Excerpt:
The castigation of American Muslims is now a national pastime. From unforgiving Internet defamation to political candidates' indignant statements, to a massive spying campaign by the NYPD, and to more of the so-called Congressional Hearings by Rep. Peter King (R-NY), all represent the ugliest manifestation discriminatory practices and xenophobic sentiments against an American minority citizens. If you were to believe the polls, Americans are readily willing to sacrifice the liberties of American Muslims for the sake of the country's security and safety. However, you would not have guessed this: last Sunday, at the 15th Annual Community Brunch organized by the American Muslim Union (AMU), speaker after speaker made statements and promises portending a complete rejection of anti-Muslims rhetoric or policies.
Founded in 1987, the AMU's endeavors to serve the American Muslim community, "through education: partnership initiatives with other community groups, agencies and institutions, coordination and collaboration with elected and appointed governmental representatives and institutions to promote, enhance and seek equal access and opportunities for improved quality of life for all." Mr. Mohamed Younes, an Egyptian engineer, has been president of AMU since its inception. Until a year ago, its general counsel was Sohail Mohammed, who was nominated by Governor Chris Christie in 2011 and was later approved by the Legislature for a superior court judgeship in Passaic County.