Dr. Khaleel Mohammed: 'Film demonizes an entire community. I have allowed myself to be used.'

(WASHINGTON, D.C., 9/27/08) - The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) today said that a participant in an anti-Muslim film that is being distributed to 28 million homes in presidential election swing states CALLED the production a "vile piece of propaganda" in a statement sent to www.obsessionwithhate.com/

(WASHINGTON, D.C., 9/27/08) - The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) today said that a participant in an anti-Muslim film that is being distributed to 28 million homes in presidential election swing states has issued a statement calling the production a "vile piece of propaganda."

In his statement, Dr. Khaleel Mohammed, a professor at San Diego State University, apologizes to the Muslim community for his role in "Obsession: Radical Islam's War against the West."

Dr. Mohammed's statement reads in part:
"Sadly, it would seem that I have allowed myself to be used…The free distribution of the film to voters in particular districts shows the political chicanery that is the motive, and the secrecy about the financing of the distribution only underlines the evil intent in circulating this vile piece of propaganda.

"Evidence seems to indicate the involvement of Aish ha-Torah in this dishonest enterprise. I find that particularly distressing, because any Jewish organization ought to realize what the film seeks to do: they demonize an entire community to the point where a government takes action to further beleaguer its citizens and resident aliens simply because of their religious identity. This bigotry over religion and identity is precisely what caused the Shoah-and it is sad that those who ought to have learned what hate can engender should seek to imitate Nazi propagandism.

"Yet-for all the nefarious intent of the distributors of the film-I must also accept culpability for allowing myself to be so used…I apologize to my fellow Muslims for appearing in such a film…"

His entire statement may be read at http://www.obsessionwithhate.com/, a website launched recently by the Hate Hurts America Multifaith Community Coalition (HHA), a group of religious and civic organizations seeking to challenge hate speech in our society. (Click on "The Pundits" and scroll down to Khaleel Mohammed.) The new site is designed as a positive response to the anti-Muslim bigotry used in "Obsession." CAIR is a coordinating member of HHA.

On Friday, the St. Petersburg Times revealed ties between the film's distributors and the Israel-based group Aish HaTorah.

Last week, CAIR filed a complaint with the Federal Election Commission (FEC) over the distribution of the film.

Many American Muslims and other people of conscience have expressed concerns that the massive distribution of such intolerant and biased materials may lead to an increase in anti-Muslim prejudice and stereotyping.

CAIR, America's largest Islamic civil liberties group, has 35 offices and chapters nationwide and in Canada. 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.

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CONTACT: CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-488-8787 or 202-744-7726, E-Mail: ihooper@cair.com; CAIR Communications Coordinator Amina Rubin, 202-488-8787, E-Mail: arubin@cair.com