PRESS RELEASE: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact:
Imam Misbahu Rufai,
CIOGC Director, Urban and Governmental Affairs
773-996-1653

Ahlam Jbara:
Associate Director 
312-399-3796

Day of Prayer for Syria

33 local Islamic institutions will dedicate their Friday services to prayer for the besieged civilians in Syria

(Chicago, IL-February 17, 2012) - The Council of Islamic Organizations of Greater Chicago (the “Council”) called on Muslim communities across Chicagoland to dedicate their Friday services to prayer for Syrian victims, civilians and refugees. 

Today, 33 local mosques and other Islamic organizations have committed to participate in the state wide Syria Day campaign.

The Council and member organizations support the aspirations of the Syrian people to live freely with dignity.  We urge the White House to take a stronger stance and with its international partners create humanitarian corridors for aid organizations to treat the wounded and protect civilians. 

The death toll is rising by the day, as of February 13th the following numbers have been reported:  Syrians killed: 8,286; Children killed: 534; Females killed: 463; People injured: 35,000 +; People missing: 65,000 +; Protestors killed under torture: 418; Protesters currently incarcerated: 212,000 +; Syrian refugees since March: 20,627 +; Refugees in Turkey: 10,227; Refugees in Lebanon: 6,400 +; Refugees in Jordan: 4,000 +

“As Americans we should be the first to support an oppressed people’s struggle for freedom, and provide aid and protection to civilians living under fire,” stated Ahlam Jbara, Associate Director of the Council of Islamic Organizations of Greater Chicago. 

Participating/Supporting Organizations:

American Islamic Association, Frankfurt; Light of Islam; CMECCA; Downtown Islamic Center; Masjid Taqwa; Muslim Community Center, Chicago; Muslim Society Inc;  Islamic Foundation, North; Majid Al-Farooq; Orland Park Prayer Center; Muslim Educational and Cultural Center of America; Islamic Community Center of Desplaines; Universal School; Dar-Us-Sunnah Masjid and Community Center; ICNA Chicago; ICNA Dawah Center; Al-Furqaan; Islamic Foundation, Villa Park; Nigerian Islamic Association; Islamic center of Naperville; Muslim Education Center, Morton Grove; Islamic Society of Northwest Suburbs; Mosque Foundation; Islamic Community Center of Illinois; Islamic Center of Western Suburbs; Al-Azhar Islamic Foundation, Barrington, IL; Inner City Muslim Action Network; IQRA' International Educational Foundation; The African Youth Coalition Against -Hunger, Malnutrition, HIV/AIDS; Zakat Foundation of America; Muslim Association of Greater Rockford; Masjid Al-Amin, Gary Indiana; Islamic Relief USA