CAIR OP-ED SUBMISSION: Love for Jesus Can Bring Christians, Muslims Together "Behold! The angels said: 'O Mary! God giveth thee glad tidings of a Word from Him. His name will be Jesus Christ, the son of Mary, held in honor in this world and the Hereafter and in (the company of) those nearest to God.'" Sold-Out CAIR-San Diego Banquet a Success More than 400 people turned out on Sunday for the 8th annual banquet of the San Diego chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-San Diego). The banquet was dedicated to the struggle of Nelson Mandela. Many of the speakers reflected on how to learn from his long struggle and how to make this world a better place. CAIR-MI: Sanitizing Nelson Mandela Does Not Help the Racial Equality Movement (Detroit News) As we remember Mandela, let's be thankful of his contribution to freedom, justice and equality among the human family. But let us also look at his life within a broader struggle in which South Africans and other disenfranchised people are still engaged in. Memorializing Mandela should not be a tonic that puts us to sleep of the reality of racism in the world. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CAIR-NY Asks Feds to Probe Hate Vandalism of Muslim's Truck (NEW YORK, N.Y., 12/11/13) –- The New York chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NY) today called on local law enforcement authorities and the FBI to investigate vandalism of a Watertown, N.Y., Muslim's vehicle as a possible hate crime. CAIR-NY said the Muslim immigrant's truck was damaged at his home early Saturday. The vandals shattered the windshield and side windows, causing more than $3,000 damage. According to the police report, a note containing racial and religious slurs was tucked under the car's windshield wipers. The note stated: "U (expletive) (racial slur) I know where u work too!!! U better watch your back!!!". . ."(Expletive) Muslim and (racial slur)! Quit your job or else." Local police are investigating and will determine whether the incident is a hate crime. SEE: Police Investigate Vandalism of Muslim Man's Car in Watertown as Possible Hate Crime "The racial and religious slurs used in this act of violence clearly indicate a need to investigate a bias motive," said CAIR-NY Director of Operations Sadyia Khalique. "By adding its resources to the investigation of this case, the FBI will send a message that hate-motivated acts of anti-Muslim violence will not be tolerated." Just yesterday, CAIR's Washington state chapter held a news conference calling for a maximum sentence in the beating of a Sikh taxi driver by a man shouting anti-Muslim slurs. CAIR-WA: Man Sentenced for Anti-Muslim Attack on Sikh Cabbie (Video) Also yesterday, CAIR's St. Louis chapter director spoke about the rising level of Islamophobia in American society that can lead to such incidents. Islamophobia: A Discussion About the Causes and Possible Solutions CAIR: Islamophobia Rages on in Tennessee Muslim-Bashers' Latest Target: Texas Wesleyan (Star-Telegram) CAIR's recently-released report, "Legislating Fear: Islamophobia and its Impact in the United States," revealed that anti-Islam groups received more than $119 million in funding between 2008 and 2011. SEE: Legislating Fear: Islamophobia and its Impact in the United States CAIR-NY is a chapter of 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. - END - CONTACT: CAIR-NY Director of Operations Sadyia Khalique, 212-870-2002, E-Mail: skhalique@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, E-Mail: ihooper@cair.com