Friday, May 09, 2008
Illinois Official Apologizes for Using Fake 'Mosque' in Drill
WA****NGTON, May 9, 2008 /PRNewswire-USNewswire via COMTEX News Network/
----CAIR thanks
officials for 'professional response' to Muslim concerns
The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) today thanked an Illinois
law enforcement
official who apologized for using a fake "mosque" in a recent emergency
preparedness drill.
CAIR, a Wa****ngton-based Islamic civil rights and advocacy group, had
expressed concerns that
the use of the term "mosque" by state law enforcement agencies sent the
"wrong message" that
all Islamic houses of wor****p may be potential security threats.
SEE: CAIR: Storming of Illinois 'Mosque' Sends Wrong Message
http://www.cair.com/ArticleDetails.aspx?mid1=777&&ArticleID=24757&&name=n&&currPage=1
SEE ALSO: Islamic Group Finds Town's Emergency Drill Offensive
http://www.sj-r.com/News/stories/29956.asp
In response to concerns over use of the fake "mosque," Montgomery County
Sheriff's Office
Undersheriff Rick Robbins told the Journal-News newspaper: "I apologize
for the message that
was received by many. After reviewing statements made regarding the use of
the word mosque, I
understand the misuse of the word." Robbins helped plan the drill.
SEE: Muslim Group Takes Offense at Exercise (Journal-News)
http://www.thejournal-news.net/articles/2008/05/08/news/news05.txt
"We thank Illinois law enforcement officials for their quick and
professional response to
American Muslim concerns," said Ahmed Rehab, executive director of CAIR's
Chicago chapter.
"These types of drills are essential for national security, but such
training should not
include the promotion of religious stereotypes."
In a phone conversation with Robbins, Rehab said CAIR is ready to partner
with the sheriff's
department on security and sensitivity issues.
Last month, CAIR's chapter in Pennsylvania (CAIR-PA) called on police
training officials in
that state to offer a Muslim perspective in a mandatory police training
class because of
concerns that the class may present stereotypical views of Islam and
Muslims.
SEE: Penn. Muslims Seek 'Balance' in Police Training on Islam
http://www.cair.com/ArticleDetails.aspx?mid1=777&&ArticleID=24681&&name=n&&currPage=1
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-Chicago Executive Director Ahmed Rehab, 202-870-0166,
E-Mail: arehab@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-488-8787 or
202-744-7726, E-Mail:
ihooper@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
CAIR Communications Coordinator Amina Rubin,
202-488-8787, E-Mail:
arubin@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
Council on American-Islamic Relations
http://www.cair.com
** Posted from http://www.teranews.com
**
|
