What They Say About CAIR


January 2007 letter of support signed by 203 Christian, Muslim, Jewish and Baha'i leaders, professors and concerned citizens	Dr. John B. Cobb, Jr., Professor Emeritus, Claremont School of Theology	Rev. Dr. Rita Nakashima Brock, Co-Director, Faith Voices for the Common Good
Rev. Peter Laarman, Director, Progressive Christians Uniting	Rev. Dr. Rebecca Parker, President, Starr King School for the Ministry	Pastor Warren Clark,Tampa, FL
Bishop Robert Lynch, Roman Catholic Diocese of Saint Petersburg in Florida	Rabbi Jeff Sultar, Mishkan Shalom, Pennsylvania	Rabbi Arthur Waskow, director of the Shalom Center
Father Guido Gockel, U.S. National Secretary

Jessica Dinkins of the Congressional Youth Leadership Council

Peter McClernon, Campus Minister, Religion Instructor, Mt. Carmel College of Nursing

Munir Adhami

Ambassador David Manning, British Embassy in Washington, DC

New Jersey Star Ledger Editorial

New York Times

The Indianapolis Star

Rob Lorei, News Director, WMNF 88.5FM Tampa, FL

Kathy Jones, Interim Executive Director, United Way of Hernando County

Buddy Johnson, Supervisor of Elections, Hillsborough County, Florida

Host Gator Co. President Brent Oxley

Brigadier General Mark Wheeler, Chairman Senior National Representatives Coordination Group, United States Central Command

Elected Officials

“Like the good folks standing with me, the American people were appalled and outraged at last Tuesday's attacks…This is a great country. It's a great country because we share the same values of respect and dignity and human worth. And it is my honor to be meeting with leaders who feel just the same way I do. They're outraged, they're sad. They love America just as much as I do.” (To view a picture of President Bush's visit to a mosque with CAIR officials click here.)
–President George W. Bush, September 17, 2001

“I’m glad that you have established such a strong voice in the community and that you are working to maintain a strong sense of cultural and economic identity.”
-Maryland Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. (R)

“I would like to salute the Ohio chapter of the Council on American Islamic Relations as well as the national office for their support and sponsorship of this annual event [Islamic Day] and for contributing to the diversity of the state of Ohio.”
-Ohio Governor Bob Taft (R)

“I commend the Council on American Islamic Relations – Chicago for your ongoing commitment to serving the needs of Chicago’s Muslim population and working toward ensuring justice and civil rights for all the communities you serve.”
-Illinois Governor Rod R. Blagojevich (D)

"It is my pleasure to recognize you for your exceptional work in helping to combat racism and bigotry, and for defending the democratic ideals that protect civil rights. Your leadership in your profession and philanthropic and civic contributions exemplify the ideals of a true American. Congratulations and thank you for all of your hard work. I extend my best wishes to you for success in all of your future endeavors."
-California Lieutenant Governor Cruz Bustamante, text of Outstanding Community Service Award to CAIR's Sacramento Valley office (CAIR-SV)

“This outstanding event offers an opportunity to gather and recognize the true value of the contributions CAIR provides to its members and the entire community.”
-Sen. John Warner (R-VA)

“I salute your efforts to educate and empower. The important work you do to promote awareness and dialogue about Islam helps preserve the mosaic of American culture.”
-Sen. Barbara A. Mikulski (D-MD)

“I applaud CAIR’s mission to enhance understanding and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.”
-Sen. Paul Sarbanes (D-MD)

“I want to thank the Arab-American and Muslim-American leaders in Michigan and across the country for their hard work…The Council on American Islamic Relations sent a delegation to Baghdad to lobby for her release.”
-Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) speaking about the release of reporter Jill Carroll in 2006

"CAIR does such important and necessary work in a difficult environment to change such perceptions and wrongs -- from racial profiling and civil rights to promoting justice and mutual understanding -- at a time when it is challenging to be an American-Muslim."
-Rep. Joe Sestak (D-PA)

“The CAIR organization has a long and distinguished history of consistent efforts that reflect a strong support for civil rights and social programs…”
-Rep. John Conyers, Jr. (D-MI)

“Over the past three years, CAIR-Chicago has developed a reputation for professionalism that transcends both its community services and its public relations work. Understanding the value of a united community, CAIR-Chicago has worked hard to connect Muslims and non-Muslims in Metropolitan Chicago, empowering individuals to work together on issues of social justice.”
-Rep. Jesse L. Jackson (D-IL)

“CAIR understands that in defending Muslim Americans against employment discrimination, prison abuse, hate crimes and citizenship delays they are also defending our American values for every American.”
-Rep. Danny K. Davis (D-IL)

“Throughout its decade of existence, CAIR-LA has been instrumental in promoting cultural and religious understanding of the Muslim community. I am pleased that CAIR-LA has dedicated their efforts to building coalitions between non-Muslim and Muslim communities in an effort to eliminate stereotypes and promote tolerance, compassion and understanding. I commend CAIR-LA for playing a vital role in the integration of the Muslim community into American society in an effort to promote patriotism and pride in their home country. I look forward to a continued partnership with CAIR-LA as we strive for freedom and understanding among all who call America home.”
-Rep. Gary Miller (R-CA)

“CAIR has been a true leader in the community, promoting cultural and religious understanding and building coalitions between the non-Muslim and Muslim community. Your organization has also provided opportunities and motivation for Muslim Americans.”
-Rep. Loretta Sanchez (D-CA)

“It is my pleasure to commend the Council on American Islamic Relations for your commitment to civil rights and to fostering good working relationships between peoples of faith. CAIR’s hard work and dedication to enhance understanding is Islam and Muslim in America is evident in their efforts to facilitate dialogue between all sectors of Muslim and American society.
-Rep. Linda T. Sanchez (D-CA)

“CAIR-Chicago has established an outstanding reputation for its high quality services that convey a proactive response to intolerance and bigotry. CAIR-Chicago’s support for civil rights has helped make our community a stronger, more vibrant, and more welcoming place.”
-Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-IL)

“Under much criticism, CAIR took the lead in standing up for the rights of the Muslims community in America from the offices of the White House to the countryside of rural America.”
-Rep. Gregory Meeks (D-NY)

“Let me take this opportunity to commend CAIR for all of your efforts to promote the civil rights of American Muslims.”
-Rep. Albert L. Wynn (D-MD)

“I congratulate the Council on American-Islamic Relations on another successful year of encouraging dialogue, protecting civil liberties and building coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.”
-Rep. Betty McCollum (D-MN)

“The Council on American-Islamic Relations plays a vitally important role in Washington and around the country in its advocacy for civil liberties and its fight against bigotry and discrimination.”
-Rep. Lois Capps (D-CA)

“With over 30 CAIR Chapters spread throughout the United States and Canada it is clear that CAIR has become the preeminent organization representing the concerns of Muslim Americans. I want to personally commend CAIR for its work on issues including civil liberties and opening dialogue with various communities in America.
-Rep. Bill Pascrell (D-NJ)

“I particularly want to commend CAIR for working to educate others about Islam, a religion of more than one billion people in the world. CAIR also has provided members of the Muslim community in the United States with an important voice in promoting social justice and mutual understanding. CAIR has 31 offices nationwide and in Canada and through your work you have helped promote a dialogue among employers, law enforcement officials, and government agencies. CAIR understands the importance of developing mutual understanding and trust.”
-Rep. Benjamin L. Cardin (D-MD)

“I commend the Council on American-Islamic Relations for your leadership and dedication.”
-Rep. Elijah Cummings (D-MD)

“It is important that we recognize the many positive contributions Muslim Americans continue to make in our communities.”
-Rep. Tom Davis (R-VA)

“CAIR and I have a long history of cooperation and my office door is always open to my friends so that I can be of assistance to the causes that CAIR promotes.”
-Rep. John D. Dingell (D-MI)

“I commend CAIR for your defense of civil rights and for your efforts to seek justice for every member of the community. I stand with you in opposition to any attacks on our civil liberties and you have my ongoing gratitude for your important advocacy for justice, tolerance and a better America.”
-Rep. Anna G. Eshoo (D-CA)

“Far too often, the remarkable work and achievements of organizations such as CAIR are overlooked.”
-Rep. Bob Filner (D-CA)

“I applaud your efforts in educating and enhancing understanding through open dialogue.”
-Rep. Wayne T Gilchrest (R-MD)

“For more than a decade, CAIR has consistently worked to promote the civil and religious rights of American Muslims and to foster a greater public understanding of Islam. The organization has, as its mission, the goal of ensuring a more positive future for Muslims in the United States. Moreover, CAIR’s other recent endeavors include activities such as the “Explore the Quran” project and television ads.”
-Rep. Mike Honda (D-CA)

“In a difficult environment, CAIR has much to be proud of. On the key civil rights issues of our time, CAIR has been out front. Energetic, quick to enter the debate, vigilant, CAIR has earned a reputation as a force to be reckoned with. Good thing, as the stakes could not be higher.”
-Rep. Dennis J. Kucinich (D-OH)

“The efforts your organization makes to bring communities together as well as heighten awareness, dialogue, and cultural exchange are truly indispensable to our society. Your work in human rights and social justice does not go unnoticed, and it is because of organizations such as yours that we can look with hope toward our future. It heartens me to know that you are taking this astute opportunity to celebrate past and current success, provide a forum for inspiring and supportive leaders, and of course acknowledge and honor your tireless team of staff, volunteers and community leaders.”
-Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA)

“I applaud your organization and its members in your collective efforts to establish connections with the diverse communities of the San Francisco Bay Area to explain Islam and the patriotism and values of American Muslims. Your efforts are representative of the diversity that continues to be appreciated in a free and open society that is unafraid of differing views and opinions and respects the freedoms that echo American values.”
-Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-CA)

“Over the past decade, the Council on American-Islamic Relations has worked effectively to advance the public interest in northern Virginia. CAIR’s advocacy on behalf of individuals who have experienced religious prejudice or been the victims of hate crimes is an important service to our community.”
-Rep. James P. Moran (D-VA)

“I would like to take this opportunity to personally convey to you how pleased I was to meet with you and all of the Muslim American leaders present in the meeting held by [US House Minority] Leader Pelosi.”
-Rep. Nick J. Rahall, II (D-WV)

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to enter into the [Congressional] record, my heartfelt support for the ‘Muslims Care’ campaign, launched by the Council on American-Islamic Relations…”
-Rep. Charles B. Rangel (D-NY)

“During these often difficult times, your message of understanding and dialogue is one that is sorely needed in this country and around the world.”
-Rep. C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger (D-MD)

“Civil liberties at home and human rights abroad do not sacrifice, but strengthen, our security. We need the respected voice of CAIR more than ever now that this principle is threatened in libraries, military academies, and secret prisons all over the world.”
-Rep. Pete Stark (D-CA)

“I am pleased to congratulate CAIR not only for the work it has done to promote and protect the civil liberties and civil rights of all Americans, but also for its ongoing efforts to foster a better understanding of Islam across the United States. Your work continues to make an important difference to our country.”
-Rep. Chris Van Hollen (D-MD)

“For years, CAIR-Chicago had worked to develop programs to ensure a better quality of life for all of our citizens. I commend CAIR-Chicago for its hard work and offer you my best wishes for much continued success.”
-Mayor Richard M. Daley (Chicago, Illinois)

“CAIR-Chicago continues to work tirelessly to promote a fair and humane society, striving for the goals of peace, justice, and equality. The achievement of these goals benefits all residents in our communities and helps to re-enforce a strong and free democratic society.”
-Mayor Thomas S. Mazaika (Terrace, Illinois)

“CAIR-Chicago also helps those who face discrimination on the job and in everyday life. In doing so, CAIR-Chicago joins a long list of honorable and well regarded organizations that have worked hard to safeguard the rights of disadvantaged Americans through out our history.”
-Mayor Steven M. Landek (Bridgeview, Illinois)

“San Jose takes great pride in our community’s’ unique diversity as we celebrate the many cultural, ethnic, and religious heritages of our residents. I applaud your continued efforts to be the premier advocate for justice and mutual understanding of issues relating to Islam and the Muslim community. Your diligence and hard work have made our community stronger.”
-Mayor Ron Gonzales (San Jose, California)

“…We are pleased to be a part of CAIR-Ohio’s 8th Annual Banquet. We commend your dedicated efforts and vision as a leading advocate for justice and mutual understanding. We express our appreciation for your contribution to the welfare of our community. We wish you continued success in every endeavor.”
-Mayor Michael B. Coleman (Columbus, Ohio)

“CAIR is to be commended for their dedication and commitment to providing the resources necessary to succeed in today’s fast paced and ethnically dynamic environment.”
-Mayor Beth Krom (Irvine, California) and Mayor Pro Temp Sukhee Kang (Irvine, California)

“CAIR-Ohio is committed to educating the public and public officials on important Muslim values such as emphasis on strong families, improving neighborhoods and protecting the civil liberties of all residents so that there may be greater harmony and a better America.”
-Columbus, Ohio City Council

Law Enforcement

“The Washington Field Office of the FBI praises CAIR’s dedication in representing the heart of the Muslim American community.”
-Congratulatory letter from the Washington, DC Field Office of the FBI

“Since the tragic events of September 11, 2001, the Los Angeles FBI has worked closely with CAIR, and a multitude of other community based organizations, to develop and foster relationships that encourage an open exchange of ideas and concerns relative to the FBI's mission. In order to prevent another act of terrorism from occurring on American soil, government agencies and communities must work together, and the FBI is extremely pleased to be partners with CAIR, and the other members of the Multi-Cultural Advisory Committee, in pursuing this mission.”
-J. Stephen Tidwell, Assistant Director in Charge, Los Angeles, California Field Office of the FBI

“I wanted to say that we really appreciate the effort of Ahmed Bedier [Executive Director, CAIR-Tampa] here in Florida and all the good work that he does on behalf of CAIR in the community in the area of civil rights…Mr. Bedier has done a great job in reaching out to law enforcement, establishing open forums for us to exchange information in order to keep the nation safe.”
-Carl Whitehead, Special Agent in Charge, Tampa Bay, Florida Field Office of the FBI, speaking at the CAIR 2006 Tampa Banquet

“[CAIR-Chicago's] commitment to maintaining a dialogue leading to the frank and honest exchange of ideas, concerns and recommendations on issues affecting the communities we mutually serve is laudable.”
-Weysan Dunn, Special Agent in Charge, Springfield, Illinois Office of the FBI

“Thank you for the opportunity you extended to me to attend the 3rd Annual Banquet of the CAIR Midwest Chapter on February 11, 2007. I expect to attend the Banquet and will be present with other members of the Chicago Field Office.”
-Robert D. Grant, Special Agent in Charge, Chicago, Illinois Office of the FBI

“Of all the groups, there is probably more suspicion about CAIR, but when you ask people for cold hard facts, you get blank stares.”
-Michael Rolince, a retired F.B.I. official who directed counterterrorism in the Washington field office from 2002 to 2005 (Source: New York Times, 3/14/2007)

“CAIR-Chicago has shown itself to be a strong partner in our community.”
-Philip J. Cline, Superintendent of Police, City of Chicago

“CAIR’s vision to be an advocate of civil rights and to promote peace and just is something we can all strive for.”
-Lance H. Newman, Special Agent in Charge, Tampa Bay Regional Operations Center, Florida Department of Law Enforcement

“We are fortunate to have someone of your expertise and credentials take time to address many of the over 800 attendees from Georgia’s criminal justice agencies.”
-Paul Heppner, Deputy Director, Georgia Crime Information Center, Georgia Bureau of Investigation

Interfaith

"We could and would have freely and accurately characterized CAIR as a responsible and highly-esteemed force for reconciliation and sanity, both in international affairs and in deepening interfaith understanding here in the United States."
-January 2007 letter of support signed by 203 Christian, Muslim, Jewish and Baha'i leaders, professors and concerned citizens

“CAIR is a responsible force for reconciliation and sanity, both in international affairs and in deepening religious understanding here in America. We urge Congress to state clearly what we know is true: CAIR makes a valuable contribution to democracy and interfaith relations.”
-Dr. John B. Cobb, Jr., Professor Emeritus, Claremont School of Theology, Rev. Dr. Rita Nakashima Brock, Co-Director, Faith Voices for the Common Good, Rev. Peter Laarman, Director, Progressive Christians Uniting, Rev. Dr. Rebecca Parker, President, Starr King School for the Ministry

“As a Christian pastor, I support of the work of CAIR, Council on American Islamic Relations. This is a national group with a very balanced and effective voice that speaks up for the rights of all peoples, and especially Muslims in the United States. It is akin to the NAACP. I think that because it is so effective, it has been targeted. I have worked with CAIR locally in the Tampa Bay area and nationally supporting interfaith relations. I find the leaders to be clear, moderate, and at the same time very articulate in defending Muslim-American rights. We need groups like CAIR in these fear-mongering times.”
-Pastor Warren Clark,Tampa, FL (Source: St. Petersburg Times, 3/19/2007)

"...I have been informed that the Council on American-Islamic Relations in Tampa has made a contribution to be sent to assist those Christian churches in the Holy Land, which have suffered damage as a result of the anger aroused by the Holy Father's talk. This is a very magnanimous gesture on the part of genuine believers..."
-Bishop Robert Lynch, Roman Catholic Diocese of Saint Petersburg in Florida

“We are inspired by the interfaith work that CAIR does, which serves to make all communities of faith stronger, and helps to address a serious gap in the understanding of Islam in the United States. As co-descendants of the legacy of Abraham, we fully support CAIR in its efforts to bring our shared values to the wider community… CAIR is doing the same kind of civil rights work and public education that Jewish communities had to do in the United States when the first wave of immigrants faced ignorance, intolerance and discrimination, and so we understand and support their efforts.”
- Rabbi Jeff Sultar, Mishkan Shalom, Pennsylvania

“The impact of your report was to give the false impression that ‘the Jewish community’ condemns CAIR and the Congressman for speaking, because you did not bother to report other Jewish opinions. Nor did you make any effort to ascertain and report that in fact CAIR speaks out strongly against terrorist attacks by Muslims, while you reported the utterly uncorroborated assertions by two local Jews that CAIR ‘has connections to terrorists.’ This kind of reporting encourages these McCarthyist assertions. It gives credence to lies. Good reporting should tell the whole story, not a one-sided version of it.”
-Rabbi Arthur Waskow, director of the Shalom Center, in a letter to Philadelphia Enquirer reporter Tom Infield. In his letter Waskow notes that he is a Rabbi that has been “described by last week's issue of Newsweek as one of the fifty most influential rabbis in the United States, and one described by the Forward newspaper at the end of 2005 as one of the ‘Forward Fifty’ of most effective and creative Jews (not just rabbis) from the whole country…”

“I was deeply touched when I received a phone call from Mr. Ahmed Bedir of the Council on American-Islamic Relations in St. Petersburg informing me of this initiative to raise funds for the Palestine Damaged Churches. He told me that it is important in our secular society to build places of worship rather than destroy them. I wholeheartedly agree.”
-Father Guido Gockel, U.S. National Secretary, CNEWA a papel agency for humanitarian and pastoral suppor

Others

“I remember my uncle telling me ‘Muslims are dangerous, they don’t care about their own lives…they just want to fight…” After a visit to CAIR, I found out Muslims practice peace.”
-Jessica Dinkins of the Congressional Youth Leadership Council, citing one of the program’s 2006 participants

"For the past five years Asma Mobin-Uddin has provided what has become one of the highlights of our Religion course at Mt. Carmel College of Nursing. Asma's breadth of knowledge, her graciousness, her openness to conversation and discussion have made her presentation to our nursing students valuable beyond words. Hundreds (dare I say thousands by this time) of future nurses will enter the workforce with an excellent understanding of the beliefs and practices and sensitivities of their Muslim patients thanks to CAIR-Ohio. We can't thank them enough."
-Peter McClernon, Campus Minister, Religion Instructor, Mt. Carmel College of Nursing

"Muslims across the nation are proud of the Council on American-Islamic Relations for being the ambassadors for Muslims in the United States."
-Munir Adhami (Source: Letter to the Editor published in the Los Angeles Times, 1/11/ 2007)

“Thank you for the letter of 8 July expressing condolences on behalf of the Council on American-Islamic Relations following the London bombings. I also want to say how grateful I was for the visit to the Embassy on 8 July by Dr Parvez Ahmed, Chairman of the Board, and colleagues from both CAIR and Dar al-Hijrah Islamic Center.”
-Ambassador David Manning, British Embassy in Washington, DC

“The FBI and other agencies have repeatedly used CAIR to build bridges with the Muslim community, and the ‘apologist’ tag certainly wasn't shared by the high-ranking Republican who met with the group at an Islamic center after 9/11: President Bush.”
(Source: New Jersey Star Ledger Editorial, 3/16/2007)

"A small band of critics have made a determined but unsuccessful effort to link it to Hamas and Hezbollah, which have been designated as terrorist organizations by the State Department, and have gone so far as calling the group an American front for the two."
(Source: New York Times, 3/14/2007)

“Government officials in Washington said they were not aware of any criminal investigation of the group. More than one described the standards used by critics to link CAIR to terrorism as akin to McCarthyism, essentially guilt by association.”
(Source: New York Times, 3/14/2007)

One Arab-American advocate compared CAIR to ‘the tough cousin who curses at anyone who speaks badly about the family’."
(Source: New York Times, 3/14/2007)

"Already fighting on behalf of American Muslims is the Council on American-Islamic Relations, or CAIR, as it is commonly known. The organization…has developed a reputation for being something of a pit bull in protecting the civil rights of Muslims."
(Source: The Indianapolis Star, 9/04/2005)

"I think for journalists, especially in this climate that we're in, it's very hard to reach out to the Muslim community and I think CAIR has provided us with a one stop shopping place where we can go and find contacts within the Muslim community to talk about the issues."
- Rob Lorei, News Director, WMNF 88.5FM Tampa, FL

“The United Way of Hernando County would like to thank [CAIR-Florida] for your generous donation of $5,000 to support the annual Thanksgiving Day Baskets for veterans and the needy.”
-Kathy Jones, Interim Executive Director, United Way of Hernando County

“I remember meeting some of you in 2004 at the voting station when CAIR mobilized community members and provided busses to transport voters to the polls after Friday prayer. CAIR’s partnership in the Get Out The Vote campaign shows its commitment to being a voice to the American-Muslim community and should be applauded.”
-Buddy Johnson, Supervisor of Elections, Hillsborough County, Florida

"It was overwhelming, their support."
-Host Gator Co. President Brent Oxley after CAIR supporters "swamped" the web host with "literally thousands" of complaints about Right Wing Howler, a blog whose author expressed support for the sentiment "...we need to kill all Muslim kids. Starting now." The web site was shut down. (Source: St. Petersburg Times, 12/20/2006)

“The efforts of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) in improving cross cultural communications is commendable. “
-Brigadier General Mark Wheeler, Chairman Senior National Representatives Coordination Group, United States Central Command