Islamic Center of Long Island meets with Nassau County Police Commissioner – Rep. Peter King's allegations proven baseless

(PRLEAP.COM) Westbury, NY – April 25, 2009 – In the first of several steps aimed at invalidating Rep. Peter King’s recent assertions that Long Island Mosques are under surveillance, leaders from the Islamic Center of Long Island (ICLI) in Westbury met with Nassau County Commissioner of Police, Mr. Lawrence W. Mulvey on April 21, 2009. The meeting was held to specifically discuss Rep. Peter King’s repeated false characterizations of American Muslims. Commissioner Mulvey received ICLI Chairman of the Board, Mr. Habeeb Ahmed at Nassau County Police Department headquarters in Garden City, NY to engage in an open discussion on Rep. King’s remarks and his continuing onslaught on Long Island’s Muslims.

During the discussion, Commissioner Mulvey clearly stated that he was not aware of any investigation or surveillance activity of mosques in Nassau County. He asserted that the Police Department is not involved in the practice of carrying out surveillance of any religious institutions. Furthermore, Commissioner Mulvey strongly reiterated his success in developing a strong and cooperative relationship with Long Island’s Muslim community.

In a statement sent to Mr. Ahmed, Commissioner Mulvey said, "The Nassau County Police Department
enjoys a good relationship with the American Muslim community. I meet with the Muslim community
regularly and with most of the Mosque leaders annually in anticipation of Ramadan. We have a
particularly close relationship with the Islamic Center of Long Island in Westbury."

After the meeting, Mr. Habeeb Ahmed said, "I welcome Commissioner Mulvey’s remarks. Our
discussion reaffirmed Nassau County Police Department’s commitment to serve and protect all of Nassau County’s residents. The meeting also confirmed that Long Island’s Muslims continue to explore various avenues of cooperation with the police department beyond Homeland security issues. It is our effort to integrate the department with the community at all levels including community initiatives. We will have similar meetings with other law enforcement agencies in the area."

Finally, Mr. Ahmed recalled Rep. Peter King’s recent remarks as baseless and having no connection to reality. He called on Rep. Peter King to act responsibly as an elected official and resist the temptation to slander Long Island’s population of over 25 thousand Muslim households.

Organization Profile:
Established in 1982, the Islamic Center of Long Island ("ICLI") is a leading Muslim house of worship and community center serving over 25,000 Muslim households across Nassau and Suffolk counties. The Center holds daily and weekly prayer services and offers classes through its weekend education programs. The Center is also widely known as an active participant in a range of interfaith, civic, and cultural activities on Long Island.

Contact:
Sajid Shah, President
T: 516-333-3495
E: 1icli@optonline.net

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