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Why Support CAIR?  
"Who cares if the Federal courthouse is secure (which it really is not)...Do not worry. At a time of our choosing we will find you. And we will visit each and every one of your plaintiffs whom we have heard speak. They have been ranked in order of importance as targets...And finally lets [sic] not forget about the families at home while you and your plaintiffs are away...women and children are fair game...you will be spared from an anonymous death."
- Excerpt from a 2007 letter sent anonymously from Minnesota to attorney Omar T. Mohammedi, the New York lawyer for six imams, or Islamic religious leaders, suing US Airways over allegations of religious profiling during a 2006 incident in Minnesota.

Dear Brother/Sister,

An individual’s ethnicity/religion or a "Muslim name" still remain the primary factors that trigger discrimination and hate crimes. These two factors are linked to over 50 percent of the total cases reported to CAIR. CAIR constantly deals and responds to a number of issues related to Hate Crimes, Discrimination/Harrassment in Schools, Mosque Vandalism, Workplace Harrassment, Discrimination, Unreasonable Arrest/Detention etc.

Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: "You [Muslims] do not do evil to those who do evil to you, but you deal with them with forgiveness and kindness."  [Sahih Al-Bukhari]

CAIR is striving diligently to advocate on behalf of the Muslim community to educate fellow Americans about our faith and to educate fellow Muslims about effective methods for redressing grievances through political, media and social activism. We need your HELP !

We urge you to support CAIR financially so that we can continue to advocate on behalf of Islam and Muslims. CAIR-DFW is in urgent need of your support.

Please do your part. If not YOU, WHO?
Donate to CAIR today..

>  Click Here

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U.S. Muslim Coalition Considers Suspending Relations with FBI
Move comes following incidents of FBI targeting mosques, Muslim groups

(WASHINGTON, D.C., 3/17/2009) - A coalition of major national Islamic organizations today announced that it is considering suspending outreach relations with the FBI, citing recent incidents in which American mosques and Muslim groups have been targeted. In a statement, the American Muslim Taskforce on Civil Rights and Elections said: Muslim communities throughout the United States have made significant advances in promoting and contributing to a fair, free and pluralistic society.

Through civil rights advocacy, civic and political engagement, and the promotion of dialogue with interfaith leaders and law enforcement agencies, Muslim Americans continue to be a positive and stabilizing force in keeping our nation safe and secure from acts of violence and foreign threats. Despite fear mongering by a vocal minority, Muslim Americans are natural allies of law enforcement agencies in ensuring the wellbeing of our nation. Muslims are law-abiding and productive citizens who uphold the democratic principles of freedom, equality and justice. Yet recent incidents targeting American Muslims lead us to consider suspending ongoing outreach efforts with the FBI.

....Read the complete article here

Additionally, we need your opinion. Please see the link to the Shura Council of Southern California poll below asking the community’s opinion on this issue.

Shura Council Poll for Suspending Relations with FBI:
http://survey.constantcontact.com/poll/a07e2hiuhkvfsgcmph8/start.html

SEE:
Shura Council's Letter to FBI
 

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Congressman Wolf's attempt to silence a leading American Muslim civil advocacy group

(03/21/2009) - In an apparent attempt to silence a leading American Muslim civil rights advocacy group - the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) - Republican Congressman Frank Wolf from Virginia has expressed deep disappointment at the FBI’s 'insufficient response' to his letter that apparently sought negative information based on smears against CAIR by Muslim-bashers like Steven Emerson.

In a letter sent to FBI on February 2, Rep. Wolf asked:

"Has the FBI severed ties with CAIR? If so, how is the FBI planning to formally notify Members of Congress and other government officials of this decision?"

"If FBI policy has changed with regard to CAIR, is there any indication that this decision is being revisited by the new administration? If so, what new evidence would justify a change in course?"

......Read complete article here.

SEE:
Click here to see Wolf's letter to the FBI.
http://www.foxnews.com/projects/pdf/031109_wolf.pdf

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CAIR-DFW Rep. Participates in Texas Tech MSA's "Islam Awareness Week"

(Lubbock, TX., 2009-02-12) - The Texas Tech Muslim Students Association (MSA) hosted an "Islam Awareness Week" program that included an interfaith dialogue and a presentation on "The Legacy of Malcolm X: El Hajj Malik El Shabazz". CAIR-DFW representative Mustafaa Carroll presented "The Legacy of Malcolm X: El Hajj Malik El Shabazz" to a near capacity filled auditorium, and was part of an Interfaith Panel at Texas Tech University.


The interfaith panel pictured above included (r-l) Jeff Kennon from Baptist Student Ministries, Dr. Anne C. Epstein representing the Jewish faith and Mustafaa Carroll, Council on American Islamic Relations - DFW Chapter.

The participants presented and fielded questions from students on Adam and Eve, Prophet Abraham, and Judgment day. Pictured on right is the Muslim Student Association and interfaith participants. According to MSA Vice President Tahirah Oyewuwo, "The program we put on was for Islamic Awareness Week, we had the interfaith dialogue and the Legacy of Malcolm X. The theme overall was Peace, love, Islam. We had posters that talked about Peace in Islam, Women in Islam, and the Misconceptions of Islam. Overall it was a great week. It was our first time putting something like this, and it was a big success for us. I still have people who talk about it with me and are eager to do this again Insha Allah." MSA President Yasser Parupia added, "This program was really great. We are greatly appreciative of the participation of our interfaith panel and the support we received from CAIR-DFW. We are looking forward to our next event."

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CAIR-TX, DFW gives series of "Islam 101" and "Legacy of Malcolm X" presentations at Brookhaven College in Honor of Black History Month

(Dallas, TX, 2009-02-24/25) - Over 200 students heard presentations on "Islam 101" and the "Legacy of Malcolm X" in honor of black history month. The programs were co-sponsored by the Brookhaven Muslim Students Association over a two-day period. Students were allowed to ask questions and give input on their thoughts regarding Islam and Muslims. Dr. Patricia Dodd, English professor and MSA Advisor stated, "CAIR-DFW has been helpful and crucial to helping provide our students a good understanding of Islam and Muslims. They have provided these classes and presentations for the last three years. This time they presented six (6) classes in two days. We are fortunate to have them as a resource, and the students really enjoy the classes."

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CAIR-DFW Chapter Sponsors Immigration Law Workshop at Islamic Association of Carrollton

(Carrollton, TX 2009-02-27) - CAIR-TX, DFW Chapter continued its Immigration Law Workshop series at the Islamic Association of Carrollton Friday night after Isha prayer. "According to CAIR statistical studies, nearly 25% of civil rights issues are immigration related," said CAIR-DFW's Rep. Mustafa Carroll. Carroll went on to say that "a large number of the immigration complaints are citizenship delays. We were fortunate to have Azhar Law Firm volunteer their time to educate the community regarding their immigration needs." Several months ago CAIR-TX, DFW Chapter partnered with the Noaman Azhar, Principle of Azhar Law Firm to deliver a series of Immigration workshops throughout the North Texas area. Islamic Association of Carrollton is the 2nd workshop given this year targeted to help empower North Texas Muslims with regards to their Immigration needs.

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CAIR-DFW Chapter Representative speaks at Unitarian Universalist Church in Plano

(Plano, TX 2009-03-01) - CAIR-DFW representatives visited and delivered the sermon "Keeping Our Faith After 9/11: How 9/11 has Impacted the Muslim Community" to the congregation of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Plano. The presentation included a historical sketch of Muslims in America, and common misperceptions and stereotypes about Muslims particularly post 9/11. Carroll shared CAIR's civil rights statistics and emphasized progress made by the Muslim community. This included a decrease in reports of hate crimes and reports of discrimination by police and in schools during 2007, the Muslim community having well-established organizations to advocate on its behalf, and the fact that some governmental agencies seem to be benefiting from an emphasis on cultural proficiency for employees who may deal with Muslims. CAIR representatives and congregants remained after the presentation for continued dialogue with questions and answers about Islam and Muslims.


Pictured above on left (l-r) Abdul Basit Siddiqui, CAIR volunteer, Jian Li, Program Coordinator for UUOP, Reverend Patrick Price, and CAIR representative Mustafaa Carroll. Pictured on right, over 150 parishioners listen attentively to Carroll’s presentation.

According to CAIR-DFW volunteer Abdul Basit Siddiqui, "This is an example of the continuous positive outreach work that CAIR has been doing over the years." One of the congregants, Jay Hall, had this to say about our fellowship: "Thanks for the sermon. I am a (new) member of the UU Church of Plano and wanted to thank Mustafaa Carroll for taking the time to give the sermon today. I found his comments throughout the service insightful and the sermon informative and a wonderful message. I am sorry for the combative nature of the Q&A but Mr. Carroll, I am sure, is accustomed to that and handled it extremely well. I have been often guilty of blaming religion for much of the pain and suffering in the world, but Mr. Carroll pointed out that it was more that people used religion as a tool to propagate their own agenda. After church we were driving to the grocery and took a different way than usual and went by a mosque on Independence/Spring Creek (IACC) that had a banner out front that offered "Islam 101". Keep plugging away at breaking down the prejudice, ignorance and preconceptions that keeps us divided."

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CAIR-DFW Presents "Understanding American Muslims in Public Classrooms" for Future Educators at University of North Texas (UNT)
 
(Denton, TX, 03/10/09) - CAIR-DFW representatives spent two consecutive days conducting Islam 101 classes for future educators in their Junior and Senior year at the University of North Texas' Education Department. This is the third series of presentations on "Understanding American Muslim Students in Public Classrooms" that CAIR has provided for UNT. Ms. Patricia Cook, Professor of Education for both classes had several comments regarding the classes: "Thank you again for coming! I thought the presentation from the CAIR organization was an excellent source of information for the pre-service teachers at the University of North Texas. The material presented gave a well rounded perspective of the Islamic faith, as well as reinforcing the need for tolerance and respect for all of the diverse backgrounds students in the 21st century bring to the classroom. I will definitely recommend the CAIR as a source for future insight and support for any teacher or student wanting to gain additional knowledge regarding Muslim students in their schools and lives."

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CAIR-DFW Chapter Co-sponsors Lectures by US Doctor Who Went to Gaza to Help War Victims

(Arlington, TX 03/13/09) - Thanks to the initiative of State Representative Lon Burnam (D-90), and community activist Suha Suleiman, a coalition consisting of the Muslim Students Association (MSA) at University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) and Dallas (UTD), the Dallas Peace Center (DPC), Muslim American Society (MAS), and CAIR-TX, DFW Chapter co-sponsored presentations by Dr. Ismail Mehr on UTA and UTD campuses, Dr. Mehr, a member of the Islamic Medical Association of North America (IMANA), served to lead a team of nine (9) Doctors and two (2) non-medical personnel who were the only Americans who entered Gaza to help give humanitarian medical treatment to victims after the Israeli invasion January 30, 2009.

This is not the first time that Dr. Mehr and many of his team members have gone abroad to give humanitarian medical aid to victims of calamities. They were also part of a medical team for victims of the Tsunami disaster and earthquake victims in Pakistan. After the invasion, Dr. Mehr felt compelled to render aid to the victims in Gaza. He contacted 11 of his closest friends and associates, and all agreed to make the trip to Gaza.

The trip was fraught with uncertainty and trial. Initially there was doubt that the team would even be allowed inside. Despite these challenging, to say the least, conditions Dr. Mehr stated, "the people of Gaza strong and resilient. They asked us to let everyone know what is happening to them in Gaza and Palestine. The medical system infrastructure in Gaza is broken. The embargo prohibiting much needed medical supplies in, and the occupation prohibiting Palestinian doctors to leave to get training to update their skills has had a devastating impact on medical care for Palestinians. The most important thing that we all can do is bring awareness to the American Public about the realities of the ongoing crisis between Israel and Palestine. Hopefully, this may lead our government to help facilitate an even handed, positive and just resolution to this conflict."

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CAIR-DFW Testifies before Texas State House Committee on Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence to Rally Support for House Committee Resolution 22 (HCR22)
 
(Austin, TX, 03/23/09) - CAIR-TX, DFW Chapter representatives went to Austin to testify before the Texas State House Committee on Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence and rally support for passage of House Committee Resolution 22 (HCR22). The bill was co-sponsored by State Representatives Lon Burnam (D-80) Tarrant County, and Carol Kent (D-102) Dallas County on behalf of Haseeb Chishty, former Denton State School (DSS) resident who was beaten near death by a DSS employee. The beating left a once vibrant, healthy and active Haseeb paralyzed from the neck down, and unable to control his bodily functions.


Pictured above, Texas House of Representative member Lon Burnam greeting Haseeb Chishty

To add insult to injury, the State of Texas initially claimed "sovereign immunity" so that it incurred no liability, and could not be sued for damages. Later, with the help of Representative Burnam, Haseeb received a variance from the State to receive care at DSS. This was just the beginning of a nightmare for the Chishty family. Fearing for her son’s life, Haseeb’s mom, Farhat Chishty left her job to remain by Haseeb while he remained in Denton State School. Consequently, she lost her job, car, and home. Thus, this made it compulsory for Haseeb to stay at the Denton State School for treatment and care. Ms. Chishty’s other children moved to the Dallas area to help care for Haseeb. Two of Ms. Chishty’s sons were serving in the U.S. Air Force when the incident occurred, and were able to be re-stationed to be closer. Ms. Chishty’s daughter and son-in-law also left school and careers to help. Ultimately, the family pulled together and was able to get a house so that Haseeb could be moved to his new home. However, the help Haseeb receives from the State is inadequate, and does not meet his needs.

HCR 22 will allow the Chishty’s the opportunity to sue the State. The Resolution essentially states "The Chishty family is entitled to an award for damages, including actual medical expenses, interest on any amounts due as may be authorized by law, and exemplary damages; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, by the Legislature of the State of Texas, That Farhat Chishty and Aqueel Chishty, both individually and as next friend for their son, Haseeb Chishty, are granted permission to sue the State of Texas, the Department of Aging and Disability Services, and the Denton State School subject to Chapter 107, Civil Practice and Remedies Code". The Chishty's savored an emotional victory as it appears that HCR 22 will pass in the Texas House of Representatives.

The Resolution must now go to the Senate. Meanwhile the family continues to need help caring for Haseeb. HASEEB NEEDS YOUR HELP! Please donate generously to 'HASEEB CHISHTY' at any Washington Mutual Bank. Haseeb also need 24/7 care and is looking for qualified Caregivers.

SEE:
Justice for Haseeb Chishty

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