CAIR Launches Oklahoma
Chapter with Sold-out Banquet
Oklahama
City, OK: The Washington-based Council on American-Islamic
Relations (CAIR) recently launched an Oklahoma chapter (CAIR-OK)
with a sold-out fundraising dinner in Norman, Okla. CAIR-OK
joins 32 other CAIR chapters and offices throughout the
United States and Canada.
Attendees at CAIR-OK's May 12th banquet, themed "American
Muslims: Connecting & Sharing," included representatives
from the FBI, local and state government officials and interfaith
leaders.
In his keynote address to the gathering, CAIR National Board
Chair Dr. Parvez Ahmed said: "I urge that you stand
for the cause of justice, for Islam stands for justice,
. . for the cause of peace, for Islam is peace, and. . .for
the cause of mutual understanding, for Islam advocates cooperation
and harmony between people of all faiths."
Imam Dr. Imad Enchassi, president of the Islamic Society
of Greater Oklahoma City welcomed CAIR to the state and
urged community members to support the Council's civil rights
and advocacy work. Enchassi said: "CAIR stood up for
the rights of those who could not stand up for themselves.
I ask that each and every one of you support CAIR in its
mission to promote civil rights and civil liberties for
everyone."
"We will work hand-in-hand with people of other faiths
to build a more solid foundation of interfaith relations
in our state," said CAIR-OK Chairperson Lobna Hewedi.
She said CAIR-OK would also work with local law enforcement
agencies, educational institutions and houses of worship
to foster mutual understanding and tolerance.
CAIR, America's largest Muslim civil liberties group, has
33 offices and chapters nationwide and in Canada. Its mission
is to enhance understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue,
protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build
coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
