California: February 3, 2016. (PCP) The Council of Pakistan American Affairs (COPAA) organized an important town hall meeting on Jan 16 at the Marriott Hotel, Long Beach, CA to address violent extremism and rising Islamophobia in the country following the San Bernardino shooting. Mr Memon, Consul General of Pakistan, Dr Jenna Scott deputy director, Center of Faith based neighborhood partnership and representing the white house and department of homeland security, David Bowdich, Assistant director of the FBI for LA, Haroon Azar, Regional director for strategic engagement, homeland security in Los Angeles and Michal Downing, deputy chief, counter terrorism and special operations bureau were on the panel of speakers. COPAA board members and advisors, invited leaders of several Pakistani American organizations and prominent members of the Pakistani American community from the Los Angeles area were present at this event. Members of the panel gave the unified message of support for the Pakistani American community and urged the community to continue to partner with the law enforcement agencies to protect our country against extremist ideology and violence. Mr Javed, President of COPAA opened the discussion voicing the concerns of the Pakistan American community about rising Islamophobia and fears of bullying at schools, work place discrimination and potential dangers of marginalization of the community. Consul General of Pakistan, Mr Memon described the role played by and the huge human and financial losses suffered by Pakistan in the global war against terrorism and that it was the patriotic duty of the Pakistani Americans to cooperate with the law enforcement agencies to keep the nation safe. Dr Jenna Scott reassured the audience that there are federal laws protecting vulnerable minorities which resulted from the works of civil liberty leaders like Martin Luther King and that protection of religious freedom for people all over the world is supported by our President. Mr Haroon Azar negated the concept of vilifying members of an entire religion which endangers the country and supports the narrative of the extremist. He advocated for financial support for mental health and other programs. Mr Bowdich and Chief Downing focused on the importance of outreach and partnership with communities in establishing trust and how they have had a positive experience with the Pakistani American community which came forward to help in the San Bernardino shooting as they have in previous times of crisis. They confirmed the dangers of extremist ideology, particularly for the youth and this can best be countered by family and community engagement. Participants in the town Hall meeting enjoyed the quality of the program. They appreciated the role and support of the law enforcing agencies and engaged the panel with several questions and comments.