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Rift Emerges Over Man's Ties to Islamic Charity

By Associated Press

Birmingham, AL – Members of Birmingham's Jewish and Muslim communities are at odds over a Muslim man's ties to an Islamic charity that was shut down by the U-S government for funding activities by the Palestinian militant group Hamas. Temple Emanu-El Rabbi Jonathan Miller is discouraging the Jewish community from taking part in programs with the Birmingham Islamic Society after learning that Palestinian Raed Awad raised funds for The Holy Land Foundation for Relief and Development, which was shut down in December 2001 for its connections to Hamas. Awad, who has taken part in numerous interfaith programs since moving to Birmingham two years ago, said he only raised funds to help Palestinian hospitals, orphanages and schools and never saw evidence of funds being directed to violent activities. Awad said he was questioned by the F-B-I on numerous occasions and took a polygraph test. F-B-I spokesman Paul Daymond said there's no indication Awad is considered a person of interest in any investigation. Miller said he's not accusing Awad of criminal activity, but wants him to acknowledge and express regret that he helped raise money for Hamas, which sponsored terrorism and killed civilians. Awad said he's willing to meet with concerned Jewish leaders.

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