Letter to Colleagues in the US House of Representatives - Join Us: Show Solidarity with the American Muslim Community
Letter
Dear Colleague:
Two weeks ago, a mosque just ten miles from the Capitol was the recipient of a hoax bomb and Molotov cocktails were thrown in the parking lot. This attack is just one of many examples of anti-Muslim actions and rhetoric being felt in local communities across the country. Another recent example, just 50 miles south of here at a recent Spotsylvania County community meeting: Protestors told members of the Islamic Center of Fredericksburg that all Muslims are terrorists and to get out of "their town." Or in Texas, where an armed protest was held outside the Islamic Center of Irving and the protest sponsor published names and addresses of those he targeted and identified as being Muslims and "Muslim sympathizers."
We must show that we will not tolerate islamophobia and that those who propagate it do not represent the melting-pot America that we celebrate. Leaders in support of American diversity and in support of the Muslim communities we represent, respect, and work hand-in-hand with for peace, must speak more loudly than the intolerant. We invite you to join in this Friday to stand in solidarity with Dar Al-Hijrah Mosque -- the mosque that received the hoax bomb -- and with all our American Muslim communities, by attending Friday prayers and joining us for a short press conference against bigotry.
Those attending will depart the Capitol on Friday, December 4th, for Dar Al-Hijrah Mosque, 3159 Row St, Falls Church, VA 22044, to join Friday prayers at 12:15 pm. Following the service, we will join Imam Johari Abdul-Malik to speak to reporters and the public. If you cannot join us on Friday, we invite you to attend prayers at a mosque in your congressional district to show Muslims around the country that Members of Congress stand with them in the face of intolerance.
Every nation faces chapters of bigotry and discrimination against religious, ethnic or racial groups. What sets the United States apart is our ability to rise up collectively against these wrongs to achieve civility, acceptance, and inclusion. Help us show solidarity with the American Muslim community by joining us on Friday. For more information, please contact Kate at Kate.Schisler@mail.house.gov or Adnan at Adnan.Mohamed@mail.house.gov in Congressman Beyer's office.
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