SETTING THE RECORD STRAIGHT

August 9, 2008

In the past year, the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives have been seeking to better understand the threat of radicalization and the way in which extremist groups undermine American security. As a part of this effort the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, Subcommittee on Terrorism, Non-proliferation, and Trade have held hearings that have included testimony about the American Muslim community and their organizations, including the Islamic Society of North America.  Credible and factual testimony has been provided by some respected individuals, but false, prejudicial and misleading assertions have been made by others whose malicious bias against Muslim Americans and their organizations is well-known.

Knowingly ISNA is not now and has never been involved in any covert or illegal activity and has never supported any terrorist organization.  ISNA is not part of the Muslim Brotherhood, a fact which we have asserted in a legal motion to remove our false designation as an un-indicted co-conspirator in documents produced by the U.S. Government in its prosecution of the Holy Land Foundation.  This label has been used to discredit ISNA and to create fear of the organization and its members. 
 
ISNA is an open and transparent membership organization that strives to be an exemplary and unifying Islamic organization in North America that contributes to the betterment of the Muslim community and society at large.

ISNA continues to work in collaboration with diverse groups of interfaith partners including Muslims, Christians, Jews, secular not-for-profit organizations and foundations as well as many branches of the U.S. Government. These partnerships affirm ISNA’s commitment to freedom, to eradicate prejudice and to create a society where Muslims can peacefully live and prosper alongside other Americans from all walks of life and diverse traditions & faith.  To that end ISNA condemns all acts of terrorism and remains committed to countering escalating religious extremism and promoting inter-religious understanding and collaboration.

It is critical that ISNA's voice be heard in the halls of Congress and that the public record is corrected.  If this is not done, the information put forth by those fear-mongers will be considered fact.  To this end, ISNA has undertaken a major effort to provide Congress with accurate information and to offer its services to assist with a comprehensive and cohesive outreach and communication strategy to assist the U.S. Government in its efforts to secure the safety of all citizens.

To this end we will:

* seek opportunities to testify at hearings,
* provide accurate and factual information to committees, staff and agencies,
* reach out to key staff and elected officials,
* and to accomplish this by working with others who truly wish to advance the security of the United States and to ensure justice and equal rights for all citizens