CALIF. IMAM DIES IN ‘SUSPICIOUS’ FIRE - TOP
Muslim civil rights group calls on FBI to probe death as possible hate crime
(ANAHEIM, CA, 7/2/09) - The Greater Los Angeles Area office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-LA) today called on the FBI to investigate a Yermo imam’s death as a possible hate crime after the Muslim religious leader’s body was found inside a residence that burned down this past weekend.
Family members told CAIR-LA that Imam Ali Mohammed, who founded a mosque in Yermo, went on Saturday afternoon to clean hate graffiti scrawled inside an unoccupied house that was once the family’s home, but he never returned. The family had recently moved out of the house because of alleged anti-Muslim harassment and prejudice by individuals in the area. According to authorities, an individual who was suspected of harassing the family was sent to prison in 2008.
Local law enforcement authorities are calling the explosion and fire “suspicious” but have not yet made a determination as to the cause of the blaze. An autopsy is being performed today.
SEE: Former Mosque Owner Dies in Residential Fire
Graffiti written on the walls inside the house prior to the fire reportedly stated: “F*** you Arab,” “KKK, sand n**ger,” “go home Arab.” An American flag and a Nazi swastika were also drawn on the walls.
SEE: Hate Graffiti at Yermo House
“My father was a deeply caring person who worked toward building peace, unity and harmony among residents of the High Desert,” said Hadie Mohammed, the imam’s son. “During this time of immense grief, my family is grateful for the condolences and community support and pray that those who committed this horrific crime will face justice.”
The mosque founded by the imam and located near the burned house was the target of an arson attack in 2007.
Imam Ali Mohammed was a respected community leader in the High Desert and helped establish other mosques in the area.
“We are deeply troubled by the tragic death of Imam Ali Mohammed and ask that the FBI and local law enforcement authorities immediately conduct an investigation into the possibility of a bias motive in his death,” said CAIR-LA Staff Attorney Ameena Qazi. “We hope that any perpetrators are brought to justice and punished to the full extent of the law.”
Earlier this month, a mosque in Cypress, Calif., was vandalized with graffiti, which stated: "F**k You, "we're going to kill you," and "US Military is going to kill you all." Police are treating the vandalism at the Cypress mosque as a hate crime.
SEE: Islamic Center Tagged with Graffiti
Earlier today, CAIR’s south Florida chapter (CAIR-SFL) called on the FBI to investigate a possible bias motive for vandalism at a mosque in that state.
SEE: Vandals Smash Windows of West Kendall Mosque (Miami Herald)
CAIR offers advice for reacting to anti-Muslim hate crimes in its "Muslim Community Safety Kit."
CAIR, America's largest Muslim civil liberties organization, 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.
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CONTACT: CAIR-LA Communications Manager Munira Syeda, 714-776-1847, 714-851-4851, E-Mail: info@losangeles.cair.com; CAIR 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
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FBI ASKED TO PROBE LATEST VANDALISM OF FLORIDA MOSQUE - TOP
Miami-area Islamic center targeted repeatedly by unknown attackers
(MIAMI, FL, 7/2/09) - The south Florida chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-SFL) today called on the FBI to investigate a possible bias motive for vandalism at a mosque in that state.
Vandals smashed two windows of the Islamic School of Miami this past weekend but the vandalism was only discovered on Tuesday because the windows were in a storage area. Six months ago, the same mosque’s windows were shattered and its golden dome damaged by a hail of gunfire. In 2005, a large rock was used to shatter the door of the mosque. In 2004, the mosque’s sign was defaced with a Nazi swastika.
SEE: Vandals Smash Windows of West Kendall Mosque (Miami Herald)
“We urge state and federal law enforcement authorities to investigate a possible bias motive for this latest attack,” said CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper. “We also urge those committed to justice and interfaith tolerance to speak out against the perpetrators.”
Hooper also asked local police to provide stepped-up protection at the mosque. He said CAIR offers advice for reacting to anti-Muslim hate crimes in its "Muslim Community Safety Kit."
SEE: CAIR Muslim Community Safety Kit
CAIR, America's largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization, 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.
CONTACT: CAIR-SFL, 954-272-0490, E-Mail: info@cairfl.org; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-488-8787, 202-744-7726, E-Mail: ihooper@cair.com; CAIR Communications Coordinator Amina Rubin, 202-488-8787, 202-341-4171, E-Mail: arubin@cair.com

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VANDALS SMASH WINDOWS OF WEST KENDALL MOSQUE - TOP
Jaweed Kaleem, Miami Herald, 7/2/09
A West Kendall mosque had its windows smashed last weekend, sparking fear among congregants who believe the worship center is being targeted by vandals.
No one was inside the Islamic School of Miami, 11699 SW 147th Ave., when the two windows were broken late Friday or early Saturday, and there were no signs of entry into the building.
“Somebody walked up and broke them, maybe with a crowbar, and these are hurricane-proof windows,” said Nidal Hussain, a mosque leader. “The community is pretty upset.”
In another late-night incident six months ago, the mosque was sprayed with 51 bullets that left broken windows and holes in the building's golden dome. (More)
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CA: TORCHED MOSQUE RISES LIKE PHOENIX - TOP
Dave Roberts, Antioch Press, 7/2/09

The speakers at Saturday’s inauguration ceremony for the reopened Islamic Center of East Bay mosque, which has arisen like a phoenix from the ashes of an arson fire two years ago, focused on the positive that has emerged from the negative.
The arsonist or arsonists have yet to be found in the torching of the center on Aug. 11, 2007, causing $200,000 damage and shutting down the facility for nearly two years. The fire followed on the hate-filled heels of vandalism, threatening phone messages and shots fired into the empty building at night. Mosque officials and members debated whether they wanted to rebuild or even remain in Antioch, given the violence and hostility they encountered.
“Some opined that the place was unsafe, as women and children come here,” said center President Mohammad Ashraf Chaudhry to the standing-room-only crowd in the mosque meeting room. “Others suggested that a piece of land be acquired, and a new center be constructed there. There were others who advised that the money be donated to another center, and the Islamic Center here be closed. Very few of us saw any opportunity in the adversity that had visited us without any fault of ours.”
However, a strong outpouring of community support in October of 2007, when 350 people marched from Antioch City Hall to the mosque on East 18th Street carrying signs reading “Peace,” “Stop the Hate,” “Not In My Town,” and “Coexist” might have convinced mosque leaders to stay and rebuild. (More)
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CAIR-CHICAGO FILES DISCRIMINATION COMPLAINT ON BEHALF OF MUSLIM BANK EMPLOYEE - TOP
(CHICAGO, IL, 7/1/09) - The Chicago office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Chicago) filed a complaint in federal court today on behalf of a Muslim woman who claims to have suffered harassment at her place of work.
The woman, an American Muslim of Turkish descent, alleges that she was harassed repeatedly by co-workers and management at the Bridgeview Bank Group (Lincolnshire branch). Despite complaining to her manager about the coworkers' harassment, the manager refused to address the problem and instead began treating the woman less favorably, providing less training and stricter work standards. The Director of Human Resources also allegedly failed to address the woman's complaints.
After being denied a transfer to another branch, the woman felt compelled to resign.
"Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 mandates that employers prevent and rectify harassment that employees face based on their religion or national origin," said CAIR-Chicago Staff Attorney Kevin Vodak. "In this country, no one should have to endure discrimination in their workplace."
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) issued a right to sue notice on May 1, 2009.
CAIR-Chicago, a chapter of America's largest Muslim civil rights group has 35 offices and chapters nationwide and in Canada. Its mission is to promote justice, enhance the understanding of Islam, and empower American Muslims.
CONTACT: Amina Sharif, Communications Coordinator, CAIR-Chicago, E-Mail: asharif@cair.com; 312.212.1520 or 630.935.5562; Kevin Vodak, Attorney, CAIR-Chicago, E-Mail: civilrights@cairchicago.org; 312.212.1520

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CAIR-NY SEEKS IMPLEMENTATION OF BIAS BULLYING REGS IN SCHOOLS - TOP
(NEW YORK, NY, 7/2/09) - The New York chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NY) today called on the New York City (NYC) Department of Education (DOE) to fully implement Chancellor’s Regulations A-832 that addresses bias-based bullying and harassment in NYC public schools.
“We call on the DOE to enforce standing regulations concerning bias prevention in New York City public schools,” said CAIR-NY Civil Rights Director Aliya Latif. “No child should feel unsafe to go to school because of his race, religion or national origin.”
Latif’s statement followed the release of a report card issued by the Sikh Coalition, the Coalition for Asian Children and Families and the American Legal Defense and Education Fund that found that Chancellor’s Regulations A-832 was not being met on the ground.
Key findings included that students lacked knowledge of how to report incidents of alleged bias and schools failed to enforce preventative measures and to follow-up after reporting.
SEE: Biased Based Harassment in New York City Public Schools: A Report Card on the Implementation of Chancellor’s Regulations A-832
The report card was endorsed by a number of civil rights groups, including CAIR-NY.
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.
CONTACT: CAIR-NY Civil Rights Director Aliya Latif, 212-870-2002, 732-429-4268, alatif@cair.com; CAIR-NY Community Affairs Director Faiza N. Ali, 212-870-2002, 718-724-3041, fali@cair.com
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MUSLIMS CELEBRATE JULY 4 BY FIGHTING HUNGER - TOP
Zamir Hassan, Muslims Against Hunger Project, 7/2/09
Muslims Against Hunger Project is organizing a special Interfaith Serve Day to celebrate the Fourth of July holiday on Saturday, while offering Muslim volunteers an opportunity to fulfill the charity pillar of Islam.
Volunteers from various faiths will join hands and serve hot meals to the working poor and homeless. More than 21 volunteers from various parts of New Jersey will gather and prepare 200 hot meals and serve the working poor and homeless at Elijah's Promise Soup Kitchen in New Brunswick.
The Interfaith Serve Day at the soup kitchen gives members of Muslim community a way to practice the true spirit of Islam by sacrificing their time and money for a noble cause. The event provides Muslims an opportunity to practice the generosity of Islam and educate our friends and neighbors about Islamic traditions.
This event will not only help us feed the hungry and homeless, but will create a silent dialogue and help bring diverse groups of individuals together to work for a common cause. In doing so, we begin to learn from one another and grow in our understanding of one another. (More)
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ACTION ALERT: CAIR-NJ CALLS ON ALL VOLUNTEERS FOR SOUP KITCHEN - TOP
The New Jersey chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NJ) calls on all Muslims in the New Jersey area to assist Muslims Against Hunger by volunteering at Elijah's Promise Soup Kitchen in New Brunswick.
"Muslims Against Hunger Project" is organizing a special "Interfaith Serve Day" to celebrate the July 4th holiday this year. Muslims Against Hunger is offering Muslim volunteers an opportunity to fulfill another pillar of Islam; charity.
Volunteers from various faiths will join hands and serve hot meals to the working poor and homeless. More than 21 volunteers from various parts of New Jersey will gather and prepare 200 hot meals and serve the working poor and homeless at Elijahs Promise Soup Kitchen located in New Brunswick, New Jersey.
This event will not only help us feed the hungry, and homeless, but will also create a silent dialogue and help bring diverse groups of individuals together to work for a common cause. In doing so, we begin to learn from one another and grow in our understanding of one another." stated Muslim Against Hunger's Zamir Hassan
WHAT: Volunteer opportunity at Interfaith Soup Kitchen
WHERE: Elijah’s Promise Soup Kitchen, 18 Neilson St, New Brunswick, NJ 08991
WHEN: July 4th, The Independence Day
TIME: 12noon to 5pm (supper prep shift in kitchen: 12:00noon to 3:30 pm, table dinner serve Shift: 3:00pm to 4:30pm, clean-up shift: 4:00pm to 6:00pm)
CONTACT: Volunteers (12 year +) need to register by July 3; please submit your contact information by email: muslimsagainsthunger.mmo@gmail.com or by Phone: 908-364-4441, Please mention the shift you wish to volunteer for.
In an ongoing effort to promote volunteerism among our communities under the "Muslims Care" Campaign, CAIR-NJ Public Relations Director, Afsheen Shamsi has committed to volunteering with the Interfaith Soup Kitchen on an ongoing basis and encourages others in the NJ Muslim community to do the same.
How Can You Help?
1. Volunteer Time: 21 volunteers are needed to work between 9:00am to 1:30pm and help us set up, prepare 500 meals, serve, and cleanup.
2. Donate to buy food: You can sponsor meals at $5.74 per meal.
Please Mail your tax exempt donations to: "Al-Hilal Hunger and Homeless Shelter Fund", P.O.Box 12, Pluckemin NJ 07978
3. Tell others who may want to participate and help.
For more information: Please contact Zamir Hassan Phone: 908-364-4441, email: muslimsagainsthunger@gmail.com
To learn more about CAIR-NJ or Muslims Care please contact: CAIR-NJ Public Relations Director, Afsheen Shamsi at 908-938-5990 or ashamsi@cair.com
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CAIR: MCKINNEY STILL HELD ON SHIP OF ACTIVISTS DETAINED BY ISRAEL - TOP
Kent A. Miles, Atlanta Journal-Constitution, 7/1/09
Israel on Wednesday reportedly sent home two of the 21 people taken aboard a ship that attempted to break through a blockade and deliver supplies to Gaza.
Authorities released an American filmmaker and a Danish human rights activist, according to freegaza.org, the web site of the Free Gaza Movement, which organized the voyage opposing the blockade.
The other passengers remain in Israeli custody, among them former Georgia congresswoman Cynthia McKinney, and 1977 Nobel Peace Prize recipient Mairead Maguire, who co-founded a group that worked for peace in Northern Ireland. (More)
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UN EXPERT SAYS ISRAELI SEIZURE OF AID SHIP A CRIME - TOP
Stephanie Nebehay, Reuters, 7/2/09
GENEVA, July 2 (Reuters) - A U.N. human rights investigator on Thursday called Israel's seizure of a ship carrying relief aid for the Gaza Strip "unlawful" and said its blockade of the territory constituted a "continuing crime against humanity". (More)
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HOUSING MINISTER: SPREAD OF ARAB POPULATION MUST BE STOPPED - TOP
Haaretz
Housing Minister Ariel Atias on Thursday warned against the spread of Arab population into various parts of Israel, saying that preventing this phenomenon was no less than a national responsibility. (More)