(MIAMI, FL) – The Council on American-Islamic Relations – Florida (CAIR FL), the state’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization, welcomes President Barak Obama’s first visit to a U.S. Islamic Center. Last Saturday, White House officials announced that President Obama will visit and deliver remarks at the Islamic Society of Baltimore, located in Catonsville, MD. During his visit, the President will also meet with community members and other Muslim leaders to discuss religious freedom.
CAIR Florida’s representatives plan to be present during this important event. A recent communication from the White House mentioned that the President emphasized: “Muslim Americans are our friends, and neighbors; our co-workers, and sports heroes – and our men and women in uniform defending our country.” He made clear that a major source of our Nation’s strength is the fact that Americans of different faiths and backgrounds can and do thrive together.
In relation to this important event, CAIR Florida’s Chief Executive Director, Hassan Shibly, stated: “This visit is welcomed by the American Muslim community. The President’s scheduled visit highlights the importance that Religious freedom carries in our Nation. We hope it will send a strong message of inclusiveness and mutual understanding, much needed to help neutralize the anti-Muslim rhetoric now prevalently dominating the political discussion.” CAIR Florida’s mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties of all people, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.