Editorial Note: The following news reports are summaries from original sources. They may also include corrections of Arabic names and political terminology. Comments are in parentheses. Share the link of this article with your facebook friends

 

Warmongering Islamophobia in the US, September 19-30, 2016, CAIR Reports

October 13, 2016 

Editorial Note:

Islamphobia (exaggerated and baseless fear of Muslims) has been perpetrated and perpetuated to justify the continuous US wars and invasions of the Muslim World since 1990, in order for the war industry beneficiaries to justify the enormous and unprecedented US national debt, which has reached more than $19 trillion, as a result of the permanent-war military spending.

Tens of thousands of Americans are killed by non-Muslim other Americans every year, in gun violence. However, Islamophobes ignore that fact and focus on an incident or two perpetrated by Muslims in an entire year.

For example, in 2015, there were 53,228 shooting incidents, resulting in the killing of 13,415 Americans. Of these, there were only two incidents perpetrated by Muslims and resulting in the killing of 18 Americans.

The Zionist media, like Fox News and CNN, together with the  war industry agents and Zionist-controlled politicians like Trump, kept mentioning these two incidents while totally ignoring the other 53,226 incidents, which resulted in the killing of 13,398 Americans!

The end outcome is that the American people are indeed actual victims of a continuous warmongering campaign, Islamophobia, and a daily holocaust, perpetrated against them by the war industry beneficiaries and their agents in the media and politics.

For a background, read: 

Zionist Creative Destruction of the Middle East for the Benefit of the Apartheid Israeli Regime

The Terrorism Industry, A Merciless Continuous Attack on the American People's Blood and Treasure

 

• CAIR-MN's Jaylani Hussein Speaks at Sociology Conference on the Issue of Islamophobia
  
  Tonight, Jaylani Hussein, executive director of the council of American-Islamic Relations played two different hate calls that the council of American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) and Somali-American museum received recently. Hussein says he played these voicemails to show the crowd that Islamophobia does exist.
  
  "I wanted to give the audience a reality check that this is actually happening. We get a lot of these hate calls and emails."

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CAIR-NY Welcomes Increased Hate Crime Charges for Attack on Brooklyn Muslim Women, Children

(NEW YORK, NY, 9/30/16) � The New York chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NY) is welcoming increased hate crime charges against Emirjeta Xhelili for attacking two Brooklyn Muslim women pushing babies in strollers. 

Xhelili was arraigned yesterday on a dozen charges stemming from the September 8 incident, in which she allegedly punched and kicked the Muslim women and tried to pull off their Islamic head scarves, or hijabs. The charges against Xhelili include assault in the first degree as a hate crime, which carries a sentence of up to 25 years in prison.

[NOTE: The initial charge in the case was only assault in the third degree.]

According to police, Xhelili allegedly shouted Islamophobic insults as she assaulted the victims. Xhelili reportedly shouted, "Get the f--- out of America, b-----s," as she punched one of the Muslim women in the face and kicked them both in their legs.

SEE: 2 Muslim women, babies attacked in alleged hate crime in New York

"We welcome this indictment, and we expect the Brooklyn District Attorney's Office to continue to prosecute this horrific attack vigorously," said CAIR-NY Executive Director Afaf Nasher. "In the current climate, it's essential that potential attackers know that they will be swiftly caught and prosecuted if they attempt to target any minority community."

Nasher noted a spike in anti-Muslim incidents in recent months, which the civil rights group attributes at least in part to Islamophobic rhetoric used by public figures.

Last month, CAIR's Oklahoma chapter welcomed the district attorney's addition of hate crime charges against Stanley Vernon Majors for allegedly fatally shooting his next door neighbor, 37-year-old Khalid Jabara, on August 12. The Jabara family reported multiple incidents of harassment, threats ,and other attacks on their ethnicity and perceived religion, including calling them "Dirty Arabs," "filthy Lebanese," "Aye-rabs," and "Moos-lems."

SEE: CAIR-OK Welcomes Hate Crime Charges in Khalid Jabara Shooting

She further noted that CAIR recently reported that 2016 is on track to be one of the worst years ever for anti-mosque incidents, with a total of 55 cases recorded as of mid-September. Last year there were a total of 79 recorded anti-mosque cases.

CAIR Report: 2016 on Track to Be One of the Worst Years for Anti-Mosque Incidents

The majority of the 2016 incidents have been violent in tone, characterized by intimidation, physical assault and property damage, destruction or vandalism.

Officials with the Islamic Center of Northland in Kansas City, Mo., recently said they discovered burns on the interior of the mosque Saturday morning when they arrived for a meeting. Kansas City police report finding two burned bottles inside the mosque site.

SEE: Arson Suspected at Northland Mosque Under Construction

In the first two weeks of September, three other mosques were targeted. The most destructive of these was in Florida, where a mosque was intentionally set ablaze and a suspect arrested.

Video: CAIR-Florida Welcomes Arrest of Suspect in Mosque Arson, Applauds Police Actions

The Washington-based Muslim civil rights group is asking Muslim community members to report any bias incidents to police and to CAIR's Civil Rights Department at 202-742-6420 or by filing a report at: https://www.cair.com/civil-rights/report-an-incident/view/form.html

CAIR is America's largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.

La misión de CAIR es mejorar la comprensión del Islam, fomentar el diálogo, proteger las libertades civiles, capacitar a los musulmanes estadounidenses, y construir coaliciones que promuevan la justicia y la comprensión mutua.

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CONTACT: CAIR-NY Executive Director Afaf Nasher, 917-669-4006, anasher@cair.com; Director of Strategic Litigation Albert Cahn, 571-766-6273,acahn@cair.com,CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, ihooper@cair.com 

***

• SAVE THE DATE: CAIR 22nd Annual Banquet, December 17, Arlington, VA
• CAIR: Trump Jokes About People Who Are Not Conservative Christians: 'Should we keep them?' (Washington Post)
  
  The Council on American-Islamic Relations blasted Trump Wednesday evening.
  
  "Given Mr. Trump's history of targeting religious and ethnic minorities, it is disturbing that he would single out non-Christians during his rally in Iowa. It is clear that his vision of America is one of division and exclusion, not unity and acceptance," said CAIR spokesman Ibrahim Hooper in a statement.
  • CAIR: 'Should we keep them?' Donald Trump says about non-Christians at his rally (LA Times)
  • CAIR: Trump's Profiling of Muslims Would Be Counterproductive
  • CAIR: Obama Defends Decision Not to Say "Radical Islamic Terrorism" During CNN Town Hall
• CAIR Update: Islamophobia in the 2016 Presidential Election
  
  CAIR researchers have updated our informative page to offer you a comprehensive picture of where the Republican and Democratic candidates for the U.S. presidency stand on Islam and Muslims. Make sure you are registered to vote and make sure you are fully informed.
  • CAIR 'Countering Islamophobia' Workshop in Pittsburgh October 15
  • Video: ABC's 'Designated Survivor' Deals with Islamophobia
• CAIR: Do students of faith feel welcome in NJ schools?
  
  New Jersey has some of the nation's toughest anti-discrimination and anti-bullying laws, said Abdul-Alim Mubarak-Rowe, director of communications for the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) New Jersey.
  • CAIR-LA: O.C. Sikhs and Muslims Welcome New School Anti-Bullying Law
  • CAIR-CA: Anti-Bullying Campaign Asks Students to 'Know Your Classmate'
  • Video: CAIR-LA Director Says Trump's Rhetoric Contributes to Spike in Anti-Muslim Hate Incidents
• Video: CAIR-MN to Hold Two Free Legal Clinics This Week in Dakota County and Minneapolis
• CAIR: Rights Groups Urge Obama to Investigate Israeli Killing of US Citizen

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Islamic School Awarded $1.7 Million in Settlement of CAIR-MI Suit Against Michigan Township
In one of largest-ever RLUIPA settlements, Michigan Islamic Academy wins right to build on its property

(FARMINGTON HILLS, MI, 9/29/16) - The Michigan chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-MI) today announced that it reached a settlement in a lawsuit the Muslim civil rights organization brought on behalf of the Michigan Islamic Academy (MIA) against Pittsfield Township for unlawfully denying the Islamic school its right to build on its property.

SEE: Justice Department Lawsuit Over Islamic School in Washtenaw County Settled

The lawsuit, filed in the United States District Court, Eastern District of Michigan in August 2012, claimed violations of the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act of 2000 (RLUIPA), and the Establishment and Equal Protection Clauses of the United States Constitution. [NOTE: RLUIPA protects individuals, houses of worship and other religious institutions from discrimination in zoning and landmarking laws.]

The federal government intervened in the lawsuit on behalf of MIA in October 2015.

CAIR-MI said the settlement, one of the largest since RLUIPA was enacted, grants MIA the right to build a 70,000 square foot Islamic school, a residential development consisting of 22 duplex units and three single family homes, and a park.  The settlement also awards MIA $1.7 million.

"We welcome the settlement with Pittsfield Township and hope the outcome of this case will serve as a deterrent to other municipalities throughout the country seeking to deny Muslim institutions the right to build or expand their facilities on the basis of religion," said CAIR-MI Legal Director Lena Masri.

"In a year when so much has gone wrong for the Muslim community, this settlement is an example of the good things that can happen when Muslim communities stand up for their rights," said Gadeir Abbas, who served as co-counsel on the case.

"This case is a reminder that our country's laws and institutions exist for the benefit of all Americans, including American Muslims," said Jamal Aref, MIA Chairman of the Board of Trustees.

In a separate consent decree reached at the same time with the federal government, Pittsfield Township agreed to post and maintain signage within sight of each public entrance to the Pittsfield Township City Office Government Building and on the first page of its Internet home page for not less than 180 days stating:

"Pittsfield Charter Township does not apply its zoning or land use laws in a manner that imposes a substantial burden on the religious exercise of persons, including a religious assembly or institution, does not apply its zoning or land use laws in a manner that treats religious assemblies or institutions on less than equal terms than nonreligious assemblies or institutions, and does not discriminate on the basis of religion in the application of its laws, policies or procedures, including the application of its land use regulations and zoning laws."

The consent decree further requires Pittsfield Township to provide training within 90 days of entry of the consent decree to its officials, employees and contractors on the requirements of RLUIPA, as well as act on all future religious land use applications in a manner that satisfies all provisions of RLUIPA.

CAIR is America's largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.

La misión de CAIR es mejorar la comprensión del Islam, fomentar el diálogo, proteger las libertades civiles, capacitar a los musulmanes estadounidenses, y construir coaliciones que promuevan la justicia y la comprensión mutua.

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CONTACT: CAIR-MI Legal Director Lena Masri, 248-390-9784, lmasri@cair.com; CAIR-MI Executive Director Dawud Walid, 248-842-1418,dwalid@cair.com; Attorney Gadeir Abbas, 720-251-0425, gadeir@abbaslawfirm.com; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, ihooper@cair.com

***

• NY Times Interviews CAIR Board Chair Roula Allouch About 'Flying While Muslim'
  
  Roula Allouch, 36, is a Cincinnati lawyer and the chairwoman of the national board of directors of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, one of the nation's largest civil rights and advocacy groups for the American Muslim community.
  
  Raised in Kentucky, she is a member of the American Bar Association's Rule of Law Initiative for the Middle East and North Africa. Ms. Allouch's parents emigrated to the United States from Syria in the 1970s. Following are edited excerpts from a conversation with Ms. Allouch.
• CAIR-MN: Somali Daycare in Shakopee Vandalized
  
  "We don't have all the facts, " said Jaylani Hussein Executive Director of CAIR Minnesota.
  
  "The community is always concerned especially after what happened in St. Cloud and the Lonsdale sign and may have also raised some tension and anxiety in the community so anytime there is vandalism in the Muslim community we are always worried this could be retaliation or a form of hate crime," said Hussein.
• CAIR-AZ: Debate Reaction From the Islamic Community Center of Tempe (Video)
  
  David Chami, board member of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, talks about the debate and how each candidate was received at the Islamic Community Center.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CAIR-Missouri Urges GOP Leaders to Repudiate Anti-Muslim, Other Offensive Messages Re-Posted by Gubernatorial Candidate's Ad Narrator

(WASHINGTON, D.C., 9/28/16) -  The Missouri chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Missouri) is calling on Republican gubernatorial candidate Eric Greitens and other GOP leaders in that state to repudiate internet messages disparaging Muslims, alleging that President Obama is foreign-born and joking about rape re-posted by Robert Murphy, the narrator of a new ad campaign for the candidate.

Messages re-posted on Murphy's Facebook page include, "No to gun control, Yes to Muslim control," and references to Muslims as "some 7th Century Islamic goat humpers."

SEE: Spokesman in Greitens' New Ad Promoted Rape Joke, Anti-Muslim Screeds on Facebook

"Eric Greitens and other Missouri Republicans must repudiate these offensive messages and disassociate themselves from Mr. Murphy," said CAIR-Missouri Executive Director Faizan Syed.

Greitens is the same candidate who issued an 'ISIS Hunting Permit' as part of his campaign; a tactic that CAIR-Missouri said may endanger Missouri Muslims.

CAIR: Missouri Candidate's 'ISIS Hunting Permits' Concern Muslim Community

CAIR-Missouri recently called on state and federal law enforcement authorities to investigate a possible bias motive for an apparent arson attack on a mosque under construction in that state.

SEE: CAIR Seeks Probe of Bias Motive for Arson Targeting Missouri Mosque

CAIR reported that 2016 is on track to be one of the worst years ever for anti-mosque incidents. The Washington-based Muslim civil rights organization CAIR attributes the rise in anti-mosque incidents and a spike in other anti-Muslim incidents at least in part to Islamophobic rhetoric used by public figures like Donald Trump and others.

CAIR Report: 2016 on Track to Be One of the Worst Years for Anti-Mosque Incidents

Members of the American Muslim community are being asked to report any bias incidents to police and to CAIR's Civil Rights Department at 202-742-6420 or by filing a report at: http://www.cair.com/civil-rights/report-an-incident/view/form.html

CAIR is America's largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.

La misión de CAIR es mejorar la comprensión del Islam, fomentar el diálogo, proteger las libertades civiles, capacitar a los musulmanes estadounidenses, y construir coaliciones que promuevan la justicia y la comprensión mutua.     

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CONTACT: CAIR-Missouri Executive Director Faizan Syed, 636-207-8882, 314-330-2946, E-Mail: fsyed@cair.com; CAIR Department to Monitor and Combat Islamophobia Director Corey Saylor, 202-384-8857, csaylor@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, ihooper@cair.com

***

• CAIR-OK Stands in Solidarity with Native American Community in Support of Indigenous Peoples' Day
  
  The Oklahoma Chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-OK) today expressed disappointment in the City Council of Oklahoma City's decision not to recognize Indigenous Peoples' Day as the second Monday in October.
• CAIR: Brigitte Gabriel, the Terrifying Face of the Anti-Islam Lobby
  
  Brigitte Gabriel, the most influential leader in America's increasingly influential anti-Islam lobby, is a master of tonal contrasts. . .
  
  All told, Gabriel made $223,809 that year from her nonprofits, plus an additional $237,804 in payments to firms she controlled. Around this time, the Council on American-Islamic Relations released a report on what it called the "Islamophobia network," which included information about executive compensation in key organizations and highlighted Gabriel's raises. The report caused a small stir inside the anti-Islam lobby.
  • CAIR-NY Commends Mayor De Blasio for Social Media Campaign to Counter Islamophobia
    
    The New York chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NY) today thanked the NYC Commission on Human Rights and the Mayor's Community Affairs Unit and Office of Immigrant Affairs for launching "I Am Muslim, I Am NYC," a social media campaign to promote Muslim visibility and inclusivity in New York City.
• CAIR: How Many Muslims Will Vote in US Presidential Election? Donald Trump Could Be Derailed by Record Turnout
  
  Muslims make up just one percent of the United States population but they could yet have a significant impact on the outcome of November's presidential election. Donald Trump's rhetoric, including calling for a blanket ban on all Muslims entering the country, is thought to have spurred a sharp increase in Muslims registering to vote.
  
  As of June, more than 300,000 Muslims had registered to vote since 2012, according to the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR). According to the group, there are currently 824,000 registered voters whose first, middle or last names match a list of more than 43,500 traditionally Muslim names.
  • Video: CAIR-AZ Rep Says Muslims Being Used as 'Political Football' in Presidential Election
    
    
• CAIR, Maryland Jewish Groups Assemble 'Blessing Bags' for Homeless on Governor's Day to Serve
  
  On Monday, the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation's largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, joined with Maryland's Jewish community to assemble "blessing bags" for the homeless.
  
  The event included an interfaith discussion on social justice facilitated by the Institute for Islamic, Christian and Jewish Studies (ICJS).
• CAIR-FL: State Fire Marshal Releases Damage Estimate in Mosque Arson
  • TN: Muhammad Who? Plan Could Mean Fewer Lessons About Islam

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CAIR-CA Applauds Gov. Brown's Signing of Bill Addressing Bullying, Harassment of Muslim and Sikh Students

(SAN DIEGO, CA, 9/27/16) � The California chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-CA) today applauded Governor Jerry Brown for signing a historic bill, introduced by Assemblymember Das Williams (AB) 2845, which will protect vulnerable Muslim and Sikh students who are facing bullying in school.

The bill will require the California Department of Education (CDE), as part of its compliance monitoring, to assess whether local educational agencies have provided information to staff on school site and community resources for students who are subject to discrimination and bullying based on actual or perceived religious affiliation. It also requires the Superintendent of Public Instruction to post anti-bullying resources related to affiliation or perceived affiliation with any religion, nationality, race, or ethnicity on its website.

AB 2845 is co-sponsored by Asian Americans Advancing Justice - California (Advancing Justice-CA), Council on American-Islamic Relations, California Chapter (CAIR - CA), Sikh American Legal Defense & Education Fund (SALDEF), and the Sikh Coalition.

"This is a good first step in the right direction," said Hanif Mohebi, executive director of CAIR-San Diego. "It will be much easier now to work with school districts to provide a safe place for all students to learn."

SEE: San Diego Unified School District Board Will Address Islamophobia and Bullying of Muslim Students
SEE: San Diego Unified School Board Approves Creation of Anti-Islamophobia Plan

"Having school site and community resources available to students experiencing bullying is a big step forward to ensuring a safer environment for our kids," said Sameena Usman, government relations Coordinator for CAIR-San Francisco Bay Area. "We welcome the support from our governor and legislators in addressing this serious issue."

AB 2845 is the first and only bill directly addressing the issue of Islamophobia in California. The negative tone in our national politics has enflamed a disturbing trend of scapegoating and fear-mongering targeting American Muslims.

Recently, a spike in hate crimes aimed at Muslims and Sikhs has occurred across the nation, including physical assaults and the defacement of religious sites in California. The Cal State San Bernardino Center on Hate & Extremism has reported that Anti-Muslim hate crimes have increased 122 percent in California between 2014 and 2015. AB 2845 aims to address potential spikes in bullying and discrimination in our public education system as a result of increased Islamophobia.

"AB 2845 will ensure that students who are faced with Islamophobia are provided the assistance and support they need when faced with school bullying and discrimination," said Andrew Medina, California policy manager of Advancing Justice - CA. "These resources are essential to ensure student academic success because it is often difficult for children to learn in a fearful environment."

In a recent study, CAIR-CA reported that 55 percent of American Muslim students attending California public schools experience some form of bullying based on their religious identity. That is twice as high as the national statistic for students who report being bullied at school.

CAIR-CA also found that American Muslim youth continue to identify student-teacher relations as needing improvement in addressing such bullying. Similarly, the Sikh Coalition has reported that 50 percent of Sikh students have encountered school bullying. This number increases significantly for turbaned Sikh students, 67 percent of whom have encountered bullying. In Fresno, 51 percent of the students surveyed by the Sikh Coalition reported that they felt school officials did not respond adequately to bullying incidents.

"Every child has the right to a safe and nurturing learning environment. This bill provides educators, students and parents with resources to help ensure that right," said Harjit Kaur, community development manager for The Sikh Coalition.

The statutes prescribed by AB 2845 will take effect starting January 1, 2017.

CAIR is America's largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.

La misión de CAIR es mejorar la comprensión del Islam, fomentar el diálogo, proteger las libertades civiles, capacitar a los musulmanes estadounidenses, y construir coaliciones que promuevan la justicia y la comprensión mutua.

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CONTACT: CAIR-San Diego Executive Director Hanif Mohebi, 858-774-9991; CAIR-SFBA Executive Director Zahra Billoo, 626.252.0885, zbilloo@cair.com; CAIR Government Affairs Director Robert McCaw, 202-742-6448, rmccaw@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, ihooper@cair.com

***

• Hadith of the Day: Knowledge Is a Blessing
  
  The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: "God, His angels and all those in Heavens and on Earth, even ants in their hills and fish in the water, call down blessings on those who instruct others in beneficial knowledge." The Prophet also said: "Anyone who treads the path in search of knowledge, God will make that path easy."
  
  
  • Islamophobia Watch: Islam Removed from Draft Tenn. 7th Grade Social Studies Standards
    
    "It's still part of history," Lodal said of Islam. We're just not teaching it to our children, she said of that part of history taken out of the draft standards. 
• CAIR: America's Mosques Say No to Hosting Donald Trump
  • CAIR: Trump Rhetoric Energizes Muslim Voters (Boston Globe)
• CAIR-MN to Hold Two Free Legal Clinics This Week in Dakota County and Minneapolis
  
  This week, the Minnesota chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-MN) will hold two Free Brief Advice Legal Clinics in Dakota County and Minneapolis. The clinics will provide free legal advice on issues such as civil rights, housing, immigration law, family law, consumer debt, and employment.
  • CAIR-MN: Restaurant Owner Displays 'Muslims Get Out' Sign (USA Today)
• CAIR-Missouri: Mosque Fire Worries Congregants About Possible Arson (AP)
  • Video: CAIR-FL Rep Wilfredo Ruiz Interviewed About Arson Attack on Mosque
  • CAIR-Dallas: Growing Up Muslim After 9/11, Living with Suspicion and Fear (Dallas Morning News)
  • CAIR-San Antonio: Eid Festival Puts Spotlight on Muslim Culture, Angst
  • CAIR-OK: Rally for Justice Prompts Discussion of Improving Community Relations

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CAIR Launches Muslim Voter Registration Effort
#CAIRChallenge urges Muslims to help register five people to vote

(WASHINGTON, D.C., 9/26/16) - The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation's largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today launched #CAIRChallenge � a voter registration initiative in which participants pledge to register five people to vote.

SEE: #CAIRChallenge

To assist Muslim in registering to vote, CAIR is encouraging individuals to make use of CAIR's "Rock the Vote" online voter registration tool.

SEE: CAIR's Rock the Vote

CAIR is also asking Muslim voters to share photographs and videos of their stories of registering people to vote by posting items on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snap Chat, Vine � and including the hashtag #CAIRChallenge.

As part of the #CAIRChallenge, CAIR is releasing a series of videos to encourage Americans Muslims to exercise their civic duty and vote. The first #CAIRChallenge video features CAIR-MN Executive Director Jaylani Hussein.

Video: CAIR Launches #CAIRChallenge Muslim Voter Registration Effort

"As citizens, it is our duty to educate ourselves about the civic process and to participate in that process," said CAIR National Communications Coordinator Nabeelah Naeem. "Our diversity is what makes us stronger as a nation."

She added that it is important to involve young people in the political process.

Later today, CAIR chapters nationwide will host Muslim voter viewing parties during the first presidential debate.

SEE: CAIR Chapters Nationwide to Host Muslim Voter Viewing Parties for Presidential Debate

The Washington-based Muslim civil rights group is asking Muslim community members to report any bias incidents to police and to CAIR's Civil Rights Department at 202-742-6420 or by filing a report at: http://www.cair.com/civil-rights/report-an-incident/view/form.html

CAIR is America's largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.

La misión de CAIR es mejorar la comprensión del Islam, fomentar el diálogo, proteger las libertades civiles, capacitar a los musulmanes estadounidenses, y construir coaliciones que promuevan la justicia y la comprensión mutua.

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CONTACT: CAIR Government Affairs Director Robert McCaw, 202-742-6448, rmccaw@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, ihooper@cair.com

***

BREAKING NEWS:

 

CAIR Seeks Probe of Bias Motive for Arson Targeting Missouri Mosque

(WASHINGTON, D.C., 9/25/16) - The Missouri chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Missouri), the nation's largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today called on state and federal law enforcement authorities to investigate a possible bias motive for an apparent arson attack on a mosque under construction in that state.

Officials with the Islamic Center of Northland in Kansas City, Mo., say they discovered burns on the interior of the mosque Saturday morning when they arrived for a meeting. Kansas City police report finding two burned bottles inside the mosque site.

SEE: Arson Suspected at Northland Mosque Under Construction  

“Given the recent spike in attacks on mosque nationwide, and the rising Islamophobia fueled by anti-Muslim rhetoric in the presidential campaign, we urge law enforcement officials to investigate a possible bias motive for this incident,” said CAIR-Missouri Executive Director Faizan Syed.

He noted that CAIR recently reported that 2016 is on track to be one of the worst years ever for anti-mosque incidents, with a total of 55 cases recorded as of mid-September. Last year there were a total of 79 recorded anti-mosque cases.

CAIR Report: 2016 on Track to Be One of the Worst Years for Anti-Mosque Incidents

The majority of the 2016 incidents have been violent in tone, characterized by intimidation, physical assault and property damage, destruction or vandalism. CAIR attributes the rise in anti-mosque incidents at least in part to Islamophobic rhetoric used by public figures like Donald Trump and others.

In the first two weeks of September, three incidents targeting mosques have occurred. The most destructive of these has been in Florida, where a mosque was intentionally set ablaze and a suspect arrested.

Video: CAIR-Florida Welcomes Arrest of Suspect in Mosque Arson, Applauds Police Actions

The Washington-based Muslim civil rights group is asking Muslim community members to report any bias incidents to police and to CAIR's Civil Rights Department at 202-742-6420 or by filing a report at: www.cair.com/report

CAIR is America's largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.

La misión de CAIR es mejorar la comprensión del Islam, fomentar el diálogo, proteger las libertades civiles, capacitar a los musulmanes estadounidenses, y construir coaliciones que promuevan la justicia y la comprensión mutua.      

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CONTACT: CAIR-Missouri Executive Director Faizan Syed, 636-207-8882, 314-330-2946, E-Mail: fsyed@cair.com; CAIR Department to Monitor and Combat Islamophobia Director Corey Saylor, 202-384-8857, csaylor@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, ihooper@cair.com

 ***

CAIR Chapters Nationwide to Host Muslim Voter Viewing Parties for Presidential Debate

(WASHINGTON, D.C., 9/23/16) � On Monday, September 26, chapters of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation's largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, will host Muslim voter viewing parties around the country during the first presidential debate.

WHAT: CAIR Muslim Voter Presidential Debate Viewing Parties Nationwide

WHEN: Monday, September 26

WHERE: Various Locations [NOTE: To determine whether a viewing party will be held locally, contact the nearest CAIR chapter by going to: http://www.cair.com/cair-chapters.html]

CONTACT: CAIR Government Affairs Director Robert McCaw, 202-742-6448, rmccaw@cair.com

CAIR's national office and a number of CAIR chapters have also launched Muslim voter engagement campaigns.

SEE: CAIR Launches 2016 'Muslims Vote' Campaign with Questionnaire Toolkit, Religious Pluralism Pledge
CAIR-Missouri Launches Statewide Voter Engagement Campaign
CAIR to Continue Elections Efforts to Mobilize Bay Area Muslim Vote

The Washington-based Muslim civil rights group is asking Muslim community members to report any bias incidents to police and to CAIR's Civil Rights Department at 202-742-6420 or by filing a report at: http://www.cair.com/civil-rights/report-an-incident/view/form.html   

CAIR is America's largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.

La misión de CAIR es mejorar la comprensión del Islam, fomentar el diálogo, proteger las libertades civiles, capacitar a los musulmanes estadounidenses, y construir coaliciones que promuevan la justicia y la comprensión mutua.

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CONTACT: CAIR Government Affairs Director Robert McCaw, 202-742-6448, rmccaw@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, ihooper@cair.com

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• The Michigan chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-MI) today announced that it defeated a summary judgment motion filed by the Michigan Department of Corrections (MDOC) in connection with a lawsuit the Muslim civil rights organization filed on behalf of several Muslim inmates for the denial of adequate nutrition during the yearly month-long fast of Ramadan.
• CAIR-GA Withdraws Request for DOJ Probe of Newton County Mosque Moratorium
  
  The Georgia chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-GA) today announced that it has withdrawn its request for a federal investigation into Newton County's moratorium on houses of worship, which the Board of Commissioners allowed to expire today.
  • CAIR-GA: Ban Affecting Newton County Mosque Expires (Atlanta Journal)
• CAIR-LA: Muslim Veteran Who Served in Iraq Finds 'Terrorist' Written on His Locker
  
  "Hate and bigotry have no place in our country, especially not at a U.S. military base," Hussam Ayloush, executive director at the Los Angeles chapter of CAIR, said in a statement. "CAIR-LA is working with Mr. Abbas to ensure his rights as a disabled American Muslim veteran are protected and that the perpetrators of such hateful actions are brought to justice."
  • Video: CAIR-MN Director Invites 'Muslims Get Out' Sign Business Owner to Visit Mosque
• Community Alert: Join CAIR, Maryland Jewish Groups to Assemble 'Blessing Bags' for Homeless on Governor's Day to Serve
  
  On Monday, September 26, the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation's largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, will join with Maryland's Jewish community to assemble "blessing bags" for the homeless.
  
  WHAT: Jewish-Muslim Governor's Day to Serve
  WHEN: Monday, September 26, 5:30 p.m.
  WHERE: Baltimore Hebrew Congregation, 7401 Park Heights Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21208
  R.S.V.P. TO: CAIR Maryland Outreach Manager Dr. Zainab Chaudry, zchaudry@cair.com, 410-971-6062
• Video: CAIR-NJ, Other Muslim Groups Condemn NYC and NJ Bombings, Urge Unity

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CAIR Demands Independent Probe, Accountability Following N.C. Police Shooting

(WASHINGTON, D.C., 9/21/16) � The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation's largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today demanded an independent investigation and for police accountability after a Charlotte, N.C., police officer fatally shot an African-American man while serving a warrant for a different person. Police claim the man they shot had a gun, while family members say he did not own a weapon.

Keith Lamont Scott, 43, was fatally shot by an African-American officer at an apartment complex on the city's northeast side. Scott's daughter says that her father was unarmed and that he was sitting in the car reading a book waiting on his son to get off a bus from school. Protests erupted following the shooting.

Charlotte Police Shooting: Protests Erupt After Officer Kills Man

In a statement, CAIR National Executive Director Nihad Awad said:

"The many deadly incidents of police targeting apparently unarmed African-American men occurring nationwide mandate not only independent investigations by both state and federal authorities, but also accountability by local police and public officials. Lack of accountability perpetuates a disregard for the lives of African-Americans."

Yesterday, CAIR's Oklahoma chapter called on state officials to ensure a "fair and transparent" investigation into the police shooting death of Terence Crutcher, and welcomed the U.S. Dept. of Justice investigation into the shooting. Crutcher, an unarmed 40-year-old father of three, was fatally shot by a Tulsa Police officer on Friday after his vehicle broke down on two-lane highway in North Tulsa.

SEE: CAIR-OK Seeks 'Fair and Transparent' Probe of Police Shooting Death of Terence Crutcher

The Washington-based Muslim civil rights group is asking Muslim community members to report any bias incidents to police and to CAIR's Civil Rights Department at 202-742-6420 or by filing a report at: http://www.cair.com/civil-rights/report-an-incident/view/form.html   

CAIR is America's largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.

La misión de CAIR es mejorar la comprensión del Islam, fomentar el diálogo, proteger las libertades civiles, capacitar a los musulmanes estadounidenses, y construir coaliciones que promuevan la justicia y la comprensión mutua.

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CONTACT: CAIR Government Affairs Director Robert McCaw, 202-742-6448, rmccaw@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, ihooper@cair.com

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• CAIR-OK Seeks 'Fair and Transparent' Probe of Police Shooting Death of Terence Crutcher
  
  The Oklahoma Chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-OK) today called on state officials to ensure a fair and transparent investigation into the police shooting death of Terence Crutcher, and welcomed the U.S. Dept. of Justice investigation into the shooting.
• Video: CAIR-SFBA Director Zahra Billoo Interviewed on Trump's Call for Profiling, Islamophobia
  • Video: CAIR-GA Director Condemns 'Homicidal Lunacy' of Those Who Commit Acts of Violence
  • CAIR-MN: Faith Leaders, Suspect's Family Call for Calm and Unity
    
    "I am proud to stand with these leaders today to really offer a message of hope, a message of a community and we are proclaiming from this tragedy we can move forward," said Jaylani Hussein, executive director of the Minnesota chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations.
  • CAIR-MN: St. Cloud Faith Leaders Express Support for Somali Community
    
  • Video: CAIR Statement on NY, NJ and MN Attacks
• Video: CAIR Rep Says PAC's Gun Giveaway May Endanger American Muslims

CAIR-MN to Invite Business Owner Who Put Up 'Muslims Get Out' Sign to Visit Mosque

(MINNEAPOLIS, MN, 9/20/2016) � Later today, the head of the Minnesota chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-MN) will reach out to a Lonsdale, Minn., business owner who put up a "Muslims Get Out" sign outside his restaurant to invite him to meet with Muslim community leaders at the Islamic Center of Faribault.

CAIR-MN Executive Director Jaylani Hussein will invite Treats Family Restaurant owner Dan Ruedinger to the mosque so that he can interact with Muslims and learn more about Islam and the local Muslim community.

Video: Minnesota Restaurant Puts Up 'Muslims Get Out' Sign
CAIR-MN Reaches Out to Lonsdale Restaurant Owner Who Put Up 'Muslims Get Out' Sign
CAIR-MN: 'Muslims Get Out' Sign Owner Invited to Mosque

"Our experience has shown that interaction with ordinary American Muslims and enhanced knowledge of Islam are key factors in the reduction of Islamophobic attitudes," said Hussein. "We invite Mr. Ruedinger to visit the mosque in Fairbault and to learn more about Muslims and Islam in Minnesota."

Hussein thanked those community members of different faiths and backgrounds who spoke out against the "Muslims Get Out Sign."

CAIR is America's largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.

La misión de CAIR es mejorar la comprensión del Islam, fomentar el diálogo, proteger las libertades civiles, capacitar a los musulmanes estadounidenses, y construir coaliciones que promuevan la justicia y la comprensión mutua.

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CONTACT: CAIR-MN Executive Director Jaylani Hussein, 612-406-0070, jhussein@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, ihooper@cair.com

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• CAIR-MN, Muslim and Interfaith Leaders to Urge Unity Following St. Cloud Stabbings
  
  Later today, the Minnesota chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-MN) will join Muslim community and interfaith leaders at a press conference in St, Cloud, Minn., to urge unity in the wake of the Cross Road Mall stabbings.
  
  WHEN: Monday, September 19, 5 p.m.
  WHERE: Outside St. Cloud City Hall, St. Cloud, MN
  CONTACT: CAIR-MN Executive Director Jaylani Hussein, 612-406-0070, jhussein@cair.com
  • CAIR-MN: Somali-American Leaders Speak Out in Press Conference
    
    Jaylani Hussein, executive director of the Minnesota chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations: "This is a tragedy and we hope from this tragedy we can build a better, stronger community here. A strong St. Cloud that is inclusive and welcoming for all people."
  • CAIR-MN: After St. Cloud Mall Attack, Muslim Community Fears Retaliation
• Video: CAIR-Alabama Hosts Muslim Women's Event to Challenge Islamophobia
  • CAIR-PA: In Pittsburgh, Muslims Work to Overcome Perception (Post-Gazette)
  • A small Virginia county put brakes on plans for a mosque. Was it discrimination? (Washington Post)
  • Fear Over Islam in Schools Draws a Crowd Montana
• CAIR: Sacramento Girl Honored for Embodying Muhammad Ali's Stand Against Hate

CAIR Welcomes Arrest of Suspect in New York and New Jersey Bombings, Urges Unity

(WASHINGTON, D.C., 9/19/16) � The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation's largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today welcomed the arrest of a suspect who is believed to have been involved in recent bombings in New York and New Jersey.

CAIR also urged national unity in the face of violence.

In a statement, CAIR National Executive Director Nihad Awad said:

"We welcome the arrest of the suspect in this case and hope this ends the series of potentially-deadly incidents. American Muslims, like all Americans reject extremism and violence, and seek a safe and secure nation. Our nation is most secure when we remain united and reject the fear-mongering and guilt by association often utilized following such attacks. We stand together with our fellow Americans in New York, New Jersey and Minnesota as we deal with the troubling phenomenon of domestic terrorism."

CAIR-NJ Executive Director Jim Sues said: "We thank the law enforcement agencies involved in the apprehension of this suspect for their swift and professional actions."

"We urge all New Yorkers and Americans across the nation to stand in solidarity against intolerance aimed at dividing communities," said CAIR-NY Executive Director Afaf Nasher.

Nasher added that CAIR has noted a spike in anti-Muslim discrimination and hate crimes in recent months, which the civil rights group attributes at least in part to Islamophobic rhetoric used by various public figures, like Donald Trump, who today renewed his call for racial and religious profiling of Americans.

CAIR: Trump Says Fear of Profiling Inhibits U.S. Terrorism Prevention (Bloomberg)
Report: Hate Crimes Targeting Muslims, Arab-Americans Rise Dramatically in 2015

One of the latest anti-Muslim incidents include the firebombing of a mosque in Florida.

Video: CAIR-Florida Welcomes Arrest of Suspect in Mosque Arson, Applauds Police Actions

The Washington-based Muslim civil rights group is asking Muslim community members to report any bias incidents to police and to CAIR's Civil Rights Department at 202-742-6420 or by filing a report at: http://www.cair.com/civil-rights/report-an-incident/view/form.html          

CAIR is America's largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.

La misión de CAIR es mejorar la comprensión del Islam, fomentar el diálogo, proteger las libertades civiles, capacitar a los musulmanes estadounidenses, y construir coaliciones que promuevan la justicia y la comprensión mutua.

Become a Fan of CAIR on Facebook              
Subscribe to CAIR's Email List       
Subscribe to CAIR's Twitter Feed         
Subscribe to CAIR's YouTube Channel        

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CONTACT: CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, ihooper@cair.com; CAIR-NJ Executive Director Jim Sues, 908-668-5900, jsues@cair.com; CAIR-NY Executive Director Afaf Nasher, 917-669-4006, anasher@cair.com; Director of Strategic Litigation Albert Cahn, 571-766-6273, acahn@cair.com

Council on American-Islamic Relations
453 New Jersey Ave, S.E., Washington, D.C., 20003

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