PRESS ADVISORY
Church Leaders Commend Rice's Leadership in Israeli-Palestinian Negotiations, Ask for More
Washington,November 16, 2005 -- The State Department received on Monday a letter to Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice from the national leaders of 21 Christian churches and church-related agencies encouraging her active engagement in Israeli-Palestinian peacemaking. The church leaders, through the coalition Churches for Middle East, signed the letter which was distributed to all members of Congress.
One of the signers, Rev. Bob Edgar, General Secretary the of National Council of Churches, today commended Secretary Rice for her persistent role in facilitating the negotiations that resulted yesterday in an agreement related to Gaza's border crossings and movement between Gaza and the West Bank. Quoting from the letter, "Hope is difficult to sustain as Israel continues to block movement of Palestinian people and goods," Edgar said he was newly encouraged by Secretary Rice's comment that "this agreement is intended to give the Palestinian people the freedom to move, to trade, to live ordinary lives."
Marie Dennis, who signed the letter as Director of the Maryknoll Office for Global Concerns, stressed the church leaders' appeal for U.S. leadership toward a two-state solution for Israelis and Palestinians. "We believe that you and the President, working cooperatively with the Quartet, have the power to bring both sides to the negotiating table." She further said, "We cannot emphasize enough the significance of this moment and the imperative of the U.S. leadership."
The letter reflects the long-time interest of the U.S. churches in urging that Jerusalem be shared by the two peoples and the three Abrahamic faiths. The signers asked Secretary Rice to "ensure that Palestinians in East Jerusalem are able to participate fully in Palestinian legislative elections in January." Bishop Vicken Aykazian, signing for the Armenian Orthodox Church, sees it as a good sign that Israel complied with President Bush's insistence that building in the E1 area (near East Jerusalem) cease. "We are grateful that the Administration has continued to demand that settlement activity cease, and disappointed that Israel has ignored that request and other requirements of the Road Map."
Churches for Middle East Peace is a coalition of Orthodox, Catholic and Protestant churches and church-related agencies that advocates for U.S. policies that are conducive to peacemaking between Israel and the future state of Palestine. CMEP's Board members and staff meet with Congressional offices and with Administration officials, and provide advocacy guidance to church members and congregations across the country.
_____________
Formed in 1984, Churches for Middle East Peace is a Washington-based program of the Alliance of Baptists, American Friends Service Committee, Antiochian Orthodox Archdiocese of America, Armenian Orthodox Church, Catholic Conference of Major Superiors of Men's Institutes, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Church of the Brethren, Church World Service, Episcopal Church, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Franciscan Friars OFM (English Speaking Conference, JPIC Council), Friends Committee on National Legislation, Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, Maryknoll Missioners, Mennonite Central Committee, National Council of Churches USA, Presbyterian Church (USA), Reformed Church in America, Unitarian Universalist Association, United Church of Christ, and the United Methodist Church (GBCS and GBGM).
For further information, see http://www.cmep.org/
For information, contact: Corinne Whitlatch, 202-543-1222; Leslie Tune, 202-544-2350, ltune@ncccusa.org
Wednesday, November 16, 2005
Ramadan to be honored annually in Illinois
OCTOBER TO BE DECLARED MONTH OF RAMADAN IN ILLINOIS
Roskam introduces measure recognizing Muslim holy month
The citizens of Illinois should respect and honor the faith and tradition of Muslims: Peter Roskam
For Immediate Release
Springfield, IL – In deference to the many adherents to the Muslim faith in Illinois, Senator Peter Roskam (R-Wheaton) has introduced a measure to recognize October as the holy month of Ramadan.
“America is a diverse country with many different people from many different cultures and backgrounds,” Roskam said. “We have, as a country, made it a point to set aside various months and weeks throughout the course of the year to celebrate our nation’s diverse heritage. I see no reason why we cannot focus a little attention on Muslims and their culture. After all, this country has and always will be a melting pot of cultures and ethnicities.”
Senate Resolution 493 states that, “the citizens of Illinois should respect and honor the faith and tradition of Muslims; therefore by it resolved by the Senate of the Ninety-Fourth General Assembly of the State of Illinois, that we recognize October as the holy month of Ramadan.”
Roskam, a Republican candidate for Congressional 6th District, which is currently represented by Congressman Henry Hyde, said the impetus for the legislation came from a local community activist and York Township Trustee, Moon Khan.
The Month of Ramadan is the ninth month of the Muslim calendar and Muslims are required to fast the entire month. The Fast of Ramadan has strict regiments that forbid eating or drinking during the daylight hours. In addition smoking and sexual activity are also not allowed. The fast is broken at the end of each day with prayer and a meal called the Iftar. The end of Ramadan is celebrated as Eidul Fitr, which was observed on November 3rd.
The Illinois Senate session began in the final weeks of October, and Roskam immediately introduced the resolution, which, however, takes time to go through several procedures. Senate Resolution 493 has been filed and awaits assignment to a Senate committee.“This is an historic moment for Muslims in Illinois because for the first time the state legislature has undertaken such a broad measure to recognize an important Islamic tradition,” said Khan. “Working together is the key to understanding.”
For more information about the measure, please contact Ryan McLaughlin, Campaign Manager Peter Roskam for Congress (IL-6) at 630- 221-0006 or Moon Khan at 630-889-0588.
The Illinois Senate session began in the final weeks of October, and Roskam immediately introduced the resolution, which, however, takes time to go through several procedures. Senate Resolution 493 has been filed and awaits assignment to a Senate committee.
“This is an historic moment for Muslims in Illinois because for the first time the state legislature has undertaken such a broad measure to recognize an important Islamic tradition,” said Khan.
“Working together is the key to understanding.” For more information about the measure, please contact Ryan McLaughlin, Campaign Manager Peter Roskam for Congress (IL-6) at 630- 221-0006 or Moon Khan at 630-889-0588.
Roskam introduces measure recognizing Muslim holy month
The citizens of Illinois should respect and honor the faith and tradition of Muslims: Peter Roskam
For Immediate Release
Springfield, IL – In deference to the many adherents to the Muslim faith in Illinois, Senator Peter Roskam (R-Wheaton) has introduced a measure to recognize October as the holy month of Ramadan.
“America is a diverse country with many different people from many different cultures and backgrounds,” Roskam said. “We have, as a country, made it a point to set aside various months and weeks throughout the course of the year to celebrate our nation’s diverse heritage. I see no reason why we cannot focus a little attention on Muslims and their culture. After all, this country has and always will be a melting pot of cultures and ethnicities.”
Senate Resolution 493 states that, “the citizens of Illinois should respect and honor the faith and tradition of Muslims; therefore by it resolved by the Senate of the Ninety-Fourth General Assembly of the State of Illinois, that we recognize October as the holy month of Ramadan.”
Roskam, a Republican candidate for Congressional 6th District, which is currently represented by Congressman Henry Hyde, said the impetus for the legislation came from a local community activist and York Township Trustee, Moon Khan.
The Month of Ramadan is the ninth month of the Muslim calendar and Muslims are required to fast the entire month. The Fast of Ramadan has strict regiments that forbid eating or drinking during the daylight hours. In addition smoking and sexual activity are also not allowed. The fast is broken at the end of each day with prayer and a meal called the Iftar. The end of Ramadan is celebrated as Eidul Fitr, which was observed on November 3rd.
The Illinois Senate session began in the final weeks of October, and Roskam immediately introduced the resolution, which, however, takes time to go through several procedures. Senate Resolution 493 has been filed and awaits assignment to a Senate committee.“This is an historic moment for Muslims in Illinois because for the first time the state legislature has undertaken such a broad measure to recognize an important Islamic tradition,” said Khan. “Working together is the key to understanding.”
For more information about the measure, please contact Ryan McLaughlin, Campaign Manager Peter Roskam for Congress (IL-6) at 630- 221-0006 or Moon Khan at 630-889-0588.
The Illinois Senate session began in the final weeks of October, and Roskam immediately introduced the resolution, which, however, takes time to go through several procedures. Senate Resolution 493 has been filed and awaits assignment to a Senate committee.
“This is an historic moment for Muslims in Illinois because for the first time the state legislature has undertaken such a broad measure to recognize an important Islamic tradition,” said Khan.
“Working together is the key to understanding.” For more information about the measure, please contact Ryan McLaughlin, Campaign Manager Peter Roskam for Congress (IL-6) at 630- 221-0006 or Moon Khan at 630-889-0588.
Thursday, November 10, 2005
Chicago's Jordanian Consul express condolences following terrorist attacks in Amman
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, November 9, 2005
CHICAGO -- Jordan's Honorary Consul General in Chicago Ihsan Sweiss today expressed his condolences to the people of Jordan and the Jordanian community in Chicago in the wake of the terrorist attack that took place in Amman, Jordan today, Nov. 9.
"Our hearts and prayers are with the victims and their families at this very critical time," said Sweiss, who has served as the Honorary Consul General for Jordan in Chicago for Jordan since 2000--.
Three suicide bombings struck three hotels in Amman on Wednesday evening claiming the life of tens of innocent civilians and wounding many others. The fatalities continue to mount by the hour.
Sweiss said that he has also been in constant contact with leaders of the American Jordanian community who have also expressed their shock and concern over the terrorism.
In a Royal Court statement His Majesty King Abdullah II condemned the terrorist attack in Amman saying that such acts are perpetrated by a misled and misleading group. The King affirmed that "such terrorist operations will not dissuade Jordan from pursuing its role in fighting terrorism and the criminal terrorist groups and those who are behind them and justify their acts".
"The Criminals who with their cowardly acts have targeted innocent and secure civilians will be brought to justice and Jordan will remain a secure and stable country the King noted"
Mr. Sweiss said there are about 250,000 Americans of Arab Heritage in the Chicago land area. A significant number trace their origins to several cities and towns in Jordan.
"We continue to pray for the well-being of our people and are prepared to provide any assistance that is needed."
END
Wednesday, November 9, 2005
CHICAGO -- Jordan's Honorary Consul General in Chicago Ihsan Sweiss today expressed his condolences to the people of Jordan and the Jordanian community in Chicago in the wake of the terrorist attack that took place in Amman, Jordan today, Nov. 9.
"Our hearts and prayers are with the victims and their families at this very critical time," said Sweiss, who has served as the Honorary Consul General for Jordan in Chicago for Jordan since 2000--.
Three suicide bombings struck three hotels in Amman on Wednesday evening claiming the life of tens of innocent civilians and wounding many others. The fatalities continue to mount by the hour.
Sweiss said that he has also been in constant contact with leaders of the American Jordanian community who have also expressed their shock and concern over the terrorism.
In a Royal Court statement His Majesty King Abdullah II condemned the terrorist attack in Amman saying that such acts are perpetrated by a misled and misleading group. The King affirmed that "such terrorist operations will not dissuade Jordan from pursuing its role in fighting terrorism and the criminal terrorist groups and those who are behind them and justify their acts".
"The Criminals who with their cowardly acts have targeted innocent and secure civilians will be brought to justice and Jordan will remain a secure and stable country the King noted"
Mr. Sweiss said there are about 250,000 Americans of Arab Heritage in the Chicago land area. A significant number trace their origins to several cities and towns in Jordan.
"We continue to pray for the well-being of our people and are prepared to provide any assistance that is needed."
END
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