About Me

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Hussam has been a lifelong human rights activist who is passionate about promoting democratic societies, in the US and worldwide, in which all people, including immigrants, workers, minorities, and the poor enjoy freedom, justice, economic justice, respect, and equality. Mr. Ayloush frequently lectures on Islam, media relations, civil rights, hate crimes and international affairs. He has consistently appeared in local, national, and international media. Full biography at: http://hussamayloush.blogspot.com/2006/08/biography-of-hussam-ayloush.html

Monday, October 26, 2009

Ayloush and local Muslims Participate in Protest against Neo-Nazis

CAIR-LA and Riverside Muslims Participate in Protest against Neo-Nazis

(ANAHEIM, CA, 10/26/09) - The Greater Los Angeles Area office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-LA) and Riverside Muslims joined in a counter-protest on Saturday against neo-Nazis who had gathered to protest undocumented day laborers.

(Photo: SDNN)

The organizers of the counter-protest said the turnout was successful, with over 600 members from diverse faiths and backgrounds speaking out against some two dozen neo-Nazis' hate and bigotry.

CAIR-LA Executive Director Hussam Ayloush, who attended the rally with his children, said:

"It's important for all Americans - whether Muslim, Jew, Christian, Asian, Latino, black or other - to strongly and vehemently speak out against the hatred and bigotry of those who seek to dehumanize others.
"I brought my teenage children with me to the counter-protest to make sure that they never take for granted the sacrifices of early civil rights activists such as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X, and Cesar Chavez."
SEE: Neo-Nazi demonstration in Riverside spurs confrontations (P-E)


The neo-Nazi group, National Socialist Movement, held a rally last month but was met similarly with hundreds of counter-protesters.

Also, earlier this month, Jewish worshipers at Temple Beth El in Riverside were intimidated and harassed by neo-Nazis who held signs and flags bearing Nazi swastikas in front of the synagogue.

SEE: Calif. Muslims Condemn Neo-Nazi Harassment
The counter-protest was organized by 50 community organizations, including CAIR-LA and the Islamic Center of Riverside.

With the continued economic downturn, anti-immigrant and racist groups are increasingly promoting anti-immigrant sentiment by unfairly blaming immigrants - documented or otherwise - for "stealing" American jobs.

CAIR-LA rejects such scapegoating and calls for immigration reforms that preserve the dignity and respect of immigrants and their families.

SEE: A Muslim Perspective on Illegal Immigration (OC Register)

(Ayloush's Photo: CC 2009 Nick Bygon)

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