Tag Archive for: Passover

Press Release: Sentencing is a stark reminder of the global Islamist threat.

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PRESS RELEASE
American Islamic Forum for Democracy

Contact: Mischel Yosick
480 225 7473 mischel@zliberty.com

May 10, 2017

Sentencing of Indonesian Christian Governor of Jakarta on blasphemy charge is a reminder of the rising global Islamist threat.

The American Islamic Forum for Democracy (AIFD) condemned the sentencing of an Indonesian Christian politician, Basuki Tjahaja Purnama, for “blasphemy.” The sentencing of Mr. Basuki, the Jakarta governor, also known as “Ahok” was heavier than what prosecutors asked for – rather than the two years probation they requested, he was sentenced to two years in prison.

M. Zuhdi Jasser, M.D., founder and president of AIFD, released the following statement:

“The fact that Mr. Basuki was even brought up on charges of ‘blasphemy’ – a truly invented ‘crime’ – is horrifying. The reality of his sentencing should alarm all people, not just Christians, and not just Indonesians.

Indonesia has long enjoyed the reputation of being a model of Muslim moderation and pluralism, yet its problem of Islamism is real: from soaring rates of female genital mutilation (FGM) to violent protests against authors and artists for ‘blasphemy,’ the country is undergoing an ugly and dangerous radicalization that will hurt, kill, and traumatize its citizens and leak across its borders, threatening global security. Mr. Basuki was a governor whose election had only improved Indonesia’s global reputation. His sentencing proves that those who are loyal to Islamist forces no longer care about upholding this image for Indonesia, instead they seek a more sinister role in the world.

Ahok’s case again proves that the nation is on the front lines of this global existential battle against Islamism.

We urge Indonesian citizens to challenge their religious establishments – particularly the Nahdlatul Ulama – to take swift and bold action to condemn and dis-empower those who support and promote punishments for blasphemy, and to demand that their government do the same. I visited Indonesia during my time on the U.S. Commission for International Religious Freedom, and know that this evil does not represent them. Their government must do better to protect and represent the will of its people.”

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M. Zuhdi Jasser, M.D. is a guest on Arizona Originals with Jason Issak

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Dr. Zuhdi Jasser – American Islamic Forum for Democracy and Physician

Today’s guest, Dr. Zuhdi Jasser, has served as a US Navy physician, was hand selected to serve for two years as one of three attending physicians for the US Congress (including the US Supreme Court Justices), and has practiced medicine in Arizona.

Click here to listen to the podcast.

 

 

 

5/5/2017 : M. Zuhdi Jasser, M.D. joins Fox Business’ Making Money discussing refugees and how the influx into the U.S. has decreased under President Trump and the importance of ideological vetting.

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5/4/2017: M Zuhdi Jasser, M.D. joins i24 News’ discussing the recent meeting of President Trump and Mahmoud Abbas and the anti-Semitic programs on Palestinian TV and other outlets.

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5/4/2017 – M. Zuhdi Jasser sounds off on the female genital mutilation case.

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Dr. Zuhdi Jasser on FBI Director James Comey addressing the arrest of two doctors accused of female genital mutilation

 

AIFD Stands in Solidarity with Jewish Community Following Hate Crime in Kansas and Remains Committed to Freedom as Passover Begins

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The American Islamic Forum for Democracy (AIFD) wishes to express our deep sorrow and outrage at the news of the anti-Semitic attacks in Kansas yesterday. As more is learned about the individual who committed these attacks – from his history with white supremacist movements and his apparent admiration for Hitler –  we are reminded that our work to end anti-Semitism and all forms of bigotry is far from over. We at AIFD stand in solidarity with the Jewish community during this difficult time and always. We offer our condolences to the family and friends of the three innocent people who lost their lives in this act of senseless and barbaric violence.

The news of this attack against the Jewish community is especially troubling as this evening marks the beginning of Passover, when the Jewish people commemorate their freedom from bondage in Egypt. This year, as we wish our Jewish friends and allies Pesach Chag Sameach – Happy Passover – may we recommit ourselves to working for freedom for all oppressed and marginalized people everywhere. May our Jewish friends, supporters and loved ones have a blessed Passover season, and may we all remain steadfast in our commitment to freedom and ending persecution.

Wishing you a Happy Passover and Easter

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We at AIFD would like to wish our Jewish friends chag Pesach sameach (happy Passover holiday) and our Christian friends a happy Easter.

May we remain committed and undeterred in our mission to advance freedom for all persecuted people, and to stand with all those facing oppression everywhere. Indeed, this is the core of AIFD’s work –  to challenge theocracy and fascism as they threaten our most precious G-d given blessings: freedom of conscience, the choice to have a relationship with the Divine that is based on sincere conviction, and the right to connect with others around our most sacred values.

May your holidays be blessed and your prayers answered.