FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Conn. Muslims Join Prayer Vigil for Families of Shooting Victims (HARTFORD, CT, 12/28/2012) -- A representative of the Connecticut chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-CT) today joined members from Al Hedaya Islamic Center and other representatives of the interfaith community in Newtown, Conn., to mark the two-week anniversary of the tragic events at Sandy Hook Elementary School. Several dozen people gathered to remember the victims of the senseless shootings and to offer spiritual support to theloved ones of those who died. SEE: Newtown Vigil Marks Two Weeks Since Shootings "We hope the many prayers by those of different faiths will offer the spiritual supportneeded to place our community on the path to healing," said CAIR-CT representative Mongi Dhaouadi. "Al Hedaya Islamic Center has been playing an important role in Newton by connecting Muslims in the area with the healing process." Since the attack on the school, CAIR has been in contact with the Muslim community in Newtown to provide support and to help the community to cope with the aftermath. Two days after the shootings, Al Hedaya Islamic Center participated in a prayer vigil with families of the victims and survivors that was attended by President Obama. During this event, Al Hedaya representatives recited verses from the Quran, Islam's revealed text, and read a statement asking God "to grant those lost a special place in paradise and we ask their families to be granted the strength to endure the unendurable." SEE: Video: Statement of Muslim Community at Newtown, Conn., Interfaith Service with President Obama 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.