CAIR to Counter D.C. Anti-Islam Bus Ads with Inclusive Message

WASHINGTON, June 10, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- On Wednesday, June 11, the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation's largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, will hold a news conference at its Capitol Hill headquarters in Washington, D.C., to announce the launch of a campaign with an inclusive message to counter anti-Islam ads placed on area buses by a hate group led by Pamela Geller.

Christian and Jewish interfaith leaders will participate in the news conference.

[NOTE: Photos and video of the CAIR ad will be available at the news conference.]

WHAT: CAIR Launches Campaign to Counter Anti-Islam Ads on D.C. Buses

WHEN: Wednesday, June 11, 10:30 a.m.

WHERE: CAIR's Capitol Hill Headquarters, 453 New Jersey Avenue, S.E., Washington, D.C.

CONTACT: CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, [email protected]

Geller's ad falsely claims that the Quran encourages Muslims to hate Jews.

"This advertising campaign is an opportunity for people to learn about Islam's commitment to freedom of religion, diversity and peaceful coexistence encouraged by the teachings of the Quran," said CAIR National Executive Director Nihad Awad.

Awad said Geller's organization, Stop the Islamization of America (SIOA), is designated as a hate group by the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC). SPLC also named Geller as a member of the "anti-Muslim inner circle."

Her hate ads have been repudiated by interfaith leaders.

SEE: An Antidote for Islamophobia
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/rabbi-rachel-gartner/an-antidote-for-islamophobia_b_5400798.html   

In 2012, a broad-based coalition of 127 organizations sent a letter to the Washington Area Metro Transit Authority (WMATA) expressing concern about Geller's previous anti-Muslim advertisements. 

A CAIR ad placed to counter Geller's 2012 campaign featured a verse from the Quran stating: "Show forgiveness, speak for justice and avoid the ignorant." (The Holy Quran, 7:199)

Video: D.C. Metro Riders React Positively to CAIR Quran Ad Text (Fox)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7nZaROtQlo8  

CAIR is America's largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. 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.

CONTACT: CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, [email protected]; CAIR Maryland Outreach Office Chair Zainab Chaudry, 410-971-6062, [email protected]; CAIR Communications Manager Amina Rubin, 202-341-4171, [email protected]

SOURCE Council on American-Islamic Relations

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