A U.S. Muslim advocacy group has called for dialogue with a Jewish group that it said released statements “smearing the good name of an organization with a proud history of standing for justice and mutual understanding.”The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) accused the Anti-Defamation League of using “rhetorical tactics that are used routinely by anti-Semites.”CAIR was responding to statements by the ADL that accused it of failing to distance itself from terrorism. In a letter to the national chair and director of the ADL, the Muslim organization noted that it issued an official fatwa declaring the murder of civilians to be against Muslim law.“Also, our 2004 ‘Not in the Name of Islam' online petition states: ‘No injustice done to Muslims can ever justify the massacre of innocent people, and no act of terror will ever serve the cause of Islam,'” CAIR wrote.“We ask that you visit our national office or a CAIR chapter, or spend time with us at any one of our many public events. Interact in a positive way with our officers, volunteers and supporters, and then judge what CAIR is all about,” the letter said.“If the ADL stops promoting noted Islamophobes and affirms the right of Americans to criticize the policies of any foreign country, including but not limited to Israel, without being demonized, then CAIR will welcome any opportunity to enter into dialogue,” CAIR wrote.“Such a move would allow us to explore ways in which we can work together to end discrimination and secure justice for all Americans,” the letter said.
