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July 24 , 2008 7 Rajab, 1429
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Ayat of the Day [Surah Al-Mulk (67): 15-18]
CAIR-Houston participated in a
meeting with the Harris County Sheriff's Department. This meeting came
in response to the discovery of prejudicial emails circulating in the
sheriff's office.
Late last month channel 13 showed a two-part series on racist and offensive emails that had been circulating among the senior staff of the Harris County Sheriff’s Department. These emails included derogatory content about Muslims as well as many other ethnic groups in Houston. The offensive images and cartoons as well as racist views of the Chinese, Hispanic, African-American and Muslim communities in Houston coming out of the sheriff’s department were a surprise to some Houston residents. “My trust and confidence in the sheriff’s department is very low now,” said local businessman Azim Zakaria in channel 13’s story. The second report in the two-part series focused on the emails, which contained images such as a picture of Prophet Mohammed inscribed in a pig. There was also a picture of a Muslim man’s remote control for his wife. This included buttons to clean, feed camel and give me an AK-47. Another emailed said “Perhaps we should be very suspicious of all Muslims in our country; they obviously cannot be both “good Muslims and good Americans.” Sheriff Tommy Thomas did release an apology letter to the Muslim community. He recognized that there were inappropriate emails in his department and he will be investigating the incident further. The email controversy and the apology that followed prompted a meeting with Sheriff Thomas and prominent members of the Houston community. The meeting was arranged with Sheriff Thomas, CAIR-Houston and other prominent community leaders. The meeting, which was held at the Islamic Society of Greater Houston’s Main Center attempted to find solutions for the incident and created an open dialogue between community leaders and the sheriff’s office. Increased
interaction with the Harris County Sheriff's office and CAIR-Houston's
desire to continue to empower the Muslim community has led to a new
workshop for the Houston community.
The workshop related to 911 procedures will be presented by the Communications Department of the Sheriff's Office. The presentation will include proper 911 procedures as well as how to act in the event of an emergency. It's important to attend this workshop to gain a better understanding of 911 procedures and to learn how to be better prepared in the event of a crisis or emergency. The CAIR-Houston workshop will be part of a program at ISGH's Synott Masjid. Dinner will be served at the end of the program. WHAT: 911 and Emergency Procedures workshop with the Sheriff's Department WHEN: Saturday, July 26 at 8:30 p.m. WHERE: Masjid Attaqwa (10415 Synott Rd, Sugarland) (7/2/08) HOUSTON
- CAIR-Houston participated with other Muslim organizations in Houston
at a round table meeting with airport Operations for Houston from the
US custom and Border Patrol and the Managing Director of the
Development of the Houston Airport System. The meeting was organized by
Congressman Nick Lampson's office.
Each government agency gave an overview of updates in their development in providing security in travel and at airports. The Muslim representatives brought forth concerns from the community about the treatment of some Muslims in airports and what is perceived as excessive secondary screenings that some Muslims are asked to go through. Both, the government agencies and the Muslim organizations agreed that the best step to eliminate misunderstandings at airports is through education. Educating the Muslim community about new policies and procedures along with educating the agencies about Islamic practices will make traveling a more safe and comfortable experience.  CAIR-Houston and LULAC: Building Stronger Community Ties
CAIR-Houston continues outreach to the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) by attending the LULAC district meeting. At this district meeting CAIR-Houston was able to speak to LULAC Council Presidents of the District. The LULAC leadership got a brief update on how the recent CAIR-Houston/LULAC Workshop went. Through CAIR-Houston's participation at the meeting the LULAC leadership present was also able to review key areas of common interest to LULAC and the Muslim Community. CAIR-Houston also attended a LULAC Council meeting. At that meeting CAIR-Houston was able to give a brief talk that included a small introduction to the Muslim Community. CAIR-Houston was also able to emphasize working on addressing concerns held by the Latin Americans and Muslims in the Houston area. Where: Westin Oaks Galleria (5011 Westheimer)
When: Saturday, August 23 at 6:30 p.m. Please join us at our Annual Banquet to celebrate the success of CAIR-Houston in the past year, and learn about our vision for the future. Ambassador Edward Peck will be our keynote speaker for the evening. Peck has a long history in the U.S. government, including service as a Foreign Service Officer in Morocco, Algeria and Egypt. Tickets are $50 and seating is limited. To reserve your seat, purchase your ticket now. CONTACT: Shan Pasha at 713.838.CAIR |
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