The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today encouraged leaders of mosques and Islamic centers nationwide to question any relevant public officials who visit their facilities during the upcoming month of Ramadan about their stance on the Israeli genocide in Gaza.
CAIR also urged community leaders and organizations to turn down invitations to Ramadan events held by officials who support the genocide in Gaza.
Each Ramadan, local, state and national public officials join in community activities during and after the month-long fast to show support for religious diversity and inclusion. These expressions of solidarity are welcomed by the Muslim community.
[NOTE: Ramadan is the month on the Islamic lunar calendar during which Muslims abstain from food, drink and marital relations from break of dawn to sunset. This year, Ramadan is expected to begin on or about March 11. Because dates may vary, consult local mosques or Muslim community leaders for exact dates and times of the beginning and end of Ramadan. The end of Ramadan is marked with the Eid ul-Fitr (EED-al-FITTER), or “feast of fast breaking” holiday, often referred to simply as “Eid.” Many communities hold multicultural bazaars and other family activities following the Eid prayers, which are often attended by public officials.]
CONTACT: If there are no known contacts for Islamic leaders in a particular community, contact the nearest CAIR chapter by going to: https://www.cair.com/about_cair/cair-chapters/
In a statement, CAIR National Executive Director Nihad Awad said:
“Each year, the American Muslim community welcomes local, state and national public officials at Ramadan and Eid prayers. This year, because of the Israeli government’s ethnic cleansing and genocide of the Palestinian people, we encourage mosque and Islamic center to question relevant officials, especially members of Congress, about their stance on the genocide and educate them about the crisis. Those who seek to engage with the American Muslim community should do so based on an honest and open dialogue.”
CAIR’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
La misión de CAIR es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos.
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CONTACT: CAIR National Deputy Director Edward Ahmed Mitchell, 404-285-9530, e-Mitchell@cair.com; CAIR Government Affairs Director Robert McCaw, 202-742-6448, rmccaw@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, ihooper@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Manager Ismail Allison, 202-770-6280, iallison@cair.com