CAIR CONDEMNS EGYPT BOMB ATTACKS

(WASHINGTON, D.C., 7/23/05) - A prominent national Islamic civil rights and advocacy group today condemned bomb attacks in the Egyptian resort of Sharm el-Sheik early Saturday (local time) that left at least 45 people dead and many more wounded.

In its statement, the Washington-based Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) said:

“It is with great sadness and revulsion that we once again witness senseless attacks on innocent civilians. American Muslims condemn these brutal attacks, offer their sincere condolences to the loved ones of those who were killed or injured and call for the swift apprehension and punishment of the perpetrators.

“To prevent the terrorists from achieving what seems to be their goal of sparking an apocalyptic conflict, people of all faiths should react to these crimes by redoubling their efforts to promote interfaith understanding and to challenge mindless hatred, whatever its source.”

In 2004, CAIR launched a petition drive, called “Not in the Name of Islam,” designed to disassociate Islam from the violent acts of a few Muslims. The petition, signed by some 700,000 Muslims, states in part: “We refuse to allow our faith to be held hostage by the criminal actions of a tiny minority acting outside the teachings of both the Quran and the Prophet Muhammad.”

Last week, CAIR turned that petition into a television public service announcement that is being distributed nationwide. Arabic and Urdu subtitled versions will also be made available to television stations in Muslim countries. (To read the petition or to view the PSA, go to www.cair.com )

CAIR, America’s largest Muslim civil liberties group, has 31 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.

To read CAIR’s Mission, Vision Statement and Core Principles, go to: http://www.cair-net.org/default.asp?Page=About