The Egyptian-Americans for Democracy, the Egyptian American Society, and the Midwest Coalition for Human Rights are joining together as part of a Global Day of Action (being planned by Amnesty sections around the world in conjunction with other partner organizations).

Amina Sharif issued a statement today on behalf of CAIR-Chicago, condemning the FBI's recent raids on the homes of local anti-war activists who have dedicated their lives towards peacefully organizing for justice at home and abroad.

"The irony is not lost on me that Israel would argue self-defense in a situation where it attacks peace activists in international waters," said Ahmed Rehab, of the Council on American-Islamic Relations. "The United States should recognize, as Israel's ally, that it must demand that Israel plays by our standards of respect for human rights and international law."

The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) today urged President Obama to condemn what the Muslim civil rights group called an Israeli "massacre" of civilians on a flotilla of ships in international waters seeking to bring humanitarian aid to the people of the Gaza Strip. Israeli commandos killed at least 10 civilians in a pre-dawn raid on the flotilla. Israel's attack on the flotilla has already been condemned by the international community.

Why do Westerners succumb to anti-Muslim fear? It's a natural reflex -- certainly what terrorists expect when they claim their acts are in the name of Islam. They want to drive a wedge between the cultures, lest a harmonious blending undercut their extremism and deprive them of the enemy they crave. It's a partnership, the terrorists and the fear-mongers, working in harmony and tacit agreement.

I am disappointed in the Star Press for publishing a biased and uninformed opinion piece in its Sunday, June 21 paper. The article “A Peaceful Religion?” manages to malign the faith of over a billion people around the world today by claiming that Islam “is intrinsically not a peaceful or tolerant religion.”

CAIR has outlined 10 positive, pro-active steps concerned Americans can take to help end Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip, restore the cease-fire and the flow of humanitarian aid and promote a more balanced U.S. policy in the Middle East.

March and rally calling for a cease fire and end to the massacre of innocent civilians

I was surprised to read in the column by Ray Hanania, "Don't let violence sabotage efforts toward peace," that Christians, Muslims and Jews have "never lived together in peace."