Community Relations Service

Daryl Borgquist
202/305-2966
www.usdoj.gov/crs

     WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Department of Justice Community Relations Service Director Sharee M. Freeman will address an Interfaith Meeting on "Islam: The Message of Abraham, Moses, Jesus and Mohammed (Peace Be Upon Them)" sponsored by the Islamic Information Center on Sunday, July 27, 2003, from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. at the Marriott Inn and Conference Center, University of Maryland/University College, 3501 University Boulevard East, Adelphi, Maryland (301/985-7300). Seating will begin at 1:00 p.m.

      Director Freeman will address the participants about the Community Relations Service's efforts to improve race relations for Arab Americans in every region of the country. CRS has sponsored a series of Arab, Muslim, and Sikh Cultural Awareness and Protocol Seminars as a continuation of its efforts to address racial issues affecting these populations in the aftermath of the September 11th terrorist attacks in 2001 and Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003. Community dialogues, forums, and cultural awareness seminars educating citizens, officials, and law enforcement have been effective in defusing racial tensions towards members of those communities.

      The Islamic Information Center of Burtonsville, Maryland, is sponsoring the Interfaith Meeting in response to increased public attention and interest about Islam and Shia Muslims following Operation Iraqi Freedom. Press who plan to attend should preregister with Lyana Snow at the Islamic Information Center at 410/258-3512 or on-line at the Center's web site at: www.islamicinformationcenter.org.

      The Community Relations Service, a component of the U.S. Department of Justice, offers conflict resolution and mediation services to communities affected by issues of race, color, and national origin. More information about the Community Relations Service is available at www.usdoj.gov/crs.

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