http://www.religionandspiritualityforum.co...31-021736-8673r


Islamic leader sets up Washington office


PLAINFIELD, March 31 (UPI) — The leader of the largest U.S. umbrella group for Muslims is leaving to head a new interfaith office in Washington.

Sayyid Syeed, secretary general of the Islamic Society of North America for 12 years, will become the national director of the Office of Interfaith and Community Relations this spring, the Islamic Society said Friday.
The ISNA seeks to improve relations between Muslim Americans and the federal government.
The new office will be an offshoot of the Islamic Society, which tries to promote a positive image of Islam in the United States and help recent immigrants acclimate to life in the United States.
The Washington office should make the organization's mission easier, said Louay Safi, who directs the group's leadership development programs.
Ahmed El Hattab, who heads the Islamic Society's development foundation, will be its interim secretary general while a nationwide search for a replacement is found.
The Islamic Society is based in the western Indianapolis suburb of Plainfield.