ICNA Islamic Circle of North America

—FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE—

 

JAMAICA, New York (February 17, 2010) – In a press release issued today, the Islamic Circle of North America denounced an article published by the Dallas Morning News that misrepresents the Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) and Dr. Louay Safi, ISNA’s Director of Communications and Leadership Development.

 

On February 7th, the DMN published an article by Brooks Egerton entitled “U.S. torn over whether some Islamists offer insight or pose threat.” Written with a sense of absurd logic, Egerton’s article can only be characterized as a journalistic shame. It is regrettable that the DMN chose to publish an article that incites fear and serves to tarnish the image of American Muslims. ICNA appeals for an effective unified platform to counter Islamophobia, media bias and demonization of Muslim organizations.

 

Egerton’s article strives to undermine ISNA’s numerous achievements as a mainstream Muslim organization that promotes interfaith dialogue and works tirelessly to educate and uplift the Muslim community. ISNA’s ongoing efforts in promoting working relations between Muslim leadership and US government agencies have paved the way for an understanding and respectful relationship.

 

It is truly saddening that one of the nation’s largest, most prominent and trusted Muslim organizations is forced to defend itself against baseless allegations. ICNA urges members of the American Muslim community to contact the Dallas Morning News and respectfully call for the retraction of the February 7th article. We encourage you to request that the newspaper allow ISNA to publish a refutation in its op-ed pages, by e-mailing or calling:

 

Maud Beelman, DMN News Editor mbeelman@dallasnews.com 214-977-8456

 

Brooks Egerton, Staff Writer begerton@dallasnews.com 214-977-7622

 

The Islamic Circle of North America is an American Muslim organization dedicated to the betterment of society through the promotion of Islamic values.

—END—

Press Contact: Naeem Baig
Vice President for Public Affairs
Islamic Circle of North America
E-mail:
Office: (718) 658-1199 Extension: 102
Cell: (917) 202-2118