We have come together on the eve of a great national tragedy that is also an important date in both the Muslim and Jewish traditions. Tonight is the end of a month-long period of reflection and self-challenge in the Muslim tradition and falls at the beginning of a similar period of reflection and self-challenge in the Jewish tradition. So it is particularly fitting, on the eve of September 11 that we gather to ask all Americans to make this week-end not only a time of mourning and remembrance, but also a time of reflection and self-challenge. We call on all Americans to reflect on what was attacked on September 11, and what it means to be an American. We live in a nation that has a proud history of religious freedom and freedom of speech and assembly. We call on all Americans to challenge ourselves to live up to the core values embodied in our constitution, to call on our higher and better selves to stand for the principles on which our country was founded and to help make real the American dream for people of all faiths and backgrounds. We want to mark this time as one to join together, in recommitment and quiet celebration of those core American values that have made our country great.
Additional Quotes for Attribution:
“Our country was founded on the principles of religious freedom and tolerance, which are enshrined in American culture and in the First Amendment to our Constitution. I am proud to stand with people from all faiths to uphold the core values that make our country great. As we mourn the loss of our fellow Americans and honor the sacrifice of our brave first responders, I continue to encourage people of all backgrounds to engage in dialogue, abandon hateful rhetoric, and work toward reconciliation in celebration of who we are as Americans.” Congressman, Keith Ellison, (DFL-MN).
“If we see all Muslims as our enemies, we will only succeed in making them our enemies. It is time for the common sense of respect.” Donna Schaper, Senior Minister of the Judson Memorial Church and Spokesperson, New York Neighbors for American Values.
You can reach us at contact (at) nyneighbors.org
Update:
We are so grateful to all the volunteers, the endorsing organizations, our steering committee and others for making tonight event a success. If can’t attend yourself – please consider making a donation. Thank you.
On the eve of the 9/11 anniversary, we will join together in support of the American constitutional values of religious freedom, diversity, and equality, and the rights of Muslim Americans to build a community center at 51 Park Place. Join us at sundown on Friday, September 10th for a candlelight vigil. Please register.
Location: Corner of Church Street and Park Place. (Click for map.)
Please bring candles and American flags, but no signs. We are gathering in peaceful, respectful remembrance and unity. Our program will include music and words of wisdom from faith leaders and elected officials. Please wear white in solidarity and peace.
Everyone is welcome. Please invite your friends and neighbors. Download our flyer for printing here and help us distribute!
About the date: If you cannot join us because of Eid, Rosh Hashana, Shabbat or other reasons, please wear white the evening of September 10 in solidarity with the core American values of religious freedom, diversity and equality.
New York Neighbors for American Values is A new coalition of civic, cultural and religious groups in support of inclusion and equality. Please join us.
On, Aug. 25, more than 40 prominent organizations, civic groups, leaders and religious and interfaith groups joined together to announce the creation of a coalition in support of religious freedom and diversity and to rebuff the increasingly strident opposition to a proposed Islamic center near Ground Zero. New York Neighbors for American Values embraces the American constitutional values of religious freedom, diversity and equality. We stand together today to reject the crude stereotypes meant to frighten and divide us.
WHAT: Press Conference to Announce New Coalition Supporting Religious Freedom
WHERE: Municipal Building (One Centre Street)
WHEN: 12 p.m. Wednesday, August 25, 2010
SPEAKERS INCLUDE:
- September Eleventh Families for Peaceful Tomorrows
- Faiza Ali, Community Affairs Director Council on American-Islamic Relations –NY
- Imam Abdul Baqi, Islamic Leadership Council of New York
- Rev. Dr. Donna Schaper, President, New Sanctuary Movement and the Judson Memorial Church
- Donna Lieberman, Executive Director, New York Civil Liberties Union
- Susan Lerner, Executive Director, Common Cause/NY
Our organizational endorsers appear here. (List still in formation. Your organization can endorse here.)
Members of the press can reach the organizers at press[-at-]nyneighbors.org.
Download our press advisory with press contact phone numbers here.
