FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Mike Ghouse (214) 325-1916 text/talk
Mike@AmericanMuslimInstitution.org
Washington, D.C., Wednesday,
October 7, 2015 — A phone conference was held today by American Muslims and Interfaith
leaders from across the country to discuss handling the planned anti-Muslim
protests in front of 20 mosques, community centers and government offices scheduled
for on October 9th and 10th.
October 7, 2015 — A phone conference was held today by American Muslims and Interfaith
leaders from across the country to discuss handling the planned anti-Muslim
protests in front of 20 mosques, community centers and government offices scheduled
for on October 9th and 10th.
Below are the suggestions
that emerged from the conference call relating to handling expected protests.
- Every Masjid (Mosque) to
operate normally, no need to stay home.
- Every Masjid involved in
the program to fly one or more American Flags.
- Every Masjid involved in
the program to serve water for the visitors in front of the building through
vendors, and, if funds are available, serve kosher hot dogs.
- Display placards, which
are especially designed and are on the website www.AmericanMuslimInstitution.org as
samples
- Let every demonstrator be
treated with utmost respect, and let them see for themselves a real image of
Muslims as caring, hospitable people; hopefully this will change their negative perceptions about Muslims.
- Allow the law
enforcement officials to handle safety matters, and obeying them is required
and the right thing to do. You can video tape if you believe certain actions
are wrong, but no arguments.
- Police should
be informed and present if your Mosque is on the city targeted list in an “open
carry arm state” state.
- Refrain from the
temptations to argue or shout; this not the moment and place for dialogue.
- Send
a press release, a very short if necessary to local TV, Radio and other News
outlets, better yet, fax them in the morning. (A sample press release is
attached)
It is best to view the situation in this way: No
one is our enemy, and no one is out to get us. People have questions, and we should
try to address them to allay their fears if we can. We have to come together as
Americans and solve our problems together.
one is our enemy, and no one is out to get us. People have questions, and we should
try to address them to allay their fears if we can. We have to come together as
Americans and solve our problems together.
# # #
(To be faxed or emailed to your local media outlet by the Masjid – Customize to
your own needs)
IMMEDIATE
PRESS RELEASE
PRESS RELEASE
Muslims of _______ City have chosen to respond to anti-Muslim demonstrations
with an open mind and constructively.
We believe in the freedom of speech and the freedom to protest and have
collectively decided to treat the protesters as our honored guests and would welcome
them.
We sincerely believe that when the protesters meet and engage with ordinary American Muslims, they will find a kindred spirit
in them, similar to their own aspirations of taking care of their families, and
living in peace and harmony.
in them, similar to their own aspirations of taking care of their families, and
living in peace and harmony.
We have designated Mr. _____________ and Ms.
_____________ to be our spokespersons, please feel free to contact them or stop
by the mosque.
_____________ to be our spokespersons, please feel free to contact them or stop
by the mosque.
Mr. ___________________ Phone: __________________ Email: ________________
Ms. ___________________ Phone: __________________ Email: ________________