Home > Press Releases > U.S. Attorney General Meets Today with Leaders From ISNA and other U.S. Faith Communities to Address Surge in Anti-Muslim Bigotry & Hate Crimes
U.S. Attorney General Meets Today with Leaders From ISNA and other U.S. Faith Communities to Address Surge in Anti-Muslim Bigotry & Hate Crimes
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Washington, D.C. Sept 7, 2010) Following
today's emergency interfaith summit and press conference, organized by
the Islamic Society of North America in Washington D.C., a select group
of prominent faith leaders from the summit attended a meeting with the
U.S. Attorney General General Eric Holder. The group discussed
measures the Attorney General and the Department of Justice can put in
place to combat the surging anti-Muslim rhetoric, messages of hate, and
acts of violence and intimidation that have occurred against American
Muslims and are perceived by the community to increase on 9/11.
"Aside from the
time period directly following 9/11, there has never been a more
critical need for the Attorney General and the Department of Justice to
issue a strong and clear statement that they will protect religious
freedom and they will enforce hate crime laws in the U.S. and prosecute
any person who commits a hate crime," said ISNA Secretary General Safaa
Zarzour.
In the last few weeks, the American Muslim
community has experienced an explosion of anti-Muslim rhetoric, threats
to their safety and freedom to worship, acts of violence, protests, and
intimidation. These have extended beyond the contested New York City
Community Center to include Tennessee, California, Florida, Wisconsin,
and more.
"Many community members are fearful to attend a
mosque, to pray at night, and to worship in communal gatherings to
observe Ramadan and Eid this year," stated Zarzour. "The anticipation
of increased hate crimes on 9/11 is scaring many Muslim Americans and
prohibiting them from freely practicing their religion."
Many mosques have moved Eid celebrations to
the weekend following Eid, to avoid any potential misunderstandings due
to the high emotions surrounding Eid coinciding with 9/11 this year.
Other communities have decided to spend the day in service to their
community, rather than in celebration of Eid through parties and social
gatherings.
"America is a country built on freedom of
religion and it is unfortunate that so many Americans are now afraid to
enjoy that freedom and pray. The meeting with the Attorney General
sends a message that intimidation, hate, and violence against any
member of any religion is intolerable by the U.S. Government," said
Zarzour.
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Contact:
Sarah Thompson
ISNA Communications Coordinator
317-839-1816