Date Posted: Thursday, November 13, 2003

Representatives of MAS Freedom Foundation, Outreach Coordinator Sherifa Rafiq and Administrative Director Aishah Schwartz, attended an Iftar dinner hosted by members of the U.S. House of Representatives.

WASHINGTON, Nov 12 - The United States House of Representatives and leaders of the American Muslim community held a Ramadan Iftar (breaking fast) on Capitol Hill Wednesday.

Representative John Conyers, Jr. (D-MI), along with several other House members, welcomed guests, including representatives of the Muslim American Society (MAS)’s Freedom Foundation, by reaffirming the importance of communities joining in the cause of establishing religious tolerance, saying that, "America is still a melting pot; a nation of immigrants.

"The Islamic religion is one of the three great Abrahamic faiths; promoting peace and unity, in addition to being the fastest growing religion in the U.S. today," he affirmed.

Conyers assured guests that the representatives hosting the Iftar dinner would continue to work towards making improvements on the Hate Crimes Bill, making it easier for federal law enforcement agencies to prosecute people who commit hate crimes against Arabs, Muslims, and mosques.

Conyers stated that since "September 11, 2001, people of Arabic descent have been harassed, assaulted, attacked, and arrested because of the great gulf between cultures," and that it would be their goal to strengthen the legislation, and make all activities under the “un-Patriotic Act” unlawful, asserting, "You cannot fight terrorism by applying unconstitutional tactics."

Conyers thanked the Council on American-Islamic relations (CAIR) for their work in coordinating the event, and then announced, "I celebrate this evening with you!"

In closing, Conyers assured members of the American Muslim community that legislative and political developments needed to achieve the fight for religious tolerance would continue.

Along with Conyers, the Iftar was co-hosted by House members Gregory Meeks (D-NY), Dennis Kucinich (D-OH), Loretta Sanchez (D-CA), and Barbara Lee (D-CA).

Representing the Muslim American Society’s Freedom Foundation at the event were Outreach Coordinator Sherifa Rafiq and Administrative Director Aishah Schwartz.