May 16, 2007
Mr. Esad Rizaj
President
Albanian American Society Foundation
2548 Davidson Avenue
Bronx, NY 10468
Dear Mr. Rizaj:
Thank you for sharing your concern that some people may blame and target Muslims, including Albanian-Americans, in the aftermath of the recent arrests in the Fort Dix case.
It is vitally important that we show strength and determination in fighting terrorism, and we congratulate those law enforcement authorities responsible for uncovering and successfully foiling this plot. At the same time, stereotyping and blaming all Muslims or assuming that all Muslims are terrorists just because those arrested in this case are Muslim is simply unacceptable.
As we said following the tragic attacks on our country on September 11, 2001, "Threats, harassment or acts of hate-motivated violence against members of a group are un-American and must be forcefully condemned." Those who would lay blame on an entire people undermine our nation's core values of equality and respect for the individual, and we stand ready to join you in vocal opposition to anyone who targets another because of hatred or prejudice or who blames all Albanians because some of the perpetrators in this case were Albanian-Americans.
We will never forget the kindness extended to the Jewish community by the Albanian people who risked their lives to save Jews during the Holocaust.
Best Regards.
Sincerely,
Abraham H. Foxman
National Director