AFSV Statement on Temporary US Travel and Immigration Ban

Meryem Yildirim, 7, left, sitting on the shoulders of her father, Fatih, of Schaumburg, and Adin Bendat-Appell, 9, sitting on the shoulders of his father, Rabbi Jordan Bendat-Apell, of Deerfield, protest President Donald Trump's immigration and refugee order at O'Hare International Airport on Jan 30, 2017. (Nuccio DiNuzzo / Chicago Tribune)
Meryem Yildirim, 7, left, sitting on the shoulders of her father, Fatih, of Schaumburg, and Adin Bendat-Appell, 9, sitting on the shoulders of his father, Rabbi Jordan Bendat-Apell, of Deerfield, protest President Donald Trump's immigration and refugee order at O'Hare International Airport on Jan 30, 2017. (Nuccio DiNuzzo / Chicago Tribune)


Date posted: February 9, 2017

New York (February 3, 2017) – The Alliance for Shared Values (AFSV) is fundamentally commitment to universal values that emphasize the inherent dignity of every human person. As an organization committed to peace, democracy and human rights, AFSV believes the temporary travel ban on citizens from seven Muslim-majority nations, including a ban on the immigration of Syrian and other thoroughly vetted refugees, will not address its intended goals of keeping Americans safe.

The vast majority of the world’s Muslims have proven themselves to be stalwart partners in the fight against terrorism, especially as Muslims themselves are most often the victims of violent extremism.

The world has long recognized that one of the many things that makes the US one of the greatest economic and cultural centers of the world is its commitment to embrace people from all races, ethnicities and religions. The fruits of this commitment depend on resisting simplistic generalizations and political polarization. Therefore we call upon our nation’s political, civic, intellectual and religious leaders—as well as the media—to rededicate themselves to the principles of civil discourse and consensus-building for the common good. We are confident that, inspired by such a rededication, the American people can overcome society’s current and dangerous divisiveness.

AFSV, together with our affiliates and partner organizations, will continue our work facilitating intercultural dialogue, mutual understanding and respect, and the nurturing of an inclusive mindset through education, which we believe serve the interests of America’s national security as well as the security of people around the world.

Source: Alliance for Shared Values , February 3, 2017


Related News

Fethullah Gülen on Islam, democracy and freedom of speech

Publishing a book in 2009 about Francis of Assisi’s peaceful encounter with Egypt’s Sultan Malik al-Kamil during the Fifth Crusade led me to meet a lot of people with an interest in improving interreligious relations. Among them were a number of Turkish immigrants who are followers of the Islamic scholar Fethullah Gülen. I observed that through a network of private schools, foundations and media organizations, they have worked very hard to improve Muslim-Christian relations.

Academic freedom at universities under growing threat

Süleyman Yaşar, a former columnist at the Sabah daily who has a broad vision regarding the economic policy of the current government, was fired from the outlet for not criticizing the Hizmet movement [the faith-based organization inspired by Turkish Islamic scholar Fethullah Gülen]

‘Lies run sprints, but the truth runs marathons’

Erdoğan has believed that Mr. Fethullah Gülen and the Hizmet movement are the only ones left that could challenge his power and prevent him from becoming president.

US State Department ‘Can’t Imagine’ Accepting Erdogan Offer to Trade Hostage Pastor for Gulen

“President Erdogan’s suggestion that the U.S. should make a hostage-style prisoner swap for an innocent American imprisoned in Turkey is appalling and will not be taken seriously,” Sen. James Lankford (R-OK) said. Brunson’s is not the first case that has resulted in a Western country accusing Erdogan of hostage diplomacy.

Turkic American Alliance hosts iftar for members of US Congress

The Turkic American Alliance (TAA), the umbrella organization for various Turkic associations in the US, held an iftar for members and staffers of the US Congress, civil society leaders and academics at the US Capitol on Wednesday.

Rumi Forum to bestow Peace and Dialogue Awards

The Rumi Forum bestowed its traditional Peace and Dialogue Awards on Tuesday. Congressman Connolly praised the activities of the Rumi Forum, saying, “If there is something that I think is important and that is represented by this forum tonight and the work of the Rumi Forum, it is the ability it has to bind us all in tolerance and understanding.”

Latest News

Turkish inmate jailed over alleged Gülen links dies of heart attack in prison

Message of Condemnation and Condolences for Mass Shooting at Bondi Beach, Sydney

Media executive Hidayet Karaca marks 11th year in prison over alleged links to Gülen movement

ECtHR faults Turkey for convictions of 2,420 applicants over Gülen links in follow-up to 2023 judgment

New Book Exposes Erdoğan’s “Civil Death Project” Targeting the Hizmet Movement

European Human Rights Treaty Faces Legal And Political Tests

ECtHR rejects Turkey’s appeal, clearing path for retrials in Gülen-linked cases

Erdoğan’s Civil Death Project’ : The ‘politicide’ spanning more than a decade

Fethullah Gülen’s Vision and the Purpose of Hizmet

In Case You Missed It

Tension should be reduced

Critics of Turkey’s president across Europe tell of threats

Fethullah Gulen Condemns Turkish Crackdown on His Supporters

Prosecutor says he was blocked from investigating new graft probe

Young Peace Builders Honored

Major reshuffle in Turkish judiciary amid graft probe row

Kimse Yok mu delivers aid in Palestine during Eid al-Adha

Copyright 2026 Hizmet News