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Arizona Republic – August 4, 2005
Cartoons an insult to Muslims
by Mohamed El-Sharkawy
The number of hate crimes against Muslims has risen to disturbing levels. Cartoons such as those by The Republic's Steve Benson on July 28 and Sunday will not help this situation.
The cartoons are gross misrepresentations of Muslims and totally disregarded the countless condemnations made by American Muslims every day. We are doing our utmost to speak out against terrorism in all forms.
Part of the work that Council on American-Islamic Relations of Arizona (CAIR-AZ) is fostering positive relations between the Muslim and non-Muslim communities. We offer sensitivity training to organizations here in the Valley, including the airport and police departments. We engage in interfaith dialogue and raise awareness about Islam.
Islam does not teach hatred. It teaches that there is no justification in killing innocent people. My wife is Christian. Islam allows Muslim men to marry from different faiths (Christian or Jewish). Islam prohibits killing innocent people, regardless of their faith.
We have always been contributors to the American society in many fields - education, health, business and others - and consider this country to be our home as well. -
Mohamed El-Sharkawy is President of CAIR-Arizona, Phenix.
http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/opinions/articles/0804thurlets047.html
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