American Muslims Launch Fund for Ft Hood Victims

A U.S. Muslim organization has launched a special fund to help the victims and their families affected by the Fort Hood shooting, all this occurring as the backlash fear against Muslims in the Army grows.

Calling the shooting "senseless," the Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) says it is time all Americans come together to recognize  the "...important sacrifices made by our soldiers and their families, we feel it is imperative for all Americans to join hands in supporting those affected by this tragic incident. 

The Islamic Society of North America is a 40 year old umbrella organization for Muslims in the United States and Canada.  The organization says it was formed "for the purpose of establishing an open,  pluralistic platform for presenting Islam, supporting Muslim communities, developing educational,  social and outreach programs and fostering good relations with other religious communities, civic  and service organizations and all levels of government.

Dr. Dr. Louay Safi, director of communications and leadership development for ISNA said

“We don’t know the motives or the state of mind of the perpetrator of this heinous crime, but we want our fellow Americans to know that Muslim Americans condemn this horrific attack and see it as a complete violation of Islamic values and norms,” 

The executive director of American Muslims in the Armed Forces, Qaseem Uqdah said

"As with Timothy McVeigh, the sniper, we focused on the person, not their religion. You wouldn't take a Christian or a Jewish soldier who did something like this and look at other Christians and Jews and say, 'Can we trust them?'

The ISNA says donations may be made to “Fort Hood Family Fund” and sent to ISNA headquarters (P. O. Box 808, Plainfield, Indiana 46168), or donate online: