Interfaith Rally

March 6, 2011 – United Federation for Middle East Peace (“UFMEP”) participated in an interfaith rally consisting of a broad coalition of over 75 interfaith, nonprofit, governmental, and civil liberties groups that rallied support of equitable civil rights for all Americans. This coalition had been formed in response to upcoming congressional hearings led by Peter King (R-LI), which have undermined the civil rights of Muslim and Arab Americans. Mr. King and his chosen expert witness, Zuhdi Jazzer, share a history of repeating incorrect and distorted views of the Muslim and Arab communities of the United States, creating more division and perpetuating stereotypes.

Organizers of this rally believe one can be a loyal Muslim as well as a loyal American without conflict, and a number of our fellow Americans support this view. The rally centered around the slogan “Today, I Am a Muslim, Too” where Muslims and non-Muslims alike joined in solidarity and compassion.  Rally-goers stood together against bigotry caused by anxiety, misinformation and ignorance to show Congress a united American community, which seeks to strengthen - not dilute - our bonds of friendship and trust.