Community members to hold prayer vigil for Dr. Riad Abdelkarim outside Rep.

Cox's Office

WHAT: The Southland Interfaith community is holding a prayer vigil for the

safe return home of Dr. Riad Abdelkarim, an Orange County physician who was

on a fact-finding mission on behalf of the international medical group,

International Medical Corps. Dalell Mohmed, the other American also held in

Israel without any charges, was released on Monday and held a press

conference today in Los Angeles. Both were on a humanitarian mission to

assess the health needs in the Palestinian territories.

The Council On American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), Dr. Abdelkarim's family,

and the general community continues to be concerned about the health and

safety of Dr. Abdelkarim. CAIR demands the intermediate intervention by our

government to release Dr. Abdelkarim.

WHEN: Thursday, May 16, 2002, 12 P.M.

WHERE: Outside Congressman Christopher Cox's Office, One Newport Place,

#420, Newport Beach, CA 92660

CONTACT: Sabiha Khan 714-776-1847 or 714-390-0334 (Cell)

NOTE: The vigil is co-sponsored by the Council on American-Islamic

Relations (CAIR) and the Muslim Public Affairs Council (MPAC)

ACTION REQUESTED:

Contact the State Department to request that they pressure Israel to free

Dr. Abdelkarim

Mr. William J. Burns

Assistant Secretary of State

Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs

U.S. Department of State

2201 C St. NW - 6258

Washington, DC 20520

TEL: 202-647-5150

VIA FAX: 202-736-4462

E-MAIL: askpublicaffairs@state.gov