On Sunday night a meeting of several Pakistani community organizations, plus a few other organizations, met to discuss a possible march/rally in Chicago's Pakistani community protesting the threat of war against Iraq and the recent INS attacks on immigrants.

With a February 21st deadline for many Pakistanis to "register" with the INS, about 700 people flooded a meeting a week ago at the O'Hare Ramada, which prompted last night's organizing meeting.

Sunday's meeting resolved on the following:

1) in solidarity with anti-war protests around the world on that day, to host a LARGE anti-war/pro-immigrant rights protest at 12 noon, Saturday, February 15 in Chicago's Pakistani neighborhood on Devon Avenue;

and

2) to request solidarity in the form of active participation, mobilization, endorsements, and publicity from ALL communities, organizations and individuals opposed to the war and scapegoating of immigrants, Muslims, South Asians and Arabs.

The meeting resolved on the following language for a leaflet/poster, which currently is being translated into Urdu and Arabic (we also are seeking out volunteer[s] to translate into Spanish and other languages):

Stop Attacking Immigrants!
No More War Abroad!

February 15th is an international day of protest against war on Iraq, with protests planned in New York and all the major capitals of Europe. It is also just 6 days before the “registration” deadline for many Pakistanis in the United States, the same “registrations” which led to the arrests of more than 1000 Iranians in Los Angeles a few weeks ago.

The drive to war is being fueled by the scapegoating of innocent Muslims, South Asians and Arabs, fanning fears so that citizens feel it is “necessary” for the United States to launch a new war on Iraq. Please join a community march to say stop the attacks on immigrants, repeal the registration act, NO to war on Iraq!

* Pakistanis and Muslims: Stand up for your rights!

* All others: Stand in solidarity with your brothers and sisters – your rights could be next!


12 noon
Saturday, Feb. 15
______ W. Devon, Chicago
(Devon & ___________ in the heart of the Pakistani community)
NOTE: The specific location is to be announced shortly, pending negotiations with private property owners.

Co-sponsored by (list in formation): American Muslim Alliance-Midwest, Arab-American Community Center, Chicago Coalition Against War & Racism, Chicago Professional Taxi Cab Drivers Association, Coalition of Pakistani Organizations, Committee For a Democratic Palestine, 8th Day Center for Justice, Free Palestine Alliance, Mohammadan Muthida Minority Movement, Muslim Civil Rights Center, Pakistan American Democratic Forum, Pakistan Memon Association, Pakistani American Association of North America, Pakistani Business Association, Sargam Radio Channel 1240 AM, Sangat-Chicago, Students For Social Justice, Weekly News Pakistan

For information: CCAWR (at) aol.com or 888.471.0874

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WHAT YOU / YOUR ORGANIZATION(S) CAN DO:

1) Please send one or two representatives to the next organizing meeting: 7 pm SHARP, Saturday, January 25 at the Bombay Hall, 2448 W. Devon (just west of Western Avenue).

2) Agree to CO-SPONSOR the protest. Co-sponsors are asked to:

a) Publicize the march/rally through e-mailings, "snail" mailings, phone calling, announcements in your newsletter and at your meetings.

b) Publicize the march/rally by agreeing to put up flyers/posters in a SPECIFIC area of the city and/or suburbs.

c) Contribute financially to the event. Suggested endorsement fee is $25 (please make checks payable to "CABN," write "Feb. 15th protest" in the memo section, and mail to: CABN, 4404 N. Magnolia, #420, Chicago, IL 60640.

Please join today in helping build this important anti-war/solidarity action!