The Council News

The Council Calls for Federal Investigation into the Death of Hassiba Belbachir

(3/23) The Chairperson of the Council, Abdul Malik Mujahid, called for a federal investigation into the death of a Muslim woman who died under questionable circumstances while detained by Homeland Security.

Hassiba Belbachir, 28, was a Chicago resident who had been in custody for one week when she died in the McHenry County Adult Corrections Facility. She was traveling to Spain when she was detained by British authorities and sent back to the US.

Mrs. Belbachir�s death may reflect the disturbing pattern of abuse against Muslims in our prisons that has been investigated and confirmed.

According to a March 2005 report of the Justice Department�s inspector general, the warden and guards at a federal prison discriminated and retaliated against Muslim inmates. The document also detailed allegations of mistreatment of Muslims at other U.S. lockups.

In addition, recommendations from a similar June 2003 report have not been implemented to stem the problem.

The Council Continues its Health Care Programs

The Council of Islamic Organizations has helped thousands of uninsured families access health care over the past three years. Over 4,000 families have signed up for and benefited from such programs as FamilyCare, KidCare, Access to Care, and eye care. Council team member, Mohammed Ibrahim, frequently visits mosques, Islamic centers and schools to educate families on how to access health care.

If your mosque or Islamic center is interested in having a presentation on getting healthcare for uninsured families or if you are interested in signing up for health care please contact the Council at our toll free number 1-800-678-0753.

Council Marks Second Year Anniversary of Iraq War with Interfaith Leaders
 

Council Chairperson, Abdul Malik Mujahid, represented

Chicago�s Muslim community at a March 20th anti-war

rally, marking the second anniversary of the Iraq war.

The interfaith rally began at the Chicago Temple,

where protesters heard Chairperson Mujahid praising

the soldiers who spoke out against the torture at Iraq�s

Abu Ghraib Prison, as well as the journalists who

reported the story. The rally then proceeded east to

Grant Park, headed by a horse-drawn casket draped

with a US flag. Family members of fallen soldiers, as

well as anti-war politicians were also present.

The Council\222s House of Representatives Meet for the Second Time in 2005
 

(3/27) Members House of Representatives along with

other community centers and leaders met on Sunday,

March 27, in Waukegan's newly built Islamic Foundation

North to discuss what the Council and Chicagoland

Muslims can do to better strengthen our community.

Council Executive and Team members spent three

hours listening to the nearly 75 community members

present on what the Council needs to be doing and took

detailed notes on all suggestions and concerns voiced

by the representatives.
 

The Council's Team members presented the

Representatives on new initiatives and updated them

on the progress of existing campaigns.

First Imam & Khateeb Reception

(3/27) The Council, in cooperation with Islamic Foundation North, hosted 45 Chicago area Imams and khateebs on Sunday, March 27, for an evening of dialogue. One topic the participants discussed passionately was how to strengthen relations among Chicago's diverse Muslim communities. Nearly all those present contributed to the vibrant discussion on various ways the Council and Chicago's Imam and Khateebs can work together to benefit our community.

Chairperson Abdul Malik Mujahid briefed the Imams and Khateebs on existing and new Council initiatives.

Council Continues Support of Paryani Family

(3/29) Council Chairman, Abdul Malik Mujahid, and

Director of Outreach, Muneer Aliuddin, attended the

initial bond hearing of Mr. Michael Jackson, the

accused murderer of Mr. Haroon Paryani. The Judge

denied bail and set a bond hearing for Thursday, April 7

at 11:00 AM.

Haroon Paryani was brutally murdered on February 3rd

allegedly by his passenger while driving his cab on the

night shift. All are requested to join the Paryani family

for this hearing.

Look for the Council Citizenship Team

Members at a mosque near you this Friday!

Our Citizenship Team and volunteers will

be at Albanian Islamic Center in Berkeley,

Masjid al Faatir, MosqueFoundation,

Islamic Community of Illinois in

Bensenville, Nigerian Islamic Association

and MEC.

Save the Date

Mosque Foundation, 6:30 PM (After Magrib)

7360 W 93rd Street, Bridgeview, IL 60455

April 7 - Haroon Paryani Court Hearing

Cook County Court House, 11:00 AM in Room 704

May 1 - Vigil to Mark Three Month Anniversary of the Murder of Haroon Paryani, Time TBA

535 W. Briar St., Chicago