July 30, 2006

Islamic Center of Greater Cincinnati

8092 Plantation Drive

West Chester, Ohio

Contact Person:  Inayat Malik, MD

Telephone:  (513) 755-3280

The Islamic Center of Greater Cincinnati and the local Muslim community are

horrified to learn of the shooting at the Jewish Federation Office in Seattle,

killing one employee and injuring several others.  Our thoughts and prayers are

with the victims and their families.  We offer our heartfelt condolences to the

Jewish community and condemn this heinous act as a crime against all human

beings, Jewish, Muslim, Christian, or otherwise.

We are glad to see the Muslim community in Seattle to reach out in sympathy to

their Jewish neighbors.  Islam teaches respect for all innocent human life and

freedom for all to practice the religion of their choice.  Episodes of violence

against individuals or places of worship need to be condemned by all in the

strongest possible terms.  Having been the victims of bombings at a local mosque

last December, Cincinnati Muslims remember with gratitude, the broad support

they received including the show of solidarity from our Jewish friends.

We stand firm in our conviction that peaceful dialogue and respect for differing

viewpoints and religions are key for our coexistence and progress as a

multi-ethnic society.  We need to continue our work in improving interfaith

relations and promote mutual understanding.

PRESS RELEASE FROM THE ISLAMIC CENTER OF GREATER CINCINNATI

RE: MIDDLE EAST CRISIS

CONTACT PERSON: INAYAT K. MALIK, M.D., 513.755.3280

The recent events in the Middle East again point out the importance of resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. This conflict remains the root cause of all the violence we see going on in the region. It is very easy to focus on individual events. The Israelis can be rightfully outraged at the suicide bombings and can point as provocation, to the recent attacks on the two Israeli military units resulting in casualties and the abduction of Israeli soldiers. The Palestinians can point to an endless list of grievances including targeted killings, incarcerations, and ongoing occupation of Palestinian lands.

It is quite easy to hurl blame back and forth. It does not, however, alter the fact that in the recent exacerbation, scores, if not hundreds, of innocent civilians, including children, are being killed. Thousands are living in fear of losing their lives, not to speak of the immense loss of property.

The world community is watching helplessly. The United States, which is the only superpower in the world with a chance to influence events in the area, has, thus far, decided not to intervene and to let the events play out. In our opinion, this is short-sighted and reinforces the false perception in the Arab world that Arab blood is cheap in America’s eyes.

A cease-fire needs to be earnestly arranged in the current conflict. There is no military solution to the Middle East conflict. A negotiated political settlement is imperative. The United States must not abandon its leadership and must broker a deal to bring about an end to the escalating crisis. We must not let distractions in the rest of the world get in the way of this important task. The senseless cycle of bloodshed must be brought to an end. As Muslims, we believe in the sanctity of all innocent life. As Americans, we call upon all our fellow citizens, and in particular, all people of faith, to work towards promoting peace in the world.

Inayat K. Malik, M.D.

President, Islamic Educational Council

Islamic Center of Greater Cincinnati

Intercommunity Prayers for peace in Darfur

PRESS RELEASE

Contact: Shakila Ahmad

513-755-3280

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Islamic Center of Greater Cincinnati aligns with Greater Cincinnati Advocates for Darfur consisting of numerous community organizations to hold an interfaith prayer service calling for peace in Darfur, Sudan, on Sunday, April 30, from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. The service at the educational building of the Islamic Center, 8092 Plantation Drive, West Chester, will include prayers from Christian, Muslim, and Jewish traditions.

Darfur is the center of tragic chaos, where at least 400,000 people have been killed, 90 percent of the villages have been destroyed, and more than two million people displaced.

The service, which is open to the public, is cosponsored by the Greater Cincinnati Advocates for Darfur including the Archdiocese of Cincinnati Catholic Social Action Office, Islamic Center of Greater Cincinnati, the Isaac M. Wise Temple Political Advocacy Committee, the American Jewish Committee, Council on American Islamic Relations-Ohio, St. Monica/St. George Parish Newman Center, Muslim Mothers Against Violence, and the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center.

All are encouraged to come and be engaged. The Islamic Center will also offer short guided tours. The West Chester prayer service will take place at the same time as a national rally in Washington, DC, sponsored by the Save Darfur Coalition.

To: Christian Peace Makers

From: Muslim Mothers against Violence

We are deeply shocked and saddened by the cruel and senseless murder of Christian peacemaker Tom Fox.

May he rest in eternal peace.

We stand with you and support you in your quest for world peace.

From,

Saba Chughtai, Shakila Ahmad and other members of

Muslim Mothers Against Violence.

Islamic Center of Greater Cincinnati

Westchester OH

The Islamic Center of Greater Cincinnati, on behalf of the local Muslim community, expresses its deep sorrow on hearing the news about the killing of Tom Fox, a Christian peace activist, held hostage in Iraq. The Islamic Center had joined many other Muslim organizations in the U. S. and the world over, in December last year, in condemning his abduction and seeking his release. We continue to pray for the safety of his Canadian colleagues, who are still in captivity. Our sympathies are with Mr. Fox's family

March 11, 06

Contact person-

Inayat Malik M.D.

513-755-3280

West Chester, Ohio

Islamic Center of Greater Cincinnati Statement on Clifton Mosque Bombing (December 21, 2005)

By now, I am sure you are all aware of the bomb explosions that occurred at the Clifton Mosque on the evening of December 20^th. Although structural damage was sustained, no one was hurt. We are thankful to Allah (SWT) for this. No such incidents have occurred in Cincinnati in the past, even in the days immediately following the horrendous attacks of September 11^th.

When a community’s place of worship becomes the subject of a bombing, it naturally raises grave concerns regarding the physical safety of its members. It is reassuring to see the city’s religious, civic, and political leaders, as well as law enforcement officials all come together in support of the community. I have spoken to Tom Streicher, Cincinnati Police Chief, and Stan Borgia, Agent in Charge of the FBI. They both assure me that everything possible is being done to investigate the crime and apprehend the culprits. I have also spoken with John Bruce, West Chester Chief of Police. He has increased security around the Islamic Center campus. We shall work closely together to ensure safety so that all activities can continue as usual.

Unfortunately, in our world, violence has become an easy option for those who choose to use it as an expression of their hatred. The Islamic Center of Greater Cincinnati has consistently and steadfastly spoken against the use of violence in all its forms. Cincinnati, and for that matter, our nation, must find ways to express and resolve differences in a peaceful way if we are to claim moral leadership of the world.

America has a long tradition of welcoming people of different faiths and ethnicities. The nation has used its diversity as a source of strength, enrichment, and progress. We must not permit the few hateful ones amidst us to force us to abandon our cherished values and tarnish our image.

To members of our Muslim community, I will say, do not let the bombings intimidate you. Go to West Chester, Clifton, and other mosques in the area to worship God and assert your right to practice your religion.

To those who committed the evil acts at Clifton, I would say look within your hearts to find the innate goodness that God has placed in everyone. Only mutual understanding and respect, not hate, can redeem you. Hate is your enemy and will end up destroying you if you surrender to it. Let our differences define us but let our common humanity unite us. May God Almighty help and protect us all.

With Peace,

Inayat K. Malik, M.D.

President

Islamic Educational Council

Islamic Center of Greater Cincinnati