Christian and Jewish leaders in New Jersey are united against the possible deportation of prominent Imam Mohammad Qatanani, citing his distinguished record in promoting interfaith dialogue and peace. “[He is] the most moderate individual you could imagine,” Rabbi David Senter, leader of New Jersey’s Beth Shalom Congregation, was reported as saying on April 24. He said Qatanani, 44, has long worked for interfaith understanding.
The imam of the Islamic Center of Passaic County, the largest in New Jersey, faces possible deportation along with most of his family. The Immigration and Customs Enforcement Department accuses Qatanani of lying in his 1999 application for permanent residency. Officials say he did not mention the time he spent in detention during the first intifada in 1993, when Palestinians were routinely held by Israelis. Qatanani’s possible deportation has dismayed religious communities in New Jersey.