American Muslims making a religious pilgrimage to Mecca are being encouraged to file civil rights complaints if they feel discriminated against by airlines.
The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), citing what it called the "airport profiling" of six imams removed from a recent flight, yesterday said Muslims traveling this month to the holy site in Saudi Arabia need to be aware of their rights.
"Given the increase in the number of complaints CAIR has received alleging airport profiling of American Muslims, we believe it is important that all those taking part in this year's hajj be aware of their legal and civil rights," said Ibrahim Hooper, CAIR spokesman.
The group has established a toll-free hot line (800/784-7526) for victims of "flying while Muslim," as Muslims have begun departing for the weeklong hajj, a once-in-a-lifetime obligation to visit the holy city of Mecca, which this year begins Dec. 29.
But M. Zuhdi Jasser, a Phoenix physician and chairman of the American Islamic Forum for Democracy (AIFD), said the announcement by CAIR "continues the tired stoking of the flames of victimization."
"They are unfortunately exploiting, for purely political reasons, what should be a sacred and purely spiritual story of our faith's annual holy pilgrimage to Mecca," Dr. Jasser said.
"We need new leadership and organizations which use their passions and the bandwidth of the media to lead the ideological fight against radical and political Islam rather than this tired pre-emption of supposed discrimination."
CAIR is representing the six imams removed from a US Airways flight last month and has asked for a meeting with the airline to seek an out-of-court settlement. It maintains that police and witness reports detailing the imams unusual behavior before their removal last month were ethnically and/or religiously motivated.
So CAIR would rather forced airlines to sit back and accept suspicious behavior from Muslims or they will sue and call them racist. Rather than attempt to change the Muslims who perpetuate the need for increased scrutiny and possibly misunderstanding, of Muslims, CAIR would rather attack the airlines, who are only guilty of defending themselves. Muslims have shown a willingness to hijack and blow up airplanes in the past. Why should the airlines not add an extra level of scrutiny towards Muslims? Why should airlines, their crew and their passengers, not be cautious of suspicious behavior?
Moreover, will CAIR take the time to investigate true reports from false ones? Airlines does not upgrade a Muslim's seat, they file a discrimination complaint. Will this be weeded out? Airline experiences turbulence, spills drink, complaint! Its a set up for BS lawsuits and claims. It is looking for discrimination where non exists. Its CAIR's way of blackmailing the airlines and our culture into being to afraid to speak up against radical Islam.
According to LGF, the following is the crib sheet given to muslims to properly complain.
Following recent allegations of “flying while Muslim” airport profiling incidents, the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) is advising those going on pilgrimage to be aware of their civil and legal rights as airline passengers. CAIR is also offering a toll-free hotline (1-800-784-7526) for anyone who believes their rights were violated.
In its “Your Rights and Responsibilities as an American Muslim” pocket guide, CAIR states:
“As an airline passenger, you are entitled to courteous, respectful and non-stigmatizing treatment by airline and security personnel. You have the right to complain about treatment that you believe is discriminatory. If you believe you have been treated in a discriminatory manner, immediately:
1. Ask for the names and ID numbers of all persons involved in the incident. Be sure to write this information down.
2. Ask to speak to a supervisor.
3. Ask if you have been singled out because of your name, looks, dress, race, ethnicity, faith, or national origin.
4. Ask witnesses to give you their names and contact information.
5. Write down a statement of facts immediately after the incident. Be sure to include the flight number, the flight date, and the name of the airline.
6. Contact CAIR to file a report. If you are leaving the country, leave a detailed message, with the information above at 202-488-8787.”
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