CAIR-SEATTLE CHALLENGES PARTICIPANTS IN ANTI-MUSLIM ‘RALLY’ 
   

(WASHINGTON, D.C., 4/2/07) - On Saturday, March 31, CAIR-Seattle
President Arsalan Bukhari challenged the anti-Muslim views of a small
group of people who took part in a protest against “Islamofascism.”

Bukhari tried to help the handful of protest participants understand
the reality of the American Muslim experience and Islam, but was met
with hostility based on false information about Islam and Muslims
promoted by Internet hate sites. (read more )

After refuting the anti-Muslim smears, Bukhari gave two Qurans to the
protesters. Unfortunately, the organizers of the event later falsely
claimed that Bukhari “joined” the rally.

“I hope to follow up with the protesters to teach them more about
Islam and have them meet local Muslims,” said Bukhari. “I believe

they are good at heart, but are misled by the propaganda fed to them
by anti-Muslim bigots.”

Bukhari said CAIR’s research has shown that anti-Muslim prejudice
decreases when people of other faiths know more about Islam and have
an opportunity to interact with ordinary Muslims. He added that it is
unfortunate that the protest organizers lied in a public statement by
falsely claiming he shared their bigoted views.

CAIR, America’s largest Islamic civil liberties group, has 32
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.