Did a representative from the radical Islamic front group calling itself the Council on American Islamic Relations actually join an anti-jihad rally in Seattle?

Apparently the Washington branch was caught off guard by this one, and issued the following press release:

CAIR-SEATTLE CHALLENGES PARTICIPANTS IN ANTI-MUSLIM ‘RALLY’
(WASHINGTON, D.C., 4/2/07) - On Saturday, March 31, CAIR-Seattle President Arsalan Bukhari challenged the anti-Muslim views of a small group of people who took part in a protest against “Islamofascism.”

Bukhari tried to help the handful of protest participants understand the reality of the American Muslim experience and Islam, but was met with hostility based on false information about Islam and Muslims promoted by Internet hate sites.

After refuting the anti-Muslim smears, Bukhari gave two Qurans to the protesters. Unfortunately, the organizers of the event later falsely claimed that Bukhari “joined” the rally.

“I hope to follow up with the protesters to teach them more about Islam and have them meet local Muslims,” said Bukhari. “I believe they are good at heart, but are misled by the propaganda fed to them by anti-Muslim bigots.”

Bukhari said CAIR’s research has shown that anti-Muslim prejudice decreases when people of other faiths know more about Islam and have an opportunity to interact with ordinary Muslims. He added that it is unfortunate that the protest organizers lied in a public statement by falsely claiming he shared their bigoted views.