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ISNA Joins President Obama's Call for Courage, Respect and Unity to Confront Extremism

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Source: ISNA

(Plainfield, IN - May 25, 2010) - The Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) joins President Obama's call, during his commencement speech at West Point this past weekend, to not give in to fear, and to respect freedoms and not allow a "small band of men on the wrong side of history" to "discard our freedoms" or "to drive us apart."

In his clearest statement on how we should react as Americans to the ongoing attempts by violent extremists to commit terrorist acts on our soil, the President described the terrorists as "small men on the wrong side of history. They lead no nation. They lead no religion." He added, "We need not give in to fear every time a terrorist tries to scare us.  We should not discard our freedoms because extremists try to exploit them.  We cannot succumb to division because others try to drive us apart. We are the United States of America, and we have repaired our union, and faced down fascism, and outlasted communism. We've gone through turmoil, we've gone through civil war, and we have come out stronger -- and we will do so once more."

Muslim Americans are particularly pleased with the President's acknowledgement of the positive contribution the growing Muslim American community has made, and continues to make, to America's well-being and prosperity in every field. The President stated, "Extremists want a war between America and Islam, but Muslims are part of our national life, including those who serve in our United States Army. Adversaries want to divide us, but we are united by our support for you -- soldiers who send a clear message that this country is both the land of the free and the home of the brave."

ISNA appreciates President Obama's commitment to diplomacy and dialogue and his rejection of unilateralism. It is refreshing to see the President shift the focus from differences among religious traditions to common values based on justice and shared aspirations. ISNA calls on all people to join the President's hopeful tone and ability to reach out and connect with all people.

ISNA is the largest Muslim umbrella organization in the United States and Canada. Its mission is to provide a common platform for presenting Islam, supporting Muslim communities, developing educational, social and outreach programs, and fostering good relations with other religious communities, civic and service organizations.


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