CAIR OFFERS RAMADAN GREETINGS, THANKS PRESIDENT OBAMA FOR VIDEO MESSAGE - TOP

(WASHINGTON, D.C., 8/21/09) – The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) today offered Ramadan greetings to American Muslims and thanked President Obama for a videotaped message marking the month-long fast and acknowledging Muslim community service efforts.

VIDEO: President Obama’s Ramadan Message

SEE ALSO: Transcript of President Obama’s Ramadan Message

In his message, released today, the president said: “This summer, people across America have served in their communities – educating children, caring for the sick, and extending a hand to those who have fallen on hard times. Faith-based organizations, including many Islamic organizations, have been at the forefront in participating in this summer of service.”

President Obama was referring to Muslim participation in his recently-announced “United We Serve” initiative, which is designed to “make service a way of life for all Americans.”

“We wish everyone a blessed Ramadan and join President Obama in encouraging a spirit of community service for Americans of all faiths,” said CAIR National Executive Director Nihad Awad.

Awad said CAIR is asking Muslim communities to plan new volunteer community serviceinitiatives, to expand existing activities and to report all such efforts through its “Muslims Care” online form. Muslims Care, an ongoing CAIR program, is designed to encourage volunteerism in the American Muslim community.

SEE ALSO: Show Muslim Support for President Obama’s Community Service Appeal

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.

CONTACT: 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 or 202-341-4171, E-Mail: arubin@cair.com

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CAIR APPLAUDS RELEASE OF ACQUITTED FLA. MUSLIM - TOP
Judge says government failed to prove deportation case

(TAMPA, FL, 8/21/09) - The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) is applauding today’s release of Youssef Megahed, the Florida Muslim who was acquitted of terror charges but later held for deportation based on the same allegations. (Megahed is being processed for release later today.)

Earlier today, Miami-Dade County Immigration Judge Kenneth S. Hurewitz ruled that the government had not proven its case to deport Megahed on the terror charges rejected by the jury. Judge Hurewitz also agreed to release Megahed on bail pending the government’s appeal of his decision.

SEE: Government Agrees to Bail for Megahed After Judge Rules It Couldn't Prove Terrorism Case

“It is time our government accepts the judgment of both the earlier jury and now an immigration judge and leaves Youssef Megahed in peace to mark the upcoming fast of Ramadan with his family,” said Ramzy Kiliç, executive director of CAIR’s Tampa, Fla., office.

Kiliç noted that an immigration judge is held to even a lower standard of evidence than a jury in a criminal case, so Judge Hurewitz reviewed evidence against Megahed that the federal jury did not see. Even with this additional evidence, the judge ruled against the government.

Megahed was arrested in South Carolina in August of 2007 following a traffic stop by local police. He was charged with transporting explosive materials and a destructive device, but was acquitted of those charges in April of this year. Days later, Megahed was arrested by Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on the same charges he faced in federal court.

Megahed, 23, is a permanent resident whose family moved to America from Egypt when he was 11.

SEE: Youssef Megahed Speaks Out from Prison (Democracy Now)

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.

CONTACT: CAIR-Tampa Executive Director Ramzy Kiliç, 813-486-2529, E-Mail: rkilic@cair.com; CAIR-Tampa Operations Director Khadijah Rivera, 813-516-2137, E-Mail: krivera@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 or 202-341-4171, E-Mail: arubin@cair.com