Muslim Coalition for Peace-USA
http://muslimpeacecoalitionusa.com/
Phone: 202-643-JUST

 

Press Release

January 9, 2011

NY Area Muslim Leaders Held Special Inter-Faith Prayers for Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords & Other Victims of Arizona Shootings

Muslim Peace Coalition Demands Congressional Hearings

Contact Person: Shaik Saad

Telephone: 516 567 0783

NY area Muslim leaders along with 40 leaders of interfaith organizations, peace groups, and Christian and Jewish clergy, held special prayers for Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, who had been critically wounded in Arizona shootings. They prayed for her speedy and full recovery. They also prayed for the 6 victims killed and 11 others wounded and for their families.

These leaders had assembled at the Islamic Center of Long Island in Westbury on Saturday, January 8, 2011 to express solidarity with the Muslim community in the backdrop of increasing Islamophobia & of Congressman Peter King's announced congressional hearings on the Muslim Community. The solidarity session was planned as a culmination of a day long training retreat for peace activists

The leaders expressed alarm over the climate of hate and political polarization that is taking hold of the country. They requested that leaders of both political parties and leaders of all faith-based and non-faith-based communities to come together and work towards reconciliation and healing.

Dr. Shaik Ubaid, the NY chapter co-chair of Muslim Peace Coalition USA, led these leaders in observing a moment of silence in honor of slain victims. Dr. Ubaid expressed deep sorrow & anguish over this heinous crime, "We are not surprised by this dastardly act of violence because of the prevailing climate of fear and hatred in the country. The ultimate sacrifice of so many people should not be in vain and should bring in an atmosphere of understanding & tolerance."

"Muslim Peace Coalition demands that Congressman Peter King to hold hearings on the rising hatred and increasing threat of violence against elected officials including President Obama," said Dr. Shaik Ubaid.  "We need a comprehensive strategy to stop this hatred. The strategy should include political and religious reconciliation, education and effective law-enforcement. When the Time magazine runs the story on the rise of armed militias in the country, the problem should be taken seriously." Dr. Ubaid said