Aug 05, 2006, New York – Leaders of various faith based organizations, Ambassadors and other prominent Americans denounced the disproportionate Israeli attacks on Lebanon and called for an immediate and unconditional cease-fire followed by a political settlement and urged President Bush to work towards facilitating it.
The leaders were speaking at the Lebanon Peace Conference held at Imam Al-Khoei Foundation in New York, on Saturday August 5, 2006. The conference, attended by more than five-hundred people, was called for by Sheikh Fadhel Al-Sahlani during a meeting of expatriate Lebanese Americans and prominent Muslim leaders on July 30. Sheikh Al-Sahlani is the Director of the Al-Khoei Foundation and North American Representative of Ayatollah Sistani.
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From Left: Dr. Javad Zarif, Dr. Hamid Al-Bayati and Sheikh Fadhel Al-Sahlani |
The Permanent Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to United Nations, Dr. Javad Zarif, in his comments at the conference, expressed deep regret that once again UN has failed to stop the wanton aggression of Israel which is in its third week. He further said that the UN has done nothing except to repeat the demands of the aggressor for a total surrender to Israel’s atrocities. He warned the UN not to repeat its tragic mistakes once again and that the Palestine and Lebanon can not be over run by their dictates.
The Permanent Ambassador of Iraq to United Nations, Dr. Hamid Al-Bayati joined Dr. Zarif in calling for a workable UN resolution and an immediate cease-fire. He expressed deep concern over Israel’s expansionist designs.
In his concluding speech, Sheikh Fadhel Al-Sahlani, the Director of Al-Khoei Foundation in New York said, “I was personally present in Lebanon when the attacks started and saw myself the miseries and devastation brought by Israel on the oppressed people of Lebanon.”
“The basic amenities of life like food and shelter in Lebanon have been destroyed.” He further added.
Sheikh Al-Sahlani stressed that concerned citizens should show solidarity and support to the already suffering people of Lebanon by our moral, material and financial help. He condemned the neighboring Arab States for their indifference in the matter and stated that we will be the winner regardless of the outcome of the war, as we are the students of the school of Qur’an.
Others who were present and spoke at the meeting were, Dr. Safdar Chadda, President of the Council of Masajid and Islamic Centers in Nassau and Suffolk Counties in New York; Mr. Lufforz, Chairman Queens Anti War Committee; Mr. Ghulam Dinani, Vice President of World Federation of Khoja Shia Ithna Ashari Muslim Communities; Dr. Khurshid Khan, President Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA); Mr. Ahmed Ismail, Representative of Lebanese American Community; Sheikh Tariq Yusuf, Imam of Mosque Olul Al-bab; Mr. Omar Muhammadi, President of CAIR and NYC Commissioner on Human Rights and Rabbi Dovid Weiss.
Al-Khoei Foundation, established by Grand Ayatollah Al-Khoei (RA) in 1989, is the largest Shi'a Muslim organization, maintaining active branches in more than 15 important cities of the world. It maintains a General Consultative Status with ECOSOC of United Nations and is known for being a staunch advocate for the rights of the worldwide Shiite Muslim community.
