House Members Attend CAIR
Capitol Hill Iftar
Washington, DC: More than
100 people, including nine members of the US House of Representatives,
turned out September 26 for the fourth annual Capitol Hill
Ramadan iftar, or fast-breaking meal, hosted by the Council
on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR).
A number of congressional staffers, American Muslim community
leaders, members of the military and law enforcement, representatives
of civil rights groups, and diplomats from Muslim nations
joined the House members in the networking event.
Several of the elected officials who spoke at the iftar expressed
appreciation for CAIR's civil liberties advocacy work.
"CAIR is more important now than maybe ever in our lifetime,"
said Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX).
Rep. Jim Moran (D-VA) said: "I do want to give a great
deal of credit to the Council on American-Islamic Relations
because you have spoken up against discrimination, against
religious profiling, against a great deal of the misunderstandings
that have been perpetrated and cause people so much hurt."
"We thank all the elected officials, diplomats and members
of our armed forces and law enforcement agencies who took
the time to gain a greater understanding of Islam and the
American Muslim community," said CAIR National Legislative
Director Corey Saylor.
Ramadan is the month on the Islamic lunar calendar during
which Muslims abstain from food, drink and other sensual pleasures
from break of dawn to sunset.
CAIR has 32 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.
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