(The following letter was sent to Phil Boyce, program director of WABC Talk Radio '77.' It is being reprinted here at the author's request.)

Since the tragic death of Br. Seif Ashmawi, 403 members of the congregation who signed this letter and the Muslim community at large, have patiently waited to see another Muslim representative to join your very important radio program, 'Religion on the Line.' We are sure that you want this program to be inclusive of the three major monotheistic religions, Judaism, Christianity and Islam. As you know, the American-Muslims are the fastest growing community in the US, approximated to be more than six million. About one million reside in the tri-state area.

Your broadcasts reach many states around New York. Therefore, we believe that WABC Radio could possibly attract hundreds of thousands more new listeners in the primary coverage area of your station. This will obviously be of great benefit for WABC's rating at a fair-minded and inclusive station, as well as for your advertisers.

The Islamic Center of Long Island in cooperation with other Islamic organizations will be happy to introduce to you several candidates for your consideration.

No doubt you are aware that the present team of a Catholic, a Protestant and a Jew represents only two of the three major monotheistic religions. To complete the circle, a Muslim representative is urgently needed. Then, the audience will be provided with perspectives on the questions and issues discussed weekly. Thus, this program will not only educate the public about Muslims and Islamic views, it will lift the cloud of ignorance hanging over many Americans, remove age-old fears and prejudices, and encourage love, respect and tolerance in our society. Without a Muslim representative, 'Religion on the Line' will remain incomplete.

Al-Haaj Ghazi Y. Khankan

Director of Interfaith and Communication

Islamic Center of Long Island