Boston Muslim Community Leader Receives Law Enforcement Award

BOSTON, MA – DECEMBER 4, 2007 – The Muslim American Society of Boston (MAS Boston) and the Islamic Council of New England congratulate Mr. Muhammad Ali-Salaam for receiving the Director's Community Leadership Award from the FBI Boston office.

Mr. Ali-Salaam has been a long time representative of the Muslim community and a founding member of the BRIDGES forum (Building Respect in Diverse Groups to Enhance Sensitivity). BRIDGES is a monthly meeting that gathers representatives of the various Law Enforcement agencies, civil liberties organizations, and various communities and organizations including the Muslim American Society and Islamic Council of New England. BRIDGES aims to fulfill the necessary role of establishing necessary communication channels to dispel myths, function efficiently and to remind of the importance of both Law Enforcement's role, and civil rights.

Mr. Ali-Salaam has also worked with the U.S. Department of Justice to deliver lectures and presentations on Islam and Muslims, which have reached thousands of local law enforcement personnel in the past few years.

Last month, the Los Angeles Police Department scrapped its controversial plan to map their Muslim communities upon strong rejection from Muslim community leaders and civil rights organizations. This recent event is an example of the importance of establishing strong and trusted channels of communication between the Muslim community and Law Enforcement.

In the post-9/11 climate, Law Enforcement may be tempted to employ means or approaches towards ensuring safety but which would harm and breach the rights of Muslims in America. It is therefore essential for the Muslim community to be at the table with Law Enforcement to voice their concerns and establish a working partnership based on integrity and transparency. END

The American Muslim Identity: http://www.masboston.org/index.php?section=124