PRESS RELEASE: Candlelight vigil tonight for Ambassador Christopher Stevens

Chicago Libyan and Muslim communities express sympathy, condemn violence

(CHICAGO, IL, 9/14/2012) —The Chicago office of the Council on American Islamic Relations (CAIR-Chicago), along with members of the Chicago Libyan community, Syrian American Council Chicago, MAS (Muslim American Society), Zakat Foundation, and AMP (American Muslims for Palestine), will hold a candlelight vigil tonight to honor Ambassador Christopher Stevens.

Ambassador Stevens was a central figure in assisting the Libyan people in their struggle against the country's former dictator, Muammar Gaddafi. Stevens often expressed his love for the Libyan people and culture, while Libyans admired and respected the ambassador for his heroic and honorable work in their country.

While the vigil being held this evening honors Ambassador Stevens, it is also a condemnation of the violence that took the lives of the Ambassador as well as three other Americans. Additionally, the vigil is being held to support the U.S. embassies across the globe, including those in the Muslim world, and to stand up against bigotry that defiles the Islamic Prophet Muhammad.

"We are deeply offended by the senseless attacks on our embassies by those who defile our prophet's example." said Ahmed Rehab, Executive Director of CAIR-Chicago.

The Arab and Muslim community gathering this evening want to clearly express that the individuals that took part in the violence against our fellow Americans do not represent the overwhelming majority of Arab or Muslims worldwide. Such actions should be condemned, and the perpetrators should be brought to justice.

WHAT: Candlelight vigil to honor the life of Ambassador Christopher Stevens and condemn violence, hate, and the defiling of the Prophet Muhammad

WHEN: 8:00PM, September 14, 2012 (Tonight)

WHERE: At the corner of Congress Street and Michigan Avenue in downtown Chicago

WHO:

  • Chicago Libyan community members
  • Council on American-Islamic Relations Chicago (CAIR-Chicago)
  • Syrian American Council Chicago (SAC)
  • Muslim American Society (MAS)
  • Zakat Foundation
  • American Muslims for Palestine (AMP)

 

CAIR-Chicago is a chapter of America's largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.

-END-

CONTACT:

CAIR-Chicago Executive Director, Ahmed Rehab, arehab@cair.com, 312.212.1520 or 202.870.0166 CAIR-Chicago Communications Coordinator, Aymen Abdel Halim, ahalim@cair.com, 312.212.1523

Features, Press Releases, Events & WorkshopsMyJihad MyJihadAmbassador Christopher Stevens, American Muslims for Palestine, attacks, CAIR, CAIR Chicago, candlelight, community, Council on American Islamic Relations, Egypt, Libya, Muslim American Society, Syrian American Council Chicago, vigil, Zakat FoundationComment