The Progressive

NewsWire

A project of Common Dreams

For Immediate Release
Contact: CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper,Phone: 202-744-7726,E-Mail:,ihooper@cair.com

CAIR Offers Condolences on Death of Judge Sheila Abdus-Salaam

The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation's largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today offered condolences to the family and loved ones of Judge Sheila Abdus-Salaam, the nation's first female Muslim judge and the first African-American woman to serve on New York state's highest court.

WASHINGTON

The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation's largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today offered condolences to the family and loved ones of Judge Sheila Abdus-Salaam, the nation's first female Muslim judge and the first African-American woman to serve on New York state's highest court.

"To God we belong and to Him we return," said CAIR National Executive Director Nihad Awad. "Judge Abdus-Salaam was an inspiring example of personal success and empowerment, and served faithfully as a voice for justice in our society. Her death represents a devastating loss for our community and for the nation."

CAIR-NY Executive Director Afaf Nasher stated: "Judge Abdus-Salaam was not only a trailblazer in the legal community, she was a dedicated public servant who spent her entire career advocating for the rights of marginalized people. As a member of the bench, Judge Abdus-Salaam continued her life's work, authoring decisions that helped fulfill the often-unrealized promise that New York's laws should provide justice and dignity for all."

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.

(202) 488-8787