WASHINGTON, DC - August 29, 2007 (MASNET) MAS Freedom (MASF), as the civic and human rights advocacy entity of the Muslim American Society (MAS), calls for the closing of Guantanamo and release of Al-Jazeera journalist Sami Al Haj. Below is a report from Reporters Without Borders and MAS Freedom's letter to the Secretary of Defense Robert Gates.
Sudanese Cameraman Sami Al-Haj in Critical Condition in Guantanamo
Reporters Without Borders voiced "deep concern" on August 22, 2007 about Sudanese cameraman Sami Al-Haj, a Guantanamo detainee since June 2002, whose lawyer, Clive Stafford Smith, said yesterday after recovering his notes from US military censors that his client’s health has worsened considerably in recent days. Referring to the death of four prisoners in just over a year, Al-Haj told him he feared for his survival.
"We strongly condemn the reprisals applied to Al-Haj and other prisoners for choosing to go on hunger strike," the press freedom organization said. "We do not encourage them to pursue this desperate course, but the US military does not have the right to feed them by force. It is also unacceptable that interviews between lawyers and their clients in Guantanamo are monitored and censored. We hope Al-Haj will finally be released and his constitutional rights will be guaranteed."
Stafford Smith saw his client in Guantanamo in early July but his notes were not returned to him until last week and they came with many deletions. He said in a statement that Al-Haj was suffered from intestinal problems and has lost 18 kilos since beginning his hunger strike last December. This was disputed by Guantanamo spokesman Rick Haupt, who said Al-Haj’s weight was "ideal."
Stafford Smith said his client’s mental condition had also worsened. He said Al-Haj had difficulty concentrating and expressing himself in English when they met. He was also very anxious and subject to paranoia attacks, and feared dying if his situation does not improve.
"Sami Al-Haj asks for just one thing, to be granted a fair trial and to be released," Stafford-Smith said in a message to Reporters Without Borders. "But the US military are just as determined to deny him this right. When I saw him recently, he was in a bad physical and mental condition and was talking of his death. It is now more urgent than ever that he should be freed."
Al-Haj told his lawyer that the conditions in which he was being held had become much worse and the guards often punished the hunger-strikers by, for example, putting them in more painful chains. "I never caused the military any problems, but they punish me over time."
He also told Stafford Smith that often-inexperienced "nurses" inflicted injuries on the detainees during force-feeding by using large-diameter tubes or by inserting them into the lungs instead of the stomach.
Haupt insisted that, thanks to the medical team’s efforts, none of the hunger-strikers was in danger of dying. But Al-Haj said the doctors were useless and have not granted any of his requests. "We have more confidence in the guards than the doctors, who have not done anything for our health," he said. Four prisoners have died in Guantanamo since June 2006 as a result of hunger-strikes and force-feeding. A Sudanese newspaper recently reported that the US authorities planned to release Al-Haj soon, but Stafford Smith said the Sudanese government has advised his family to pay no attention to these "rumors."
Aged 38 and the father of a small boy, Al-Haj was working as an assistant cameraman for the Qatar-based TV station Al-Jazeera when he was arrested by Pakistani security forces at the Afghan border in December 2001 and was handed over to the US military six months later. No charges have ever been brought against him.
URL: http://www.rsf.org/article.php3?id_article=23363
August 30, 2007
Secretary of Defense Robert Gates
1000 Defense Pentagon
Washington, D.C. 20301-1000
Dear Secretary Gates:
The Muslim American Society (MAS) and MAS Freedom, the civil and human rights advocacy entity of MAS, urgently request your immediate action to free Sami Al-Haj from the Guantanamo prison camp. We make this appeal both for humanitarian reasons and because of Mr. Al-Haj's life-threatening medical condition.
This prisoner, as you are aware, was a cameraman working for the Al-Jazeera network when he was taken into custody by United States military forces and transported to Guantanamo. There was never any proof of his involvement in armed conflict or actions against the United States. Further, he has not been given the opportunity for a trial.
Because of this, we have joined with Reporters Without Borders (RSF) and other international human rights advocates who call for his immediate release from Guantanamo.
Mr. Al Haj's attorney, Clive Stafford-Smith, recently reported that Sami has suffered a weight loss of nearly 40 pounds, and that his mental condition has deteriorated considerably as a result of his captivity.
For the sake of his life, and for the integrity of the system of fair justice that America proclaims to the world, we call upon you to use the power and influence of your office to release Sami Al-Haj from captivity.
Sincerely yours,
Ibrahim Ramey
Director, Human and Civil Rights Division
MAS Freedom
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Unwarranted Personal Intrusions Violate Religious Freedom
WASHINGTON, DC - August 28, 2007 (MASNET) MAS Freedom (MASF), as the civic and human rights advocacy entity of the Muslim American Society (MAS), joins with members of the Sikh Coalition and other faith organizations in objecting to the new rules issued by the Transportation Safety Administration (TSA), regarding the permissibility of the searching of turbans, hijabs, and other religious head coverings worn by air passengers.
Requiring TSA screeners to conduct mandatory secondary screenings of religious headwear is a reversal of longstanding policy that allowed for religious such screenings to take place only there was some indication of a potential threat. The new policy is unacceptable because:
It specifically lists the turban as an example of headwear that can be subjected to secondary screening at the discretion of the screener;
The new procedure and guidance on how to implement them have been kept a secret;
The procedures (given the limited information on them released to the public) are disturbingly vague; and,
The new procedures were created without consulting any Sikhs, Sikh organizations or other religious faith organizations whose members wear religious headwear.
Such searches are unwarranted personal intrusions that violate the spirit of religious pluralism that is a founding principle of this country. Passengers, particularly those identified as members of the Sikh or Islamic traditions, should not be subjected to such blatant and disrespectful invasions of personal space, especially after having gone through standard security screenings at airports.
"While we certainly believe that all air passengers should be able to travel in safety and security, we also strongly support the protection of members of religious communities from excessive screenings and arbitrary searches, especially when these passengers have already gone through standard security examinations," stated MAS Freedom Civil and Human Rights Director, Ibrahim Abdil-Mu'id Ramey.
Ramey added, "For Both Sikhs and Muslims, religious head coverings should be regarded as part of our sacred obligations, and, therefore, treated with due respect by TSA personnel."
"We cannot stand by while TSA grants airport screeners license to conduct religious profiling," stated MAS Freedom Executive Director, Mahdi Bray. "This new policy and its implementation must be addressed and corrected immediately."
Join MAS Freedom and the Sikh Coalition in petitioning Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary, Michael Chertoff, for immediate reconsideration of the new screening policy by adding your signature to the online petition drive here.
"We thank you and the Sikh Coalition for your principled stand against the unwarranted personal searches of air passengers wearing religious head coverings," stated Bray.
Please share the petition link with your friends, associates, community and listservs.
Contact MASF toll-free at 1-888-627-8471 or by sending an email to MAS4Freedom@aol.com.
Requiring TSA screeners to conduct mandatory secondary screenings of religious headwear is a reversal of longstanding policy that allowed for religious such screenings to take place only there was some indication of a potential threat. The new policy is unacceptable because:
It specifically lists the turban as an example of headwear that can be subjected to secondary screening at the discretion of the screener;
The new procedure and guidance on how to implement them have been kept a secret;
The procedures (given the limited information on them released to the public) are disturbingly vague; and,
The new procedures were created without consulting any Sikhs, Sikh organizations or other religious faith organizations whose members wear religious headwear.
Such searches are unwarranted personal intrusions that violate the spirit of religious pluralism that is a founding principle of this country. Passengers, particularly those identified as members of the Sikh or Islamic traditions, should not be subjected to such blatant and disrespectful invasions of personal space, especially after having gone through standard security screenings at airports.
"While we certainly believe that all air passengers should be able to travel in safety and security, we also strongly support the protection of members of religious communities from excessive screenings and arbitrary searches, especially when these passengers have already gone through standard security examinations," stated MAS Freedom Civil and Human Rights Director, Ibrahim Abdil-Mu'id Ramey.
Ramey added, "For Both Sikhs and Muslims, religious head coverings should be regarded as part of our sacred obligations, and, therefore, treated with due respect by TSA personnel."
"We cannot stand by while TSA grants airport screeners license to conduct religious profiling," stated MAS Freedom Executive Director, Mahdi Bray. "This new policy and its implementation must be addressed and corrected immediately."
Join MAS Freedom and the Sikh Coalition in petitioning Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary, Michael Chertoff, for immediate reconsideration of the new screening policy by adding your signature to the online petition drive here.
"We thank you and the Sikh Coalition for your principled stand against the unwarranted personal searches of air passengers wearing religious head coverings," stated Bray.
Please share the petition link with your friends, associates, community and listservs.
Contact MASF toll-free at 1-888-627-8471 or by sending an email to MAS4Freedom@aol.com.
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Proud of My Muslim Face (From December of 2005)
Daveed Gartenstein-Ross' Dec. 11 column titled "Extremists among us?" clearly delineates two approaches in dealing with the issue of the American Muslim community and religious extremism.
One approach is to masquerade one's personal and professional animus toward the growing civic activism of the American Muslim community by trying to convince the American public that behind every American mosque and mainstream Muslim organization, there is a cabal of extremists lurking in the shadows waiting to destroy American society.
The other approach is to engage mainstream American Muslim organizations as they push to the forefront of challenging religious extremism, hate and violence.
It is truly regrettable that Mr. Ross has opted for the former, rather than the latter. Although regrettable, Mr. Ross' incorrect characterization of the Muslim American Society is quite predictable. As an old Southern country boy, I think someone should tell Mr. Ross that you can call a horse a mule, but it doesn't make it one.
For his part, Mr. Ross has lent his talent to the Washington Investigative Project, a group that has made a cottage industry out of attacking American Muslim organizations and their leadership.
This is the same organization whose leadership, without any evidence, made public announcements to the media that the Oklahoma City bombing was the work of Muslims. In fact, if you visit their Web sites and blog pages, you will find that Mr. Ross and his group would have you believe that every Muslim organization in America has ties to extremist groups. They achieve this amazing feat by cherry-picking out-of-context quotes and passages from Islamic reading materials and speeches made by Islamic leaders.
Mr. Ross' article on MAS employs the same technique. He mentions a Chicago Tribune article that attempted to link MAS to Egypt's Muslim Brotherhood, but failed to mention that in addition to the reporter's inaccuracies, later investigations revealed that the primary source used for the article was Dr. Ahmed Elkadi. We now know through affidavits and pending litigation that Dr. Elkadi suffers from dementia and that his cognitive faculties were seriously impaired when the Chicago Tribune interviewed him. In fact, his family members have issued a written statement to this effect in hopes of preventing unscrupulous reporters surreptitiously interviewing Dr. Elkadi.
Additionally, Mr. Ross asserts that a fatwa (religious opinion) in our March 2002 American Muslim magazine supports suicide bombing. There is absolutely no such fatwa in the March 2002 edition of the American Muslim magazine. However, if one reads the fatwa section of our magazine, we have presented differing opinions, both literal and interpretive, by Islamic scholars throughout the world and provide a balanced view from all perspectives. In addition, the magazine carries our disclaimer that the views and opinions presented in the American Muslim magazine do not necessarily reflect the views of the magazine or the Muslim American Society.
Our views on suicide bombing are consistent, clear and unambiguous: We condemn it. MAS is an independent American Muslim organization with a staunchly clear and firm American identity operating with full respect and compliance of our laws and Constitution. We subscribe to the values and ideals of our faith, our country and the law of this great nation. The administrative and organizational structure and methodology of MAS is well known and public. We maintain the highest level of transparency and believe in the tenants of public work in a free society.
Our work includes memberships on the board of directors of America's largest interfaith organizations, participation in State Department negotiations in national and international summits on terrorism, the initiation of gathering signatures of more than 100 prominent American Muslim religious leaders for our "Declaration of Support and Action Against Terrorism," the establishment of Boys and Girls Scouts of America chapters nationwide within our MAS Youth department, a MAS Youth campaign against a local initiative in Texas that would expand the accessibility of alcohol beverages, and MAS Youth girls providing holiday gifts in children's wards of Texas hospitals. Also, there is the MAS Youth Civic Empowerment class focusing on volunteerism, U.S. government and politics, and citizen participation.
Mr. Ross' information concerning MAS and the Muslim Brotherhood is equally flawed. For example, he mentions Sayyid Qutb "advocating militant Jihad against non-believers," but fails to mention that the leader of the Brotherhood in the '60s, Hasan Hudaybi, wrote an extensive refutation of Mr. Qutb's views. And as MAS is not the Muslim Brotherhood, my only point here is to once again point out Mr. Ross' slovenly research and inaccuracies concerning Islamic movements, organizations and their history.
In the final analysis, the average American is not concerned with the intricacies of classical Islamic history, fatwas and Islamic polemics. Most Americans want to know what we can do to protect ourselves against religious extremism and the violence and hate that accompany it. We at MAS are beyond the mere façade of addressing terrorism and have demonstrated through concrete action our categorical and unequivocal rejection and condemnation of terrorism wherever its roots may appear. But don't take my word for it.
One merely has to query government and public officials, members of Congress, American faith and civic leaders and, most recently, the thousands of victims of Hurricane Katrina whose lives were positively impacted in Houston and throughout the Gulf region by the "MAS Youth Boots on the Ground" Katrina relief program.
As America's largest grass-roots Muslim organization, with more than 50 chapters nationwide, we feel the cultivation by mainstream society of relationships and dialogue with genuine moderate Islamic organizations such as MAS will help resolve the worrisome "enigma" of extremism, illuminate our ideas and clearly show our fellow Americans that understanding Islam and Islamic activism – and engaging its followers and proponents – is by far the most effective and best way to work together to rid our world of the scourge of terrorism, eliminate the clash of civilizations
One approach is to masquerade one's personal and professional animus toward the growing civic activism of the American Muslim community by trying to convince the American public that behind every American mosque and mainstream Muslim organization, there is a cabal of extremists lurking in the shadows waiting to destroy American society.
The other approach is to engage mainstream American Muslim organizations as they push to the forefront of challenging religious extremism, hate and violence.
It is truly regrettable that Mr. Ross has opted for the former, rather than the latter. Although regrettable, Mr. Ross' incorrect characterization of the Muslim American Society is quite predictable. As an old Southern country boy, I think someone should tell Mr. Ross that you can call a horse a mule, but it doesn't make it one.
For his part, Mr. Ross has lent his talent to the Washington Investigative Project, a group that has made a cottage industry out of attacking American Muslim organizations and their leadership.
This is the same organization whose leadership, without any evidence, made public announcements to the media that the Oklahoma City bombing was the work of Muslims. In fact, if you visit their Web sites and blog pages, you will find that Mr. Ross and his group would have you believe that every Muslim organization in America has ties to extremist groups. They achieve this amazing feat by cherry-picking out-of-context quotes and passages from Islamic reading materials and speeches made by Islamic leaders.
Mr. Ross' article on MAS employs the same technique. He mentions a Chicago Tribune article that attempted to link MAS to Egypt's Muslim Brotherhood, but failed to mention that in addition to the reporter's inaccuracies, later investigations revealed that the primary source used for the article was Dr. Ahmed Elkadi. We now know through affidavits and pending litigation that Dr. Elkadi suffers from dementia and that his cognitive faculties were seriously impaired when the Chicago Tribune interviewed him. In fact, his family members have issued a written statement to this effect in hopes of preventing unscrupulous reporters surreptitiously interviewing Dr. Elkadi.
Additionally, Mr. Ross asserts that a fatwa (religious opinion) in our March 2002 American Muslim magazine supports suicide bombing. There is absolutely no such fatwa in the March 2002 edition of the American Muslim magazine. However, if one reads the fatwa section of our magazine, we have presented differing opinions, both literal and interpretive, by Islamic scholars throughout the world and provide a balanced view from all perspectives. In addition, the magazine carries our disclaimer that the views and opinions presented in the American Muslim magazine do not necessarily reflect the views of the magazine or the Muslim American Society.
Our views on suicide bombing are consistent, clear and unambiguous: We condemn it. MAS is an independent American Muslim organization with a staunchly clear and firm American identity operating with full respect and compliance of our laws and Constitution. We subscribe to the values and ideals of our faith, our country and the law of this great nation. The administrative and organizational structure and methodology of MAS is well known and public. We maintain the highest level of transparency and believe in the tenants of public work in a free society.
Our work includes memberships on the board of directors of America's largest interfaith organizations, participation in State Department negotiations in national and international summits on terrorism, the initiation of gathering signatures of more than 100 prominent American Muslim religious leaders for our "Declaration of Support and Action Against Terrorism," the establishment of Boys and Girls Scouts of America chapters nationwide within our MAS Youth department, a MAS Youth campaign against a local initiative in Texas that would expand the accessibility of alcohol beverages, and MAS Youth girls providing holiday gifts in children's wards of Texas hospitals. Also, there is the MAS Youth Civic Empowerment class focusing on volunteerism, U.S. government and politics, and citizen participation.
Mr. Ross' information concerning MAS and the Muslim Brotherhood is equally flawed. For example, he mentions Sayyid Qutb "advocating militant Jihad against non-believers," but fails to mention that the leader of the Brotherhood in the '60s, Hasan Hudaybi, wrote an extensive refutation of Mr. Qutb's views. And as MAS is not the Muslim Brotherhood, my only point here is to once again point out Mr. Ross' slovenly research and inaccuracies concerning Islamic movements, organizations and their history.
In the final analysis, the average American is not concerned with the intricacies of classical Islamic history, fatwas and Islamic polemics. Most Americans want to know what we can do to protect ourselves against religious extremism and the violence and hate that accompany it. We at MAS are beyond the mere façade of addressing terrorism and have demonstrated through concrete action our categorical and unequivocal rejection and condemnation of terrorism wherever its roots may appear. But don't take my word for it.
One merely has to query government and public officials, members of Congress, American faith and civic leaders and, most recently, the thousands of victims of Hurricane Katrina whose lives were positively impacted in Houston and throughout the Gulf region by the "MAS Youth Boots on the Ground" Katrina relief program.
As America's largest grass-roots Muslim organization, with more than 50 chapters nationwide, we feel the cultivation by mainstream society of relationships and dialogue with genuine moderate Islamic organizations such as MAS will help resolve the worrisome "enigma" of extremism, illuminate our ideas and clearly show our fellow Americans that understanding Islam and Islamic activism – and engaging its followers and proponents – is by far the most effective and best way to work together to rid our world of the scourge of terrorism, eliminate the clash of civilizations
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
From the Desk of Mahdi Bray: Stop the Attacks on Freedom of Sppech
MAS Freedom (MASF), as the civic and human rights advocacy entity of the Muslim American Society (MAS), has learned that, in an unprecedented action, the A.N.S.W.E.R. Coalition has received citations fining the organization $10,000 for the placement of posters announcing the September 15 March on Washington DC. The fines come after a campaign led by FOX news calling for the DC government to take action against those putting up posters for the September 15 demonstration.
"The September 15 anti-war demonstration posters are legal and conform to city regulations – government intimidation tactics to silence the antiwar movement will not be tolerated," stated MASF Executive Director, Mahdi Bray.
This is part of a systematic effort to disrupt the organizing for the September 15 Mass March that is timed to coincide with the report of General Petraeus and the debate in Congress on the Iraq war. Iraq war veterans and their families will lead this dramatic march from the White House to the Congress on September 15. The last thing the government wants is to see the streets of Washington, D.C. fill up with throngs of anti-war protesters right in the middle of the debate. But we will not be stopped. Organizing for this demonstration is taking place in cities and towns throughout the country. Buses and car caravans are coming from 90 cities and towns (logistical info here – transportation info here).
Fining the anti-war movement tens of thousands of dollars for putting up Free Speech-protected literature makes a mockery out of the First Amendment.
We can stop this effort to repress the antiwar movement with your help. Here's how:
· Call William O. Howland, Jr., Director of Department of Public Works, (202) 673-6833 or Adrian Fenty, Mayor, Washington, D.C. (202) 724-8876.
· Write a letter (online form here): (suggested) "I am writing to protest the fines levied against the ANSWER Coalition for putting up posters for the September 15th March on Washington. The government does not fine politicians who put up campaign posters, or commercial and business interests that plaster Washington, D.C. with posters. It is outrageous that the city, in concert with FOXNews, is attempting to suppress the antiwar movement. Stop the harassment. Stop the fines."
Make a generous donation today made payable to "MAS Freedom" in support of the September 15 March on Washington. Mail your contribution to:
"The September 15 anti-war demonstration posters are legal and conform to city regulations – government intimidation tactics to silence the antiwar movement will not be tolerated," stated MASF Executive Director, Mahdi Bray.
This is part of a systematic effort to disrupt the organizing for the September 15 Mass March that is timed to coincide with the report of General Petraeus and the debate in Congress on the Iraq war. Iraq war veterans and their families will lead this dramatic march from the White House to the Congress on September 15. The last thing the government wants is to see the streets of Washington, D.C. fill up with throngs of anti-war protesters right in the middle of the debate. But we will not be stopped. Organizing for this demonstration is taking place in cities and towns throughout the country. Buses and car caravans are coming from 90 cities and towns (logistical info here – transportation info here).
Fining the anti-war movement tens of thousands of dollars for putting up Free Speech-protected literature makes a mockery out of the First Amendment.
We can stop this effort to repress the antiwar movement with your help. Here's how:
· Call William O. Howland, Jr., Director of Department of Public Works, (202) 673-6833 or Adrian Fenty, Mayor, Washington, D.C. (202) 724-8876.
· Write a letter (online form here): (suggested) "I am writing to protest the fines levied against the ANSWER Coalition for putting up posters for the September 15th March on Washington. The government does not fine politicians who put up campaign posters, or commercial and business interests that plaster Washington, D.C. with posters. It is outrageous that the city, in concert with FOXNews, is attempting to suppress the antiwar movement. Stop the harassment. Stop the fines."
Make a generous donation today made payable to "MAS Freedom" in support of the September 15 March on Washington. Mail your contribution to:
Thursday, August 2, 2007
From the Desk of Mahdi Bray: We Mourn With You
WASHINGTON, DC – Aug. 2, 2007 (MASNET & News Sources) On August 1, 2007, media outlets were rocked as Minneapolis witnessed the collapse of its 8-lane, I-35W bridge, a main artery in the Minneapolis/St. Paul (Twin Cities) area. Reports indicate as many as 30 people missing, 79 or more injured, with the medical examiner's office confirming four fatalities.
MAS Freedom (MASF), as the civic and human rights advocacy entity of the Muslim American Society (MAS), offers its condolences to everyone affected by the I-35W bridge collapse, and offers appreciation to Senator Amy Klobuchar, Governor Tim Pawlenty, Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Ryback, and Congressman Keith Ellison (reported to be arriving on the scene today), for their quick response and efforts on behalf of those in need during this crisis.
The Muslim American Society's Service Corps (MAS Service Corps.) is urging Muslim community members within proximity of the catastrophe area to organize blood donation drives. Alternatively, community members are encouraged to contact Red Cross centers or Memorial Blood Centers of the Twin Cities area to make an appointment to donate blood.
"Pulling together in this critical time of need is incumbent upon us as a community. Please distribute this announcement widely in order to facilitate assisting as many people as possible," implored MAS Freedom Executive Director, Mahdi Bray.
To offer your support in this time of crisis, please contact the following:
MAS Service Corps
Phone: (319) 892-0256
Email: info@masservicecorps.org
Website: http://www.masservicecorps.org
Red Cross
Phone: 1-800-448-3543
Website: www.givebloodgivelife.org
Memorial Blood Center
(Between 9AM and 9PM)
Address: 3200 Main St., NW, Minneapolis, MN
Phone: (763) 210-0032
or
Address: 737 Pelham Blvd., St. Paul, MN
Phone: (612) 871-6636
Website: http://www.memorialbloodcenters.org/MBC/DesktopDefault.aspx
Memorial Blood Centers are reporting a critical shortage of Type 'O' blood.
Survivors of the bridge collapse are also encouraged to register as 'Safe and Well' at the following address:
Family Assistance Center
Holiday-Inn Metrodome
1500 Washington Ave.
Minneapolis, MN 55454
Phone: (612) 871-7676
So far the Red Cross reports having provided more than 2,000 meals and more than 3,000 snacks to families and first responders on the scene, in addition to providing counselors to provide comfort to those affected by this disaster. If you are unable to give blood please visit the Red Cross website to learn about other ways in which you can help.
Sen. Klobuchar has already announced that up to $100 million in funds for rebuilding and recovery of the 1,900 foot bridge, while Transportation Secretary Mary Peters has announced a $5 million grant to help pay for rerouting traffic patterns around the disaster site.
U.S. government officials have also sent help from the national Transportation Safety Board, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the FBI, the Coast Guard, the Army Corps of Engineers and the Environmental Protection Agency.
MAS Freedom (MASF), as the civic and human rights advocacy entity of the Muslim American Society (MAS), offers its condolences to everyone affected by the I-35W bridge collapse, and offers appreciation to Senator Amy Klobuchar, Governor Tim Pawlenty, Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Ryback, and Congressman Keith Ellison (reported to be arriving on the scene today), for their quick response and efforts on behalf of those in need during this crisis.
The Muslim American Society's Service Corps (MAS Service Corps.) is urging Muslim community members within proximity of the catastrophe area to organize blood donation drives. Alternatively, community members are encouraged to contact Red Cross centers or Memorial Blood Centers of the Twin Cities area to make an appointment to donate blood.
"Pulling together in this critical time of need is incumbent upon us as a community. Please distribute this announcement widely in order to facilitate assisting as many people as possible," implored MAS Freedom Executive Director, Mahdi Bray.
To offer your support in this time of crisis, please contact the following:
MAS Service Corps
Phone: (319) 892-0256
Email: info@masservicecorps.org
Website: http://www.masservicecorps.org
Red Cross
Phone: 1-800-448-3543
Website: www.givebloodgivelife.org
Memorial Blood Center
(Between 9AM and 9PM)
Address: 3200 Main St., NW, Minneapolis, MN
Phone: (763) 210-0032
or
Address: 737 Pelham Blvd., St. Paul, MN
Phone: (612) 871-6636
Website: http://www.memorialbloodcenters.org/MBC/DesktopDefault.aspx
Memorial Blood Centers are reporting a critical shortage of Type 'O' blood.
Survivors of the bridge collapse are also encouraged to register as 'Safe and Well' at the following address:
Family Assistance Center
Holiday-Inn Metrodome
1500 Washington Ave.
Minneapolis, MN 55454
Phone: (612) 871-7676
So far the Red Cross reports having provided more than 2,000 meals and more than 3,000 snacks to families and first responders on the scene, in addition to providing counselors to provide comfort to those affected by this disaster. If you are unable to give blood please visit the Red Cross website to learn about other ways in which you can help.
Sen. Klobuchar has already announced that up to $100 million in funds for rebuilding and recovery of the 1,900 foot bridge, while Transportation Secretary Mary Peters has announced a $5 million grant to help pay for rerouting traffic patterns around the disaster site.
U.S. government officials have also sent help from the national Transportation Safety Board, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the FBI, the Coast Guard, the Army Corps of Engineers and the Environmental Protection Agency.
Wednesday, August 1, 2007
Welcome to the New Blog of Imam Mahdi Bray
In the Name of Allah the Most Gracious the Most Merciful
I would like to welcome everyone to my new blog which has been created in order to share my thoughts, inspirations, and experiences with the world which will hopefully lead to feedback and dialogue with all people of good faith.
For those of you who do not know I am the Director of the Muslim American Society Freedom Foundation and I have a track-record of grassroots political activism going back to the 1960's when I protested against the Vietnam War, as I am protesting against the unjust war in Iraq today as a member of the steering committee of the ANSWER coalition, and I fought for the rights of African-Americans being oppressed by a racist system as a part of the civil-rights movement, as I stand in solidarity with the brothers in places such as Jenna, LA today.
My activism is inspired by my faith in Allah and I see it as a Muslim duty, and in the tradition of Prophet Muhammad ( peace be upon him), to fight for social justice and peace and to work with people of all races, ethnicity's and creeds in the pursuit of this effort.
I would like to welcome everyone to my new blog which has been created in order to share my thoughts, inspirations, and experiences with the world which will hopefully lead to feedback and dialogue with all people of good faith.
For those of you who do not know I am the Director of the Muslim American Society Freedom Foundation and I have a track-record of grassroots political activism going back to the 1960's when I protested against the Vietnam War, as I am protesting against the unjust war in Iraq today as a member of the steering committee of the ANSWER coalition, and I fought for the rights of African-Americans being oppressed by a racist system as a part of the civil-rights movement, as I stand in solidarity with the brothers in places such as Jenna, LA today.
My activism is inspired by my faith in Allah and I see it as a Muslim duty, and in the tradition of Prophet Muhammad ( peace be upon him), to fight for social justice and peace and to work with people of all races, ethnicity's and creeds in the pursuit of this effort.
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