Who Supports ISNA?The Foundation for Ethnic Understanding

Special Announcement

New York City, NY  January 18, 2009 -- I was greatly distressed to see an Associated Press article today which contained allegations falsely linking Dr. Ingrid Mattson, President of the Islamic Society of North America, to terrorism. The article appeared to question the rectitude of an invitation to Dr. Mattson to speak at President-Elect Barack Obama's inaugural prayer service at the Washington Cathedral on Wednesday.

In fact, Dr. Mattson, a professor of Islamic studies at the Hartford Seminary in Connecticut, who was elected president of ISNA in 2006, is one of America's most esteemed religious leaders. Linda Douglass, a spokeswoman for Obama's inaugural committee, correctly stated that Dr. Mattson "has a stellar reputation in the faith community", while Karen Hughes, an under-secretary of state in the Bush Administration has called Dr. Mattson "a wonderful leader and role model for many, many people." 

I was honored to have the opportunity to share the platform with Dr. Mattson at an interfaith gathering at the 2008 Democratic National Convention in Denver and to host her at my own New York Synagogue.  Dr. Mattson has been a valued partner in an ongoing effort to build ties of communication and cooperation between Muslims and Jews in North America. Even during difficult times, such as the present conflict in the Middle East, Dr. Mattson has made clear that while Muslims and Jews may not agree on all aspects of the conflict, we must continue to strengthen our relationship for the benefit of both our communities and American and Canadian societies as a whole.

I am proud to call Dr. Mattson a valued friend who represents American values at their best. As we begin a new era of unity and hope in America, there is no one who is more appropriate to speak at the inaugural prayer service than Dr. Ingrid Mattson.

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