Terror Claims Against Muslim Leader Rejected by Court

clipped from www.baynews9.com Thursday, September 4, 2008 An influential New Jersey Muslim leader accused by some federal officials of having terrorist ties but praised by others as being an important ally won his fight to gain permanent U.S. residency Thursday. A federal immigration judge in Newark ruled that Mohammad Qatanani, the spiritual leader of the Islamic Center of Passaic County, can remain in the U.S. Qatanani was active in interfaith activities in his region; Jewish and Christian leaders testified on his behalf at his trial. Among those who testified was a Conservative Rabbi, David Senter. Rabbi Senter wrote: "If I did not know the imam as a person, I would not be willing to support him publicly. I believe in this man. He is a man dedicated to human rights and the pursuit of peace.Do we disagree on some major issues regarding the State of Israel? You bet we do. My hands are those of an individual who volunteered to till Israeli soil in Ofra, Harai Bet El (known as the west bank). My action is part of what the imam might perceive as an "occupation." That reality does not change the fact that I have a deep respect for this man and what he stands for — human rights and respect among all people." In support of ‘a consistent voice for moderation’ By Rabbi David Senter The Jewish Standard Published May 2, 2008 The fruits of grassroots interfatih action at work!