifflin County Commissioner Lisa Nancollas posted an image of a mosque with a red "no" symbol covering it and stating "No Islam Allowed." She also wrote: "I believe in the Christian God. I don't believe in Islam, sharia law nor do I believe in Allah" and said people "are only allowed in the kingdom of God if they accept God as their savior not Allah." Nancollas' Facebook account name includes the phrase "Mifflin County Commissioner."

SEE: County Commissioner Posts Anti-Islamic Messages on Facebook

"Anyone is free to hold whatever religious beliefs they wish, but public officials who serve a diverse population and are thereby obligated to protect the religious rights of all community members should be held to a higher standard of conduct," said CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper. "We urge county commissioners and other public officials to repudiate Ms. Nancollas' intolerant and divisive views."

Hooper noted a spike in anti-Muslim incidents in recent months, which the civil rights groups attributes at least in part to Islamophobic rhetoric used by public figures like Nancollas, GOP presidential nominee Donald Trump and others.

CAIR: Minnesota Boy, Bullied for Being Muslim, Takes on Trump
Video: CNN International Interviews CAIR-OK Rep About Alleged Hate Crime Murder of Arab-American
CAIR: Texas Muslims Threatened Amid Increasing Islamophobia
CAIR-Florida Welcomes Upgraded Aggravated Battery Charge to Man Who Beat Worshiper in Ft. Pierce Mosque

Last week, CAIR's Minnesota chapter called on the FBI to investigate an alleged threat by two men to burn down the house of a Somali-American woman in that state if she and her family do not leave town. CAIR's chapter in Georgia also called for an investigation of a possible bias motive for vandalism targeting an Islamic charity.

CAIR-MN: Threat to Somali Woman Investigated as Hate Crime
Video: CAIR-GA Urges Probe of Possible Bias Motive for Vandalism of Islamic Charity

Also last week, CAIR called on state and federal authorities to investigate alleged threats to the Muslim community in Maine.

Video: CAIR Asks Feds to Probe Threats to Maine Muslims

The Washington-based Muslim civil rights group is asking Muslim community members to report any bias incidents to police and to CAIR's Civil Rights Department at 202-742-6420 or by filing a report at: http://www.cair.com/civil-rights/report-an-incident/view/form.html

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.

La misión de CAIR es mejorar la comprensión del Islam, fomentar el diálogo, proteger las libertades civiles, capacitar a los musulmanes estadounidenses, y construir coaliciones que promuevan la justicia y la comprensión mutua.

CONTACT:

CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, [email protected]

***

Council on American-Islamic Relations

453 New Jersey Ave, S.E., Washington, D.C., 20003 

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