Sunday March 6th, 2011 @ 2:00 PM
Contact: Naaimat Muhammed
718 588-7500
NYC Councilmember Helen Diane Foster Stands in Solidarity with Interfaith community groups, along with members of the Entertainment Industry against Congressman Peter King’s “Hearings on the Radicalization of the Muslim Community”

In response to Congressional hearings assessing “the Radicalization of Muslim communities in America,” NYC Councilmember Helen Diane Foster of the 16th Council District in the Bronx, stands with diverse faith communities throughout New York City to join in unity and support of Muslim-Americans.

As chair of the Homeland Security Committee, “statements of generalization and accusations toward the Muslim-American community and their houses of worship throughout New York City is a complete disregard to this large population,” stated Councilmember Helen Diane Foster in a letter to Congressman Peter King.

In the spirit of such statements, the rally is centered around the slogan “Today, I Am a Muslim, Too” where Muslims and non-Muslims alike will join in solidarity and compassion. Rally-goers will stand together against bigotry caused by anxiety, misinformation, and ignorance, to show Congress a united American community which seeks to strengthen, not dilute, the bonds of friendship and trust. Councilmember Helen Diane Foster also stated, “As elected leaders, we cannot lose sight of productive measures such as seeking cooperative efforts through interfaith dialogue.”

Councilmember Helen Diane Foster will share a statement of support at the Rally. Scheduled to speak at the rally include: Russell Simmons, Rabbi Marc Schneier (FFEU), Imam Shamsi Ali (Islamic Cultural Center), Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf (Cordoba Initiative), and many other religious, community, and political leaders. There will also be performances.