Aref Assaf, The Imam's Dilemma and the Community's Responsibility
We reprint a letter previously published to alert you to recent serious developments concerning the immigration plight of Imam Qatanani of the Islamic Center of Passaic County. Essentially, he and his family are awaiting "removal/deportation hearings' to determine their fate. A legal defense team has been set up to defend his case in court (set for early May). Concurrently, Americans 4 Qatanani, a grassroots campaign has been established to build mass support for the Imam and his family. A website will soon be available as well. President Aref has joined the media committee of the grassroots campaign and he will coordinate all media contacts and coverage thereof. This truly is the story that stands to define our community's political clout. How we respond to the challenges will be immeasurably impacting future bouts with those who want to deny us our civil rights. It will put to test both our faith in this country's judicial system, and the political motivations or lack thereof of those who denied the Imam the right to stay. Considering how he has been such an important conduit for building much-needed bridges of trust between law enforcement agencies and our community, the defeat of his case will be a massive slap in the face of those who so believed in the Imam's core beliefs and his unparalleled charisma to bring people together. Also take a look at front page articles to appear on Saturday about the popular efforts on behalf of the Imam. If there is a sign of hope that the Imam will be victorious, t is the unwavering support he has garnered thus far from friends and associates from the across the religious, ethnic and cultural fabric of our society. Government leaders, public officials, religious activists and countless other prominent people - all are on the Imam's side. This is a case for the essence of our justice system and these people are joining us to make America on its promise of fairness and decency. A lot more is forthcoming. Stay tuned. Also take a look at front page articles to appear on Saturday about the popular efforts on behalf of the Imam. The Imam’s dilemma: Support permanent status for Imam
Re: "Meeting of minds and hearts" (Page 1, Sept. 28) Herald News 10/03/06
Editor: The recent 10th annual Ramadan Iftar, held at the Passaic County Islamic Center in Paterson, chose volunteerism as its theme. The main prayer room was filled to capacity by a mixture of so many dignitaries and lay people ranging from Gov. Jon S. Corzine to elected officials, judges and lawyers, leaders from so many religious churches and other faiths, as well as numerous Muslim-American community leaders.
Curiously, absent from the positive media coverage of the event is the legal limbo of Imam Muhammad Qatanani, who, since 1996, has been the spiritual leader of the Paterson-based Passaic County Islamic Center, ICPC.
While many deserving accolades were showered upon the Imam for his significant contributions to interfaith dialogue, good citizenship and political participation, it was obvious the Imam was perhaps counting his days both as the Imam of the Islamic center and as a legal resident of the United States.
The Imam's legal status is being challenged by the immigration authorities; despite solid support from the community and from so many elected and public officials, his application for permanent residency has not been granted.
There is no greater issue for our community to rally behind than its demand that the government grant our Imam his permanent legal status.
Doubtless, since his arrival into the United States, the Imam has, with the help of able and dedicated mosque leaders and volunteers, succeeded to position the mosque, the community and indeed the religion of Islam at center stage. His untiring involvement in interfaith dialogue and advocacy for political participation has earned him the rightful position as an ambassador of peace.
He was the first Muslim leader to officiate the opening of the New Jersey General Assembly.
We do hope the responsible parties will, without further delay, grant the Imam the legal right to stay in the United States.
He is precisely the type of religious and community leader we earnestly need to foster respect for religious and ethnic diversity.
Aref Assaf, president, American Arab Forum, Paterson
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