MAS Freedom Press Conference Demonstrates Broad Interfaith Support for Muslim Religious Freedoms, Mosque Construction

Washington D.C. (MASF) Aug. 17, 2010 – In a media room capacity press event, MAS Freedom, joined by major leaders from the Jewish, Christian, and interfaith communities, defended not the so-called “Ground Zero” mosque, but the religious right of Muslims everywhere in America to practice our faith and build our communities.

More than 20 major national and international media organizations came to the National Press Club in Washington, DC to attend the press event, hosted my MAS Freedom and moderated by MAS Freedom Executive Director, Mahdi Bray.  Bray opened the event by placing the opposition to the Cordoba Initiative ”Ground Zero” mosque and community center project into the national context of broad attacks on Muslim houses of worship and communities throughout the United States.  He stated that MAS Freedom

remains deeply concerned that the question of freedom of religion for Muslims in America is not confined to the issue of the proposed project of the Cordoba Initiative (often referred as the “Ground Zero” Mosque) in lower Manhattan. Indeed, Muslim communities throughout the United States – in Connecticut, Georgia, Tennessee, Florida, Wisconsin, California and other states, face zoning challenges, regulatory opposition, and even intimidation and threats of violence when they announce plans to build houses or worship or enlarge mosques and Islamic centers that currently exist. Current research by American University reveals that opposition to building mosques and the vandalizing of mosques are on the rise in America. Holding a small copy of the United States constitution, Bray then called on the “better angels” of American society to stand for the constitutional rights of all people of faith.

Ibrahim Ramey of MAS Freedom, Arielle Gingold of the Interfaith Alliance (the largest interfaith organization in America), Ron Cruz of Pax Christi USA (the largest Catholic peace and social justice organization in the country), and Corey Saylor of the Council on American Islamic Relations (CAIR) echoed the sentiment that Muslims, like other Americans, should not be opposed when they seek to build houses of worship.

These speakers also unanimously affirmed the fact that American Muslims bear no collective guilt for the terrorist attack on September 11^th, 2001, and that the proposed project of the New York City-based Cordoba Initiative is not proposed for location on the site of the attack.

“American Muslims did not plan, finance, or execute this criminal act.  And Muslims were also victimized by this act of terrorism” stated Ramey.  He also mentioned the political motives of many opponents of the project “that can be characterized as anti-immigrant and anti-worker, in addition to being anti-Muslim.

However, notable national political leaders,  including New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg and President Obama, have publicly stated their support for the lower Manhattan project, as have major leaders in the New York City Jewish and Christian communities.

But the prophetic and powerful voice of Rabbi Arthur Waskow of the Shalom Center truly captured the sentiments of all the presenters when he spoke of the goodness and integrity of the Cordoba Initiative leaders, and then told a story of his own grandmother, who, some 60 years ago, rebuked another woman after that woman made racially insensitive remarks. “This is not what we say about other people, because this is America”, he recounted from his grandmother’s words.

Imam Bray then concluded the press conference by stating that MAS Freedom will continue to organize and expand its national campaign “Protect Mosques and American Religious Freedom.” The campaign will provide educational materials with factual information concerning Muslims and their houses of worship and encourage Mosques across America to open their houses of worship to their neighbors during this month of Ramadan.

Also, the MAS Freedom project through its civil rights division will assist Muslim communities and any faith group in America in defending their religious rights to lawfully build houses of worship.

“Second class citizenship is not an option for American Muslims”, Bray concluded.

Muslim organization affirms religious Freedom during Ramadan

MAS Freedom advance campaign for Muslims right to build Mosques

Muslims all over the world have entered into the month of Ramadan. Ramadan is the month in the Islamic lunar calendar in which Muslim are commanded by God to abstain from all food and drink from dawn until sunset each day. During Ramadan, Muslims place special emphasis on cultivating spiritual development, compassion, and generosity to others, especially the poor.

Muslim American Society Freedom (MASF) the civic advocacy and education component of the Muslim American Society, America largest Muslim grassroots organization, has launched a national religious freedom campaign. The campaign calls upon Muslims. especially  during Ramadan, to reach out to their neighbors and members of other faith communities to affirm our collective right to build mosques, as well as the right of all religious communities to build houses of worship, regardless of faith or creed.

MAS Freedom’s “Protect Mosques and American Religious Freedom” campaign is our organizational response to a nationwide challenge, from anti-Muslim groups, to stop the building of Mosques and Islamic Institutions in America. The most notorious challenge to this right is the opposition to the plan of the Cordoba Initiative to build a multi-purpose center in lower Manhattan that is two blocks from the location of the September 11, 2001 attack on the World Trade Center. Although this project has been inaccurately described as a “Ground Zero” mosque, it is actually a 15 story multipurpose center dedicated to building bridges of understanding between Islam and the Western world.

This project has been opposed by such political figures as Newt Gingrich, Sarah Palin and former New York Governor George Pataki. Other opposition groups, characterized by many observers as Anti-Muslim and anti-immigrant, include organizations like “Stop the Islamization of America” led by conservative activist Pamela Geller, organization and Robert Spencer’s “Jihad Watch”, and the Investigative Project headed by Steve Emerson (who was described by the Washington Post as a  “controversial terrorism expert”).

Abe Foxman and the Anti-Defamation League of B’nai B’rith (ADL) also publicly opposed the Cordoba Initiative project, but subsequently drew criticism from many religious freedom advocates, interfaith groups, and civil rights organizations. The award-winning CNN and Newsweek Magazine journalist Fareed Zakaria felt compelled to return a prestigious human rights award, and a generous honorarium, that he had previously received from the ADL.  However, the Cordoba Initiative project received support from New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg and numerous prominent New Yorkers, including music producer Russell Simmons.

A study done by American University indicates that there is a growing national trend of opposition to the building and expansion of mosques and Islamic centers throughout America. Mahdi Bray, Executive Director of MAS Freedom, stated that “There is a well financed campaign in our country to demonize the American Muslim community.  However, freedom of religious expression is protected by the Constitution of the United States.  Our freedoms are not negotiable and second class citizenship for American Muslims is not an option.”

Bray further stated that, “To those who would exploit fear and ignorance, we respond with faith over fear and justice for all. During this blessed month of Ramadan, we will continue to strive and focus on that which is good and noble within ourselves, our neighbors, and our nation.”

MAS Freedom's Mosque Freedom Campaign

 

WASHINGTON, D.C. (MASF) July 21, 2010 - The campaign to stop Muslims from exercising their religious and constitutional rights seems to be relentless.  MAS Freedom through its ongoing "Faith Over Fear and Justice For All Campaign" will continue to defend the right of Muslims and all Americans to build houses of worship.  We encourage the Muslim community and all people of conscience to join us in defending this fundamental religious principle. 

 

If you would like assist in this important initiative "Faith over Fear and Justice for all" in protecting mosques all across America contact Ibrahim Ramey, the MAS Freedom Human and Civil Rights Program Director, at (888) 627-8471, or email: ibrahim.ramey@masfreedom.org, to help support the right of worship for Muslims in America!

 

Click here to view Canadian Broadcasting Company interview featuring MAS Freedom's Civil and Human Rights Director, Ibrahim Ramey.

 

Propaganda May Rage, But It Is Still Not Truth

WASHINGTON, D.C. (MASF) July 19, 2010 - We live in an information age where it is possible for many impressionable people to believe that, if they see something on the internet, then it must be true.  But there still needs to be both an intellectual and a moral filter present in human perception to separate lies from truths, and fiction from fact.

In the case of the current media frenzy concerning the planned construction of an Islamic worship and community center in the neighborhood of the September 11th, 2001 militant attack on New York City, propagandists from the radical political Right are doing everything possible to stir up a climate of fear, anger, and even hatred, directed not only at the Cordoba Initiative but at MAS, and by extension, the collective Muslim community of New York City and America.

The planned facility, even though it is certainly not on the location where the aircraft struck the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center, is being vilified as an "Islamic supremacist" mosque and an insult to the sensitivities of 9-11 victims' families.  Despite the reality of the Cordoba Initiative's clear history of anti-radicalism and positive interfaith bridge-building, Imam Faisal Abdur-Rauf and his wife, Sister Daisy Khan, are vilified as stealth Jihadis bent on the propagation of "radical Islam" and the desecration of the September 11, 2001 memorial location.

And on a personal note, one such propagandist, armed with little more than her own rage and propensity for hatred of Islam, has characterized me as participating in a "hate-fest against Jews" simply because I attended a rally calling for an end to the Israeli blockade of Gaza (note: U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon and Nobel Peace Prize winners Desmond Tutu and Mareid Corrigan Maguire, among countless others, have takes the same position on the Israeli blockade of Gaza and the illegal occupation of Palestinian land . Are they Jew-haters, too)?

Yes, there are those who oppose the right of Muslims to establish places of worship in America, despite the total lack of evidence that these mosques, or their organizers, promote violence or intolerance.  Muslims, like other people in America, should respect the law, and challenge any and all people who violate it, whether they are Muslim or not.  But the same law that we should respect and obey also guarantees religious freedom, and provides for the presumption of innocence until parties are proven guilty.  

The drumbeat of attacks and slander against us is not a substitute for truth and reason-two qualities that both define the best of the American historical tradition and illuminate the unsavory conduct of those who violate this tradition for their own political purposes.

Being a Muslim is not a crime, and neither is it an indication of collusion with criminals.  We do have a right to assert our freedom to build Islamic houses of worship, as the Mayor of New York City, Michael Bloomberg, stated on the website of the Cordoba Initiative. On the other hand, some Tea Party leaders seethe with anger when others characterize them as being racist, yet they say precious little to repudiate the hateful public remarks that have clearly been made by prominent members of their movement.

We will not engage in name-calling or provocative verbal counter-attacks against those who attack us. We will continue to believe in faith over fear, and in the basic decency of the people of the United States.  And, deep within my heart, I am certain that the Lord of the Worlds will guide, and protect, all people who seek to do good, even if those people are excoriated by those with other motives in their hearts.

Ameen.

Note: The campaign to stop Muslims from exercising their religious and constitutional rights seems to be relentless.  The latest figure to join this un-American campaign to stop Muslims from building mosques is former Governor George Pataki who announced his opposition to building a mosque near Ground Zero on Fox News.  MAS Freedom through its ongoing "Faith Over Fear and Justice For All Campaign" will continue to defend the right of Muslims and all Americans to build houses of worship.  We encourage the Muslim community and all people of conscience to join us in defending this fundamental religious principle.  Please contact the MAS Freedom office today!  Our contact information is as follows: (888)-627-8471 or info@masfreedom.org.

 

 

MAS Freedom launches major campaign to protect religious freedom and Mosques in America

MAS Freedom Launches Protecting Mosques in America Campaign

 

WASHINGTON, D.C. (MASF) July 16, 2010 - Responding to the upsurge of anti Muslim sentiment that has resulted in a campaign to stop Muslims from building mosques, MAS freedom under its "Faith over Fear and Justice for All" initiative is launching a "Protect Mosques in America". The campaign is designed to proactively counter Islamophobia and the growing efforts by a vocal minority group to stop the further building of Mosques in America. The latest research shows that such anti Muslim groups such as Pamela Geller "Stop the Islamazation of America" project, along with Robert Spencer of Jihad Watch, and some Tea Party Activists have joined forced with other anti Muslim groups to challenge the building of Mosques in America.

 

Research done by former Ambassador and Islamic Scholar, Dr. Akbar Ahmed of American University has shown that there is an increase in both challenges to Muslims building mosques and the desecration and vandalism of Muslims in America.  "Many Individuals in America are looking at the challenge to build a mosque near ground zero as an isolated incident however, there is strong evidence to the contrary" stated Mahdi Bray executive director of Muslims American Society Freedom. "Anti Muslim groups in our society is challenging Mosque building in two other separate sites in New York also, in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, Southern California and many other regions throughout the united states. In Fact, these groups are so bold as to publish online a play book that both encourages and outlines tactics that can be used to stop American Muslims from building Mosques. Clearly, this is an attempt to deprive American Muslims of their religious and constitutional rights. It smacks of bigotry and is un-American. We at MAS Freedom are determined to proactively resist those elements within our society that would attempt to trample on the fundamental cherished American principal of the Freedom of Religion. Our rights as Americans are not negotiable and second class citizenship is not an option," Bray stated further.

 

MAS Freedom's "Protecting Mosques in America" initiative will focus on intensifying public education focusing on Muslims and their houses of worship, broadening interfaith outreach, civil rights education pertaining to first amendment constitutional rights (Religious Freedom), and a rapid response team to assist communities whose mosque has either been vandalized or are facing opposition to them building lawfully a mosque in their city.

 

If you would like assist in this important initiative "Faith over Fear and Justice for all" in protecting mosques all across America contact Ibrahim Ramey, the MAS Freedom Human and Civil Rights Program Director, at (888) 627-8471, or email: ibrahim.ramey@masfreedom.org, to help support the right of worship for Muslims in America!

 

Taking On The Haters, Part 1: Pamela Geller Comes to CNN to Debate the “Mosque Threat” with Ibrahim Ramey

 

I’m always surprised that tiny, bigoted minds get to claim so much territory in the American public discourse, but there I was, on an early morning CNN program on July 14th, in a “debate” with the notorious Pamela Geller.  (Click here for the CNN article and video). The discussion topic focused on the plan of the Cordoba Initiative to build a multi-purpose community center-including a worship place for Muslims-in the lower Manhattan neighborhood that witnessed the September 11, 2001 attack.

 

Ms. Geller, by the way, is the head of an organization called “Stop Islamization of America”, and the name of the group might suggest where she stands of respect for the religious liberties and civil rights of the American Muslim community. (Pamela Geller, on one of her personal blog entries in 2009, did manage to show her truly objective patriotic and unbiased sentiments by declaring that “pigs are cleaner than Prophet Muhammad”). She declared the proposed construction site to be “sacred ground”, and implied that a Muslims were insensitive to suggest that we have a right to build a mosque that had previously been approved for construction by the local community planning board.

 

My arguments, in response, simply stated what I believe to be clear truths: one, that Muslims have the same religious and civil rights that other people in America enjoy, and two, that this mosque initiative is potentially a good way to improve interfaith relations in America.  Muslims are part of the multi-faith American religious mosaic, and we no not, and should not, assume collective guilt for the criminal actions of some people done in the name of our religion.

 

But of course, in the eyes of the Islamophobic political Right, any Muslim who stands for the simple right of freedom of worship is surely obligated to lie and deceive the public for the sake of the forces conversion of the American masses and the brutal imposition of Sharia on the yet-to-be- “Islamicized”. For Ms. Geller and her hate-filled confederates, MAS is, of course, the “public face” of the Muslim Brotherhood and a sinister anti-American cabal bent on the hatred of Jews and the subversion of the (white) American way of life.  And so on, and so on, ad nauseum.

 

Yet both I and MAS Freedom continue to simply stand for basic civil liberties and equality before the law.  To be an American Muslim is not a crime.  And neither is it a crime for Muslim communities in America to build, or expand, our houses of worship.  Indeed, Muslims, all over America, are performing significant works of  charity, civic engagement, disaster relief, and community building in more than 1,200 mosques and community centers in the nation, and we are working quite harmoniously with neighbors and friends from other faith communities.  This is an inconvenient truth that Pamela Geller and company simply choose to ignore.

 

We invite all of you to join us as we assert the basic rights of Muslim communities in America to freely worship without undue interference or unwarranted suspicion.  Please call MAS Freedom at (888) 627-8471 and let us know of your interested in joining our campaign to support religious freedom for all who live in this nation!

 

Click HERE to see video on building a mosque near Ground Zero

 

Is True Religious Freedom in America In Danger?

WASHINGTON, D.C. (MASF) July 13, 2010 –  When American Muslims seek to establish houses of worship, many people outside the Muslim community respond with skepticism, and even disdain.  In recent months, for example, numerous mosques in America have been vandalized, and there is even one Christian pastor in Florida who places a sign in front of his church proclaiming that "Islam will take you to Hell".

All of these things are an ongoing part of the American social mosaic, and the vehement opposition to Islam, particularly from some Christian fundamentalist and pro-Israel proponents is not cause for concern.  But what we are witnessing in the current moment of history is an orchestrated attempt, by anti-Muslim organizations, to actually deny Muslims the constitutional right to establish houses of worship, citing every pretext imaginable to cast Islam itself in an un-American, and even sinister, light.

 

In numerous locations in America-from Murfreesboro, Tennessee to Los Angeles to New York City- anti-Muslim activists are forming coalitions to drum up fear and revulsion for Muslims who attempt to establish new mosques and community centers, or expand existing facilities to better serve growing communities.  Blatant fear-mongering is whipped up into a frenzy by forces that insist that Muslims seek to impose “Sharia” on Christians and Jews.  Neighborhoods are mobilized by the suspicion that any Muslim organization seeking to build a mosque in league with foreign “extremist” or “terrorist” formations is seeking the ultimate destruction of the American way of life. This is not at all unlike the racist hysteria that pervaded many pre-integration white Southern communities, who trembled at the thought of “race mixing” and the contamination of the morals of upstanding white youth by ‘Negro” music.

This is certainly more than the free expression, by some, of their contempt for Islam as an “anti-Christian” religion.  It indicates that there are some who will openly organize to prevent the “Islamization” of America (as they put it), and use both legal and extra-legal tactics to ensure that Muslim communities cannot expand.

There may be a tendency to see such groups as being extreme or politically marginal.  But such an evaluation would be false.  Already, “respectable” political and community leaders are coming out in increasing numbers to say, quite openly, that Muslims must be challenged and controlled.  They have money, political will. and in some cases, the tacit support of mass media as allies in a new Crusade against Islam.

We may well insist that freedom of religion is a cherished civil right in the United States, and that assertion would be correct.  But as history painfully teaches us, civil rights mean nothing without the organized commitment to defend them, and to build expanding alliances with other groups that are equally committed to this idea.

In the final analysis, the money that Muslims raise to build ornate mosques and community centers will mean nothing if we lack the legal, financial, and organizational means to defend our legitimate collective interests. MAS Freedom believes in the idea of “faith over fear, and justice for all.”

The great experiment in American democracy also teaches another lesson: there is a great cost for any community that challenges prevailing ideas that under gird racism, bigotry, and the demonization of the group by elements of the larger society.

Freedom is precious, indeed.  But we must now collectively understand that freedom isn’t free.

Ibrahim Ramey

Note: Ibrahim Ramey will appear on the CNN Morning Show tomorrow morning (July 14) to discuss the building of a mosque at Ground Zero.  Please check your local CNN affiliate for time and listing.

***The Muslim American Society Freedom is currently involved in a proactive campaign against Islamophobes and anti-Muslim elements that would seek to circumvent the constitutional rights of American Muslims to build mosques (houses of worship) in the US.  If you are interested in being involved in this important civil rights initiative, please contact MAS Freedom’s Human and Civil Rights Director, Ibrahim Ramey, at 1-888-627-8471 or ibrahim.ramey@masfreedom.org.

 

 

MAS Freedom Pushes Back on Anti-Mosque "Play Book" and Calls for Defense of Muslim Civil Liberties

 

WASHINGTON, D.C. (MASF) July 9, 2010 - There is evidence that anti-Muslim forces and anti-mosque activists throughout American are using a "play book" written and distributed by an organization called "Stop Islamization of America" (SIOA) whose executive director, Pamela Geller, is deeply involved in opposing the plan to expand a mosque in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.

The document, now available online, suggests that new mosque projects in American are linked to groups like the Muslim Brotherhood, Hamas, and other formations in the Islamic world that have been categorized as "terrorist" entities.  A number of national Muslim organizations, including MAS, ICNA, and CAIR, are targeted in the publication as being representatives of radical Islam and promoters of the destruction of religious freedom in America.

One particular point of the online instruction guide informs anti-mosque groups about using local commercial zoning and traffic enforcement laws to galvanize community opposition to mosque building and expansion projects - in total contradiction to the constitutional right of freedom of religion that protects Muslims, and all religious communities, in the United States.

Imam Mahdi Bray of MAS Freedom commented that "the existence of this anti-mosque 'instruction manual' demonstrated that the forces in this country that demonize Islam and that seek to abridge the religious rights of Muslims are working in a systematic way to spread their ideology of Islamophobia. But there is a larger community of interfaith people who do believe in basic decency and fairness, and we will need to make greater efforts to consolidate the support for our freedom of worship and expression. It is not 'criminal' to be a Muslim in America, even if people who hate Islam would like for our religion to be regarded this way."

MAS Freedom will continue to inform you about this attempt to impede the religious liberties and freedom of worship of Muslims in America, and we welcome your support for our work to protect the collective and legitimate right of our community to establish houses of worship wherever we are. Please contact Ibrahim Ramey, the MAS Freedom Human and Civil Rights Program Director, at (888) 627-8471, or email: ibrahim.ramey@masfreedom.org, to help support the right of worship for Muslims in America!

 

 

 

Freedom of Religion for Muslims? Apparently, Not Everyone's "Cup of Tea"

 

MAS Freedom Expresses Concerns over Growing Trend by Tea Party Activists and Others to Halt the Building of Mosques in the US

WASHINGTON, D.C. (MASF) July 8, 2010 - Should Muslims in America be protected by the First Amendment of the United States Constitution, which simply guarantees the freedom of religion? 

There is a growing body of evidence that suggests that some groups on the "Right" side of the ideological spectrum would answer this question with a resounding "No."  And while the Tea Party movement has not taken an official position of opposing Constitutional rights for Muslims, a number of prominent leaders in this group are leading efforts to deny Muslims the right to establish places of worship in a number of communities in America.

The first challenge to Muslims was not in the form of an anti-mosque protest.  It came as a public statement by Mark Williams, the then spokesperson for the movement, who assailed Muslims as people who worship a "monkey god", and referred to some members of the faith as "animals".  Williams, however, did later apologize for his slander-not to the Muslim community, but to Hindus, who do have, in their pantheon of gods, a deity who is indeed a monkey.

But this outrageous insult did not define the entire matter.  Now, Tea party leaders are closely identified with massive efforts to deny the right of Muslims to legally acquire land for the purpose of building of houses of worship in a number of communities in the United States.  In New York City, for example, Dr, John Press, a prominent local Tea Party leader, is a leading figure in opposing the building of a mosque at 45 Park Place in Lower Manhattan- a location close to the site of the September 11, 2001 attack. Press has identified himself as a "culturalist" who "defends a European Judeo-Christian culture in America.  Translation: Muslims, who are neither Judeo-Christian nor European (that is, not white) are not welcome.

And in another part of the country, Pamela Geller, the Executive Director of a group called  "Stop Islamization of America", recently spoke at a Tea Party gathering and voices her opposition to the expansion of a mosque property in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.  Another activist, Lou Ann Zelnik, is a Tea Party candidate for Congress who voiced her opinion that the planned Islamic center in that Southern community was designed to "fracture the Moral and political foundation of Middle Tennessee."

Tea Party-ers claim to be patriots and defenders of the American Constitution.  They wrap themselves in the American flag and evoke the revolutionary spirit of the Boston Tea party in 1775, America's most notable anti-tax protest.  But this Constitution is a holistic document, and one very important part of it says that all people-and that includes Muslims-have the freedom to worship, even if their neighbors insult and excoriate the faith that they choose to embrace.

It is not a crime for Muslims to insist on our right to build mosques.  We have been present in America since before the establishment of the United States.  But will the Tea Party movement reject bigotry and fear-mongering when it comes to the rights of Muslims in this nation?

MAS Freedom will continue to monitor these attacks on religious freedom and speak out in support of the right of Muslims-like Christian, Jews, Buddhists, Hindus, and so many others- to freely establish places of worship in America.

 

 

MAS NY Press Statement on Mosque project in Long Island

 

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. (MASF) July 7, 2010 - Today the Muslim American Society New York along with other prominent National Muslim and non-Muslim organizations held a press conference in support of the organizations right to purchase a vacant convent to turn into a mosque and community center. Below is the official press statement.

 

A month ago today, representatives from the Muslim American Society in New York (MAS) walked into a town hall meeting, hoping to address community concerns about a mosque that would potentially be built in the Midland Beach area of Staten Island. In meeting the needs of the Muslim community in South Beach, MAS NY had been looking for a place to build a mosque, and through what was purely a real estate deal, went into contract on a vacant convent. At the meeting, we were expecting to engage in a dialog that would bring us closer, and set a positive tone for the new endeavor. We were looking forward to meeting with our new neighbors, people with whom we hoped to work for the betterment of our joint community. Instead, we found that the minority of the attendees were from Midland Beach, while the majority in the room was from an outside group. That group filled up the meeting space, leaving locals literally standing out in the rain.

 

By the end of the meeting, the outsiders had done their job- they had sown the seeds of doubt, and created fear through misinformation and bigotry, and by attempting to tie MAS to terrorism and foreign entities- this in a community that had been so tragically affected by the events of 9/11. It didn't matter to these anti-Muslim groups that they were potentially trampling on the constitutional rights of countless Muslims, nor did they care about the conflict their interference would cause. In fact, it wasn't their first time- that same strategy was attempted in Boston during the building of ISBCC. But the community came together and stood united, and the mosque and community center were built and continue to thrive, with the blessing of its neighbors. Look closely and you will see the same attempts being made where ever a mosque is being built- be it Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn,  or many other locations around the country.

 

People have been asking about the Muslim American Society of New York and its members. As individuals, we have been part and parcel of various New York communities for a very long time. As an organization, we have been around for over a decade, working within our local communities and with our elected officials, local interfaith communities and other organizations. From our Youth Center in Bensonhurst, to the mosques in Astoria and the Bronx, to a full time Islamic School in Yonkers, we have been active participants in our communities.

 

As to why we need a mosque in South Beach, the answer is simple. When the community changes, the needs change. America is constantly in a state of flux. Staten Island with its various neighborhoods is no different. The Muslim community is growing, and needs locations to fulfill its spiritual needs. But the bigger question should be- why is building a mosque here, or anywhere else, lawfully in America, an issue? Religiosity in its diversity has proven to be a good thing for America, and is sustained by the first amendment of the constitution. How can we, as Americans, stand silent when our fellow Americans are being discriminated against because of their religion? When will the waves of bigotry and fear end? Dr. King, a year before his tragic death, spoke at the historical Riverside Church here in New York. There, he reminded the nation that there is a time in which "silence is betrayal". When will we have the courage to speak up, and say "Enough"?

 

We hope that the Church authorities will not cave in to the hysteria, false allegations and Muslim bashing that is being promoted by some. We are certain that the hostility exhibited towards the American Muslim community does not reflect the sentiment of the majority of those that live on Staten Island, and look forward to a positive resolution to this unfortunate situation.

 

I am very pleased today to have with me, as a symbol of solidarity, some of the leaders of key organizations in and around New York City, as well as members of the Muslim community in South Beach.

--  Lana Safah, Spokesperson, MAS NY - Cell: (917) 669-1360 - Email: LanaSafah@gmail.com

 

Muslims to Rally in Support of Staten Island Mosque

MAS, Community Leaders to Take Part in Vigil & Press Conference 

 

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. (MASF) July 6, 2010 - On the four-week anniversary of the sabotaged Midland Beach Civic Association meeting, the Muslim American Society (MAS) will hold a joint press conference and Vigil with representatives of the Staten Island Muslim Community and other Muslim and interfaith supporters from around NYC.

 

For the first time since this controversy started, Muslims will tell their side of the story.

In May, MAS signed a contract to purchase a vacant convent from Saint Margaret Mary's Roman Catholic Church in Midland Beach, Staten Island. 

 

Following a bigoted and hateful misinformation campaign, orchestrated by known anti-Muslim groups, some area residents and others opposed the sale and are currently pressuring the Church Board not to sell the convent to Muslims. MAS, supported by the greater New York Muslim community, the interfaith community and religious leaders who live on the Island, feel strongly that they are well within their rights as Americans to build a house of worship on Staten Island.  They also feel strongly that the anti-Muslim sentiment and fear mongering that has been exhibited by some on the Island is not reflective of the overall sentiment of other residents and the Catholic community.

 

"I hope that the Church authorities will not cave in to the hysteria, false allegations and Muslim bashing that is being promoted by some pertaining to the sale of the convent to a Muslim organization," stated Lana Safah, spokesperson for the Muslim American Society in New York.  Lana further stated, "I am certain that the hostility exhibited towards MAS and the Muslim community does not reflect the sentiment of the majority of those that live on Staten Island." 

 

What: Press-Conference/Vigil regarding the sale of the empty convent & proposed Mosque on Staten Island

When: Wednesday, July 7, 2010 --- 11:00 A.M. (4-week anniversary of the sabotaged Civic Association meeting)

Where: Borough Hall of Staten Island (10 Richmond Terrace, Staten Island, NY 10301- Across from Ferry Terminal, Richmond Terrace Side)

Who:   - Muslim American Society (MAS)

- Muslim Community on Staten Island

- Muslim & non-Muslim individual, organizational, & Interfaith supporters from Staten Island & NYC.

 

For more information contact: Lana Safah, 917-669-1360, LanaSafah@gmail.com

 

 

Our “Better Angels” Can Turn Back Religious Bigotry

 

WASHINGTON, D.C. (MASF) June 22, 2010 - In Staten Island, New York, there is a ferocious attack, by some members of the community against Muslims who are seeking to purchase a property that would be used as a mosque and an Islamic center.  The prospective seller, a local Catholic church, is now under intense pressure to back out of the original plan to sell the property, while anti-Muslim agitators have converged on the Staten Island neighborhood, claiming that the Muslim organization that is seeking to buy the property is a front group for terrorists, criminals, and other assorted “Anti-American” agents of mayhem and destruction.

 

Is this really happening in America-a nation that boasts of its religious tolerance and pluralism?  Sadly, the answer is, yes.

 

It does not matter to many opponents of the neighborhood mosque that the national organization supporting the project-the Muslim American Society- is a legal, registered not-for-profit corporation with local chapters in some 35 states.  They don’t care that there are no indictments of the organization made by Homeland Security or the Department of Justice.  And it makes no difference to them that this same group, while vilified by Islamophobes across the nation, still supported significant material contributions to the largely Christian victims of Hurricane Katrina in 2005 and the tragic earthquake in Haiti earlier this year.

 

When stripped of all the propaganda, innuendo, and flat-out lies, the issue is simply one of religious bigotry and hatred. In modern America, it is still acceptable for some people to organize to deny the right of a religious community to build a house of worship in their neighborhood, because the house of worship is not a church, or a synagogue, but a mosque.

 

But the anti-Muslim and religious prejudice display at Staten Island doesn’t represent the views of all Christians and neighbors on Staten Island or all people of faith.  Because, throughout the history of this great nation, there have been courageous voices, and institutions, that have chosen a path of tolerance and acceptance of the religious “other” while affirming the right of all people of faith to live together in dignity and mutual respect as children of the same Creator.

 

Two centuries ago, when anti-Italian and anti-Catholic prejudice took a violent turn in many places in America, leaders from other traditions affirmed the civil and human rights of Catholic immigrant communities.  Ironically, the same slander of the “foreign loyalty” of Italian “Papists” is used, unfairly and inaccurately, by some Italian-American Catholics who condemn Muslims for having “allegiance” to foreign, anti-American organizations in 2010.

 

In the twentieth century, virulent anti-Semitism was confronted by Christians who rejected the ethos of religious intolerance and hatred that targeted Jews and synagogues.

 

And now, the “Better Angels” of interfaith respect and solidarity are coming together to defend the right of Muslims build houses of worship, not only in Staten Island, New York, but anywhere and everywhere in America.

 

Of course, the Muslim American Society is not new to the work of interfaith collaboration for the greater social good: MAS local and national leaders work actively in the leadership of prestigious inter-religious groups, including Religions for Peace, The Interfaith Alliance, Interfaith Workers Justice, the Temple of Understanding, and many other organizations that work for tolerance, interfaith collaboration, and the protection of religious civil liberties for all faith communities.  These working relationships are based on mutual respect, and they will not be eroded by either prejudice or fear.

 

Some Muslim communities are now forced to struggle for our right to freedom of worship, and the freedom to organize places of worship that should be recognized in the First Amendment of the Constitution of the United States of America.  We know that we must overcome prejudice and fear, and even racism, just as other religious groups in this nation have confronted the same enormous barriers.  But we believe in faith over fear, and justice for all.

 

And more than this, we believe that the better angels of the interfaith community will stand with us.

 

Muslim Community's Response to Rev. Keith Fennessy's Letter concerning the proposed Mosque on Staten Island

 

WASHINGTON, D.C. (MAS) Jun. 18th, 2010 - In reference to Rev. Keith Fennessy's letter withdrawing his support for the mosque purchase sale in Staten Island, N.Y., we feel strongly that much of what is taking place now is being driven by fear and hysteria, with some of it being stirred up by professional groups that have a history of being prejudiced against Muslims.  We are American citizens and we love our country. We do not operate as an extension of any non-American religious or political organization.  What have we done wrong to cause anyone to deny us the right to build a house of worship? 

 

Nevertheless, we believe in the good will of the Catholic community leaders, and that ultimately they will do the right thing and allow this sale to be completed.  We know that the Catholic community in the past has endured some of the same prejudice and fear mongering that we, as Muslims, are now facing.  What should we tell our children? That as Muslims we are second class citizens without religious and civil rights?  Or that the 1st and 14th Amendments of the United States Constitution become void merely because you are an American Muslim?  

 

We firmly believe that the majority of Catholics in this great nation of ours does not share the view that people should be denied their religious and constitutional rights to build a house of worship simply because their faith tradition is different from the tradition of many of their neighbors.  The call to resist prejudice and bigotry is both a moral and a spiritual imperative shared by all faiths within the Abrahamic tradition.  Sometimes it is difficult to face the hysteria of prejudice, yet this is exactly what all people of faith are called to do.  And, despite this letter, we remain optimistic that our intention to build a place of worship in this community in Staten Island will be successful.

 

We believe this, because we believe that the goodness and decency of the American people will ultimately triumph over religious prejudice and fear.

 

For more information please contact Lana Safah, MAS New York, at 917 669 1360.

 

 

Sign-Up Now for MAS Freedom's  2010 Workshop Series

WASHINGTON, DC (MASNET) Mar. 10, 2010 - MAS Freedom (MASF), the civic and human rights advocacy entity of the Muslim American Society (MAS), has a new series of interactive workshops for mosques, community leaders, youth and student groups, and Muslim organizations.

The new MAS Freedom workshop series include:

Muslim Youth Leadership Forum 'Building Young Muslim leaders for a better America'

The goal of the forum is to mentor and prepare young Muslim leaders to provide leadership not only to the Muslim community but the greater American society at large. The institutional design focuses on developing and enhancing leadership skill sets of Muslim youth that will impact America's civic, social, economic and religious life. Youth participants will be placed in a leadership social mentoring network that will allow them to communicate after the initial forum on an ongoing basis with qualified mentors and other forum participants. Upon attending the forum, a comprehensive leadership tract will be developed for each participant with recommended projects, follow up, and opportunities for peer and mentors feedback. Forum participants will meet annually in Washington DC for a 2 day intense leadership retreat. The forum is highly recommended for Muslim youth who are interested in university and campus leadership, social and economic justice, foreign policy, environmental issues, interfaith work, civil and human rights, politics, public policy, and legal and legislative affairs. Note: For a partial list of participating leadership forum mentors, see contact information below.

Activism 101

This workshop is designed for community activists especially students. It covers all the various techniques used by activists in public advocacy such as petition drives, direct action campaigns, vigils, grassroots lobbying, fax blitzes, rallies, op-eds, editorial meetings and many other advocacy techniques.

Immigrations Rights and Reform

Learn how to understand and navigate the immigration process such as permanent residency (green card), citizenship, asylum and appeal petitions). Also, receive training in the area of immigration reform that is fair and equitable to all immigrants regardless of country of origin, religion or race. The workshop also provides an intense session on immigrant rights, current immigration law and how to network and build a strong immigrant rights coalition with other immigrant groups outside of the Muslim community.

Civic Engagement 101

Receive valuable information from legal experts on what a mosque can and cannot do in civic and political activities. Learn how to successfully impact public policy at the local, state and federal level. Also learn how to be effective in electoral politics (i.e., voter registration, education, and mobilization). Receive training from political experts in exit polling, developing Political Action Committees (PACS), fundraising, candidate forums, endorsements, guide ballots and political coalition strategies.

History of Religiosity and Nonviolent Activism in America 'Pursuing Social and Economic Justice through Religious and Nonviolent Principles'

Learn the history of religious faith traditions in America addressing social and economic justice issues. Discover the impact of non-violent strategies by American religious communities on important social transformational movements i.e. abolitionist movement, women's movement, labor justice, civil rights, peace movement, etc. Examine restorative justice through faith and non-violence. This workshop also puts special emphasis on the principal of non-violence in Islam as an agent for social change.


To schedule a workshop and reserve a workshop for your mosque, school or organization, please contact the MAS Freedom office at (202) 552-7414, (703) 642-6165, or toll free at 1-(888) 627-8471, or contact us by email addressed to: info@masfreedom.org.

Stay Informed!

Sign up here for daily MAS Freedom Action Alerts and Reports (Click here!)

Vandalizing Mosques and Challenging their Construction on the Rise in America
Support MAS Freedom's "Protect Mosques and Religious Freedom in America Campaign"

WASHINGTON, D.C. (MASF) July 29, 2010 - Dr. Akbar Ahmed, Ibn Khaldoun Chair at American University in Washington, DC, gave an interview to National Public Radio in which he indicated that his research reveals that there is an increase in the vandalizing of mosques in America.  His research also indicated that there's a significant rise in groups and organizations that are challenging the right of Muslims to build mosques in America.

This campaign to stop Muslims from exercising their religious and constitutional rights seems to be relentless.  MAS Freedom through its  "Protect Mosques and Religious Freedom Campaign" will continue to defend the right of Muslims and all Americans to build houses of worship.  We encourage the Muslim community and all people of conscience to join us in defending this fundamental religious principle.  If you would like assist in this important initiative, "Protect Mosques and Religious Freedom Campaign" in protecting mosques all across America contact Ibrahim Ramey, the MAS Freedom Human and Civil Rights Program Director, at (888) 627-8471, or email: ibrahim.ramey@masfreedom.org, to help support the right of worship for Muslims in America!

Your financial support for defending mosques and religious freedom is greatly needed.

Stewart Takes On Ground Zero Mosque Critics

Stewart Takes On Ground Zero Mosque Critics

MAS Freedom Launches Protecting Mosques in America Campaign

Taking On The Haters, Part 1: Pamela Geller Comes to CNN to Debate the “Mosque Threat” with Ibrahim Ramey

End the Gaza Embargo Campaign 

Demonstrators Message to Netanyahu and Obama: “Half An Embargo of Gaza is Not an Option”

Click to see raw video from the demonstration. 

MAS FREEDOM IN THE NEWS

HR 2278: A Clear and Present Danger to Our Freedom of the Press

WASHINGTON, DC. (MASNET) Mar. 23, 2010 – On Monday, March 22nd, a group of distinguished national leaders, journalists, and diplomats gathered at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. to speak out on what has become a major national and international challenge to the rights of free speech and Constitutionally-guaranteed freedom of the press in the United States. (more)

MAS Straight Path Youth Initiative Encourages Muslim Youth to Increase Civic Engagement Share

WASHINGTON, DC (MASNET) Mar. 05, 2010 – These are difficult times, both in America and in the world. But young Muslims are moving beyond despair and resignation to serve their community and nation in responsible and creative ways.

But the MAS Freedom Straight Path project will, insha’Allah, serve to educate young people about the dangers of irrational religious extremism, while offering them practical nonviolent alternatives that can better serve the legitimate interests of Muslim communities, while striving to make the overall society better as well. (more)