building coalitions

CAIR: Zawahri Does Not Speak for Muslims (WASHINGTON, D.C., 11/19/08) - A prominent national Islamic civil rights and advocacy group today condemned threatening rhetoric and racial slurs contained in a new video by Ayman al-Zawahri and said Al-Qaida's second-in-command does not speak for Muslims in this country or worldwide.

SEE: Al-Qaida No. 2 Insults Obama with Racial Epithet (AAP)

In a statement reacting to the new video, the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) said:

"As Muslims and as Americans, we will never let terrorist groups or terror leaders falsely claim to represent us or our faith. The legitimate grievances of Muslims in many areas of the world can never serve as an excuse or a justification for attacks on civilian populations. We once again repudiate Al-Qaida's actions, rhetoric and worldview and re-state our condemnation of all forms of terrorism and religious extremism."

SEE: CAIR's Anti-Terrorism Campaigns

CAIR took particular offense to al-Zawahri's use of the offensive term "house Negro" in reference to President-elect Barack Obama. "Islam rejects racism and seeks universal peace and brotherhood. We repudiate any and all use of racial slurs or insults."

The Washington-based council recently welcomed the arrest of two teenagers who allegedly assaulted a New York Muslim of African heritage on Election Night after reportedly shouting 'Obama' and condemned a cross-burning on the lawn of an Obama supporter in New Jersey.

SEE: CAIR-NY Welcomes Arrests in Election Night 'Obama' Attack

SEE ALSO: CAIR Condemns Cross Burning on Lawn of NJ Obama Supporters

CAIR, America's largest Islamic civil liberties group, has 35 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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CONTACT: CAIR National Communications Director
Ibrahim Hooper
(202) 488-8787 or (202) 744-7726, E-Mail: ihooper@cair.com

CAIR Communications Coordinator
Amina Rubin
(202) 488-8787, E-Mail: arubin@cair.com

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CONTACT: CAIR-LA Communications Coordinator
Munira Syeda

(714) 776-1847, (714) 851-4851
E-Mail: info@losangeles.cair.com