Imam's ordeal; almost over!

Aref Assaf

may 31, 2008

I cannot possibly overemphasize the importance of participating in the Rally for Justice on June 2nd to support the Imam of ICPC. Imam Qatanani will be testifying on that day!  For more details, please log onto www.americans4qatanani.org .

We continued fielding media  inquires and several op-eds and columns  and articles were published. We have complied them on our website as well.  www.aafusa.org

Curiously, we got a three page spread story in the Israeli weekly Marraiv. We worked closely with the reporter. Thanks to a friend , we got an English summary of the Hebrew language piece by her uncle in Israel. The pertinent section is shown below in italics. I have omitted some personal info. Please the summary at least twice to understand the depth of our media reach.

We are engaging the media for another pre trial media blitz. We have updated our media contacts with the important news that a critically relevant witness will testify in addition to the Imam. on  Monday June 2^nd trial. (Our attorney has submitted the required documents to the court to ensure admissibility of the witness) He will be Ron Fava who was one of the Imam’s prior attorneys. Mr. Fava will testify as to his recollection of the one meeting in 2005 (which was requested by the Imam) to meet the FBI and get an update on his long delayed petition for permanent residency . As you may recall, both the FBI and ICE agents, testified the Imam did state that he was arrested (not only detained) and that he also stated to them that he was a member of Hamas. Our Imam and the others who were present at that fateful meeting  and they recall an entirely different rendition of what transpired. Ron Fava, a former prosecutor and a practicing attorney will, we hope, tell the judge the truth. Such a testimony may weaken  the government’s charge of fraud.

The other urgency must surround the need for all of you, your families and friends, to participate in the June 2^nd Rally. Doubtless, sacrifices need to be made but you know the prize that awaits us all. You have come through with flying colors and your hard work will be rewarded.
All of you are urged to read the latest published pieces on the Imam and to respond to them: Here is one by Br. Hatim Mahmoud.  Media saturation and a consistent delivery of a positive narrative continue to define our (successful) strategy.

So please: One more day! Make history  June 2^nd

 Here is the Summary of the Marriv article:

 “ …..  Thanks for sharing with me the materials about this case. ... I read carefully over the article that appeared in Maariv and I must tell you - the treatment of this case seems rather sympathetic. The article relates to all the aspects you mentioned that paint this Imam in a very positive light - with support from Jewish community figures whose commitment to a secure Israel seem beyond reproach. The underlying tone of the Maariv article, according to my reading, is that Israel's treatment of this man may in fact have been very arbitrary and this folly on Israel's part is now coming home to roost with very unfavorable press in a very unlikely setting (suburban NJ). All in all, it seems to me to be a very balanced piece and in no way lends support to the efforts to deport the Imam. ……”