CAIR statement on the Seattle synagouge shooting

CAIR has issued official statements on the Seattle incident - wherein a muslim-American opened fire upon a synagouge, claiming it an act of revenge for the violence in Lebanon by Israel. CAIR's and the Seattle muslim community's condemnations are clear and unequivocal and I am reprinting it because already accusations have arisen against CAIR that it is a qualified condemnation, that they actually blame Israel or take sympathies to the bomber, etc. These are typical slanders of CAIR and while I have serious concerns with the national leadership, I consider the organization as a whole to speak for me and has my support.

(WASHINGTON, DC, 7/28/06) - The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) today condemned an attack on a Jewish community center in Seattle, Wash., that left one person dead and several more injured. (A statement signed by representatives of the Seattle Muslim community, including CAIR-Seattle, is attached below.)

A lone gunman who reportedly said, “I'm a Muslim American; I'm angry at Israel," entered the Jewish Federation of Greater Seattle and began shooting. The alleged gunman was later arrested.

In a statement, the Washington-based Islamic civil rights and advocacy group said:

“We condemn this senseless attack on a religious institution and offer sincere condolences to the loved ones of those killed or injured. The American Muslim and Jewish communities must do whatever is within their power to prevent the current conflict in the Middle East from being transplanted to this country. We also urge local, state and national law enforcement authorities to step up security measures at synagogues, mosques and other religious institutions of both faiths.”

CAIR, America's largest Muslim civil liberties group, has 32 offices, chapters and affiliates 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.

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In addition, the Seattle muslim community released the following statement:

STATEMENT BY SEATTLE MUSLIM COMMUNITY

The Muslim community of the Greater Seattle area watched in horror as news broke of a shooting at the Jewish Federation building. While many of the details of this shooting remain to be determined, what is clear is that a senseless and ruthless act of violence has taken place and resulted in the loss of at least one life.

We categorically condemn this and any similar acts of violence. We pray for the safety and health of those injured and offer our heartfelt condolences to the family of the victims of this attack. We also hope that the perpetrator of this crime is brought to justice.

There is no room for such acts of violence in our city and community. When one of us is attacked, none of us are safe. We refuse to see the violence in the Middle East spill over to our cities and neighborhoods.

We reject and categorically condemn any attacks against the Jewish community and stand in solidarity with the Jewish Federation in this tragedy.

Statement issued by:

Council on American-Islamic Relations, Seattle
Ithna-Ashari Muslim Association of the Northwest
Muslim Association of Puget Sound
Islamic Educational Center of Seattle
American Muslims of Puget Sound
Arab American Community Coalition
Islamic Center of Tri-Cities

There's really nothing more I have to say on the matter.