ING Speakers Challenging Stereotypes Through Education

ING finished up another busy week with presentations in 17 classrooms to a total audience of 530 students. ING speakers delivered presentations on Exploring Muslim Traditions and Practices to 7 classes in two middle schools, a Christian, Muslim and Jewish speaker took part in an interfaith panel on the topic of Church and State for 5 classes, and an ING speaker delivered presentations on A History of Muslims in America to five 8th grade classes at an Oakland middle school. Many of the students had stereotypes about Muslims, either from the media or from their own interactions with Muslims, and were pleased to have them clarified and explained.

A Hajj Reflection by ING Content Director Ameena Jandali

Every year during the time of hajj a feeling of nostalgia overcomes me as the media begins covering one of the world’s largest annual religious gatherings. Although I performed hajj almost nine years ago, the experience feels like yesterday… [Read this article at TIME]

Diverse Religions Worshipping and Celebrating this Week

The autumn, which sees in many places a burst of color from the trees, also shows forth a glorious variety in celebrations this year. Muslim pilgrims will be observing Hajj (click here for background on Hajj), the pilgrimage to Mecca this week and all Muslims will celebrate Eid ul-Adha, “Festival of the Sacrifice this weekend.” Jews are celebrating the High Holy Days, which started with Rosh Hashanah on September 24 and will conclude with Yom Kippur on October 4th. Many Christians will be celebrating the feast of St. Francis of Assisi on October 4th. Hindus are celebrating Navratri from September 25th until October 3rd.

Awakening the Heart of Compassion:
2014 Carry the Vision Conference

As a participating organization in the Carry the Vision network, ING invites you to the 2014 conference – Awakening the Heart of Compassion, which will be held at the Addison-Penzak Jewish Community Center in Los Gatos on October 19th. The keynote speaker is Father Greg Boyle, founder of Homeboy Industries.