So. Calif. Muslims Form the Muslim-American Homeland Security Congress

Anaheim, CA (February 23, 2006) - Flanked by U.S. Congressmember Jane Harman, Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky and Los Angeles County Sheriff Lee Baca; a group of Muslims from Southern California came together and introduced the newly formed Muslim-American Homeland Security Congress (MAHSC). MAHSC is expected to develop into a nationwide network of local Muslim -American community, business and religious leaders.

"We hope that this organization will enhance the partnership and cooperation between the Muslim-American community and law enforcement, as well as, local and national elected officials, civic and inter-faith groups. We believe that the Muslim-Americans have a vital role to play in making America a better and more secure place to live in for all people," said Shakeel Syed, Executive Director of the Shura Council of Southern California.

"The security of our homeland is important to all Americans," Sheriff Lee Baca said. "So is the understanding and acceptance of our differences. The Muslim-American Homeland Security Congress will play a vital role in fostering education, understanding, communication and cooperation between Muslims and the general public toward the mutual goal of protecting and defending America and its entire people. Together, we will fight bigotry and work jointly to prevent terrorism."

"The key to winning the peace is in this room," said Congresswoman Jane Harman. "We cannot solve the problem of terrorism without the support of the Muslim-American community. I am proud to associate myself with this important organization."

The Congress will establish media related programs to educate the general public about the efforts of the Muslim American community to fight extremism and terrorism. It will also provide advocacy with government and interfaith leaders. The Congress will also create Youth Council.

The Muslim-American Homeland Security Congress includes the following members on its Executive Board, who were selected by the Congress, represented by dozens of local leaders and organizations: Ahmad Ali, Council of Pakistan American Affairs, Hussam Ayloush, Council on American-Islamic Relations, Dafer M. Dakhil, Omar Ibn Al Khattab Foundation, Tiffany Horton, Muslim Women's League, Dr. Jamil Momand, Islamic Center of Southern California, Imam Saadiq Saafir, Masjid Ibaadillah, Sireen Sawaf, Muslim Public Affairs Council, Dr. Muzammil Siddiqi, Islamic Society of Orange County, and Shakeel Syed, Shura Council of Southern California.