COPAA Teams with LA
County Sheriff, Elected Representatives & Other Muslims
to Create New Congress
Flanked
by US Congressmember Jane Harman, Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky
and Los Angeles County Sheriff Lee Baca; a group of Muslims
from Southern California came together and introduced the
newly formed Muslim-American Homeland Security Congress
(MAHSC). MAHSC is expected to develop into a nationwide
network of local Muslim -American community, business and
religious leaders. (A report on the formation of the Congress
earlier appeared in Pakistan Link).
"We hope that this organization will enhance the partnership
and cooperation between the Muslim- American community and
law enforcement, as well as, local and national elected
officials, civic and inter- faith groups. We believe that
the Muslim-Americans have a vital role to play in making
America a better and more secure place to live in for all
people," said Shakeel Syed, Executive Director of the
Shura Council of Southern California.
"The security of our homeland is important to all Americans,"
Sheriff Lee Baca said. "So is the understanding and
acceptance of our differences. The Muslim-American Homeland
Security Congress will play a vital role in fostering education,
understanding, communication and cooperation between Muslims
and the general public toward the mutual goal of protecting
and defending America and its entire people. Together, we
will fight bigotry and work jointly to prevent terrorism."
The Muslim-American Homeland Security Congress includes
the following members on its Executive Board, who were selected
by the Congress, represented by dozens of local leaders
and organizations:
Ahmad Ali: Council of Pakistan American Affairs
Hussam Ayloush: Council on American-Islamic Relations
Dafer M. Dakhil: Omar Ibn Al Khattab Foundation
Tiffany Horton: Muslim Women's League
Dr. Jamil Momand: Islamic Center of Southern California
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