November, 19 2008, 03:39pm EDT
For Immediate Release
Contact:
National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-488-8787 or 202-744-7726, E-Mail: ihooper@cair.com;
CAIR Communications Coordinator Amina Rubin, 202-488-8787, E-Mail: arubin@cair.com
Zawahri Does Not Speak For Muslims
WASHINGTON
A prominent national Islamic civil rights and advocacy group today
condemned threatening rhetoric and racial slurs contained in a new
video by Ayman al-Zawahri and said Al-Qaida's second-in-command does
not speak for Muslims in this country or worldwide.
SEE: Al-Qaida No. 2 Insults Obama with Racial Epithet (AP)
In a statement reacting to the new video, the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) said:
"As Muslims and as Americans, we will never let terrorist groups or
terror leaders falsely claim to represent us or our faith. The
legitimate grievances of Muslims in many areas of the world can never
serve as an excuse or a justification for attacks on civilian
populations. We once again repudiate Al-Qaida's actions, rhetoric and
worldview and re-state our condemnation of all forms of terrorism and
religious extremism."
SEE: CAIR's Anti-Terrorism Campaigns
CAIR took particular offense to al-Zawahri's use of the offensive
term "house Negro" in reference to President-elect Barack Obama. "Islam
rejects racism and seeks universal peace and brotherhood. We repudiate
any and all use of racial slurs or insults."
The Washington-based council recently welcomed the arrest of two
teenagers who allegedly assaulted a New York Muslim of African heritage
on Election Night after reportedly shouting 'Obama' and condemned a
cross-burning on the lawn of an Obama supporter in New Jersey.
SEE: CAIR-NY Welcomes Arrests in Election Night 'Obama' Attack
SEE ALSO: CAIR Condemns Cross Burning on Lawn of NJ Obama Supporters
CAIR, America's largest Islamic civil liberties group, has 35
offices and chapters nationwide and in Canada. 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.
The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) is a grassroots civil rights and advocacy group. CAIR is America's largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
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