Members of Congress and Muslims Unite
Congress members laud Muslim effort to honor the memory of 9/11
For Immediate Release:
September 13, 2011
The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community USA received bipartisan support last week for its 9/11 memorial blood drive in the Cannon congressional building as part of its nationwide “Muslims for Life” campaign, which aims to honor the 10thanniversary of 9/11 and underscore the message that Islam emphasizes the sanctity of all life. Congresswoman Jackie Speier (D-CA) was the first to show her support by donating blood.
“I join with the Ahmadiyya Community and the American Red Cross to pay homage to the 3,000 Americans who lost their lives ten years ago,” Rep. Speier said. “The effort by the Ahmadiyya Community to give blood in recognition of the lives that were lost is a very powerful statement.”
Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX), who issued a one-minute statement from the House of Representatives floor about the "Muslims for Life" campaign, also participated in Friday's blood drive and offered her support for the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community’s work towards establishing peace and serving humanity.
“To all those who wonder how Muslim Americans have responded to the horrific attacks of 9/11, they need only to look at this campaign” Rep. Lee said. “What an inspiring effort to honor those who have fallen, and I am privileged to stand by those who give their blood to save lives.”
Noted Muslim Congressman Keith Ellison (D-MN) also provided his support for the “Muslims for Life” initiative by donating his blood.
“I’m honored to have participated in the ‘Muslims for Life’ blood drive,” said Rep. Ellison. “It was one of the best ways to remember, reflect, pray, and give thanks for the victims and recognize the heroes of 9/11. Bless you for organizing the blood drive.”
Congressman Tom Petri (R-WI) also came to show his support by donating blood.
"I was asked to do this by some of my constituents, and I'm happy to do it. Giving blood helps people, and this particular drive is dedicated to honoring the victims of 9/11" said Rep. Petri.
In the end, nearly 100 donors attended the blood drive on Capitol Hill. Through this campaign, the Community now has 251 blood drives scheduled in 145 cities across the country, with the target of collecting 10,000 bags of blood during the month of September that can save 30,000 American lives.
“The barbaric terrorists who attacked our country 10 years ago do not represent Islam or Muslims,” says Naseem Mahdi, Vice President of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community USA, who is overseeing the campaign. “Islam values all human life and fundamentally stands for peace. Through this campaign, we illustrate that the only blood we shed is to save lives.”
Contact:
Harris Zafar, National Spokesperson
harris.zafar@ahmadiyya.us
About the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community:
The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community is a dynamic, fast-growing international revival movement within Islam. Founded in 1889, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community spans 200 countries with membership exceeding tens of millions. The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community USA, established in 1920, is the first American-Muslim organization.
The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community is the only Islamic organization to believe that the long-awaited messiah has come in the person of Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (1835-1908) of Qadian, India. Ahmad claimed to be the metaphorical second coming of Jesus of Nazareth and the divine guide, whose advent was foretold by the Prophet of Islam, Muhammad (peace be upon him). The Community believes that God sent Ahmad, like Jesus, to end religious wars, condemn bloodshed and reinstitute morality, justice and peace. Ahmad’s advent has brought about an unprecedented era of Islamic revival and moderation. He divested Muslims of fanatical beliefs and practices by vigorously championing Islam’s true and essential teachings.
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