The Florida chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Florida), a chapter of the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today called on Village officials apply its policies without bias after a greeting for the Islamic holiday Eid al-Adha was not allowed on their media outlets.
The Village Council of Palmetto Bay reportedly denied the greeting, despite the fact that holiday greetings are routinely issued “wishing people a Happy Easter, Happy Kwanzaa, Happy Hanukkah and Merry Christmas.”
WLRN Public Radio and Television reported:
“Omar Saleh, CAIR-Florida’s lead attorney, said they are still exploring different legal options with Taha.
Saleh believes the rise of islamophobia — hate, violence, bias and discrimination against Muslims and Arab Americans — is ‘a direct product of the rhetoric we’re hearing from elected officials.’”
[NOTE: Eid ul-Fitr (EED-al-FITTER), or “feast of fast-breaking,” is the first of the two major Muslim holidays after the end of the month-long fast of Ramadan. Many communities hold multicultural bazaars and other family activities following prayers. The second holiday, Eid ul-Adha (EED-al-ODD-ha), comes near the end of the Hajj, or pilgrimage to Mecca.]
Yesterday, CAIR’s Minnesota chapter welcomed the decision of Rochester Public Schools to add the Islamic holiday of Eid al-Adha to its academic calendar for next year.
CAIR-Florida is the state’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance understanding of Islam, protect civil liberties, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
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CONTACT: Wilfredo Ruiz, CAIR-Florida Communications Director, (305) 502-6749, wruiz@cair.com Chelsea Mandrigues, CAIR-Florida Communications Coordinator, (813) 705-5440, cmandrigues@cair.com