USA: Members of Congress and Muslims Unite

“To all those who wonder how Muslim Americans have responded to the horrific attacks of 9/11, they need only to look at this campaign. What an inspiring effort to honor those who have fallen, and I am privileged to stand by those who give their blood to save lives.” []

Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX)

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | US Desk
Source/Credit: AMC-USA
By Press Release | September 13, 2011

Congress members laud Muslim effort to honor the memory of 9/11

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community USA received bipartisan support last week for its 9/11 memorial blood drive in the Cannon congressional building as part of its nationwide “Muslims for Life” campaign, which aims to honor the 10th anniversary of 9/11 and underscore the message that Islam emphasizes the sanctity of all life. Congresswoman Jackie Speier (D-CA) was the first to show her support by donating blood.

“I join with the Ahmadiyya Community and the American Red Cross to pay homage to the 3,000 Americans who lost their lives ten years ago,” Rep. Speier said. “The effort by the Ahmadiyya Community to give blood in recognition of the lives that were lost is a very powerful statement.”


Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX), who issued a one-minute statement from the House of Representatives floor about the "Muslims for Life" campaign, also participated in Friday's blood drive and offered her support for the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community’s work towards establishing peace and serving humanity.

“To all those who wonder how Muslim Americans have responded to the horrific attacks of 9/11, they need only to look at this campaign” Rep. Lee said. “What an inspiring effort to honor those who have fallen, and I am privileged to stand by those who give their blood to save lives.”

Congressman Keith Ellison (D-MN)

Noted Muslim Congressman Keith Ellison (D-MN) also provided his support for the “Muslims for Life” initiative by donating his blood.

“I’m honored to have participated in the ‘Muslims for Life’ blood drive,” said Rep. Ellison. “It was one of the best ways to remember, reflect, pray, and give thanks for the victims and recognize the heroes of 9/11. Bless you for organizing the blood drive.”

Congressman Tom Petri (R-WI) also came to show his support by donating blood.

"I was asked to do this by some of my constituents, and I'm happy to do it. Giving blood helps people, and this particular drive is dedicated to honoring the victims of 9/11" said Rep. Petri.

Congressman Tom Petri (R-WI) 

In the end, nearly 100 donors attended the blood drive on Capitol Hill. Through this campaign, the Community now has 251 blood drives scheduled in 145 cities across the country, with the target of collecting 10,000 bags of blood during the month of September that can save 30,000 American lives.

“The barbaric terrorists who attacked our country 10 years ago do not represent Islam or Muslims,” says Naseem Mahdi, Vice President of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community USA, who is overseeing the campaign. “Islam values all human life and fundamentally stands for peace. Through this campaign, we illustrate that the only blood we shed is to save lives.”



Read original post here: Members of Congress and Muslims Unite