September 26, 2013, Anaheim:
Each year thousands of Muslim-Americans perform their Hajj pilgrimage and use Los Angeles International Airport as their airport of choice. The pilgrims will start leaving for Hajj around late September and start returning around mid October. To ensure a pleasant travel experience, the Shura Council met with both the
and the
(TSA) at the Los Angeles International Airport to discuss this year's Hajj travel arrangements.
Referring to a Hajj document developed by the Shura Council specifically for the US Customs and TSA, the Chairman of the Shura Council, Dr. Muzammil Siddiqi said, "reciprocal education and awareness is foundational to make travel experiences most enjoyable and least stressful."
Bruce Mulraney, Section Chief for US Customs at the Los Angeles International Airport thanked the Shura Council for offering educational resources and expertise for the past several years and for helping them serve Muslim pilgrims appropriately. Mr. Mulraney encouraged the Muslim pilgrims to also avail several useful documents from the US Customs, such as "Know Before You Go" or the "Top 10 Traveler Tips".
The TSA was also informed about the specifics of Hajj travel and an informational package about Hajj related issues was also provided to them. The Shura Council was reassured by the TSA representatives; Mr. Jason Pantages, Assistant Field Director and Ms. Danielle Bean, Customer Service Manager for the TSA for its gender-specific policy related to secondary searches and suggested that travelers may avail their useful 3-1-1 program and also encouraged the community to report any untoward incident to TSA's round-the-clock Command Center at (310) 242-2939.
International travelers coming into Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) can also call on the US Customs Passenger Services Manager at (310) 665-4545 or the LAX International Terminal Watch Commander (310) 568-7547 to report complaints or compliments.
- end -
|
OPEN MOSQUE DAY
IS OCTOBER 27TH!
Bring your family, friends, neighbors and colleagues to visit a Mosque, take a tour, enjoy ethnic cuisine and ask questions about Islam and Muslims.
More info please visit: www.shuracouncil.org
|
Islamic Shura Council of Southern California
The Islamic Shura Council is an umbrella organization of Mosques & Muslim organizations serving the Muslims of Southern California. Since 1995, the Council continues to foster the spirit and culture of "working together" at all levels in one of the most diverse and largest Muslim populations in the country.
|