[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 147 (2001), Part 16]
[House]
[Page 22594]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



                       WELCOMING IMAM YAHYA HENDI

  (Ms. KAPTUR asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
  Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker, as cochair of the new Democratic Caucus 
working group on Central Asia and the Middle East, please let me warmly 
welcome Imam Yahya Hendi to the people's House.
  His prayer ascends to the God of us all, who ``shows us the straight 
way, the way of those on whom grace is bestowed, and whose portion is 
not wrath, so we will not go astray.''
  Mr. Speaker, I am fortunate to represent a region of our Nation where 
Muslims for generations along with faith-filled people from all 
denominations and those of secular persuasion have joined together in 
an interfaith mission to promote tolerance, understanding, and to 
advance social justice.
  We have built homes for the poor through Habitat for Humanity. We 
work together in the campaign to erase hatred. Ours is a peaceful 
community and a patriotic community. Indeed, in my district, Muslims 
have made history. They have become prominent citizens in all walks of 
life: medicine, engineering, law, business, education, and 
entertainment.
  Our citizens built the first mosque in Ohio and the third in our 
Nation. And just after September 11, people of faith joined hands 
around our Perrysburg mosque in a strong show of unity with our common 
bond to the Creator of us all.
  During the upcoming Ramadan, Christmas, and Hanukkah seasons, may our 
national mosaic shaped by people who have come here willingly from 
throughout the world shine beautifully as an example of how people can 
live together with respect for one another and without fear.

                          ____________________
                              {time}  1015