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Note from the ING Executive Director
Three issues I want to bring to your attention:
Testimony by Dr. Mohammad Abu-Salha
I am writing to applaud and to bring to your attention the heart-wrenching testimony and exemplary character of Dr. Mohammad Abu-Salha who spoke at an April 9th congressional hearing on “Hate Crimes and the Rise of White Nationalism.” Dr. Abu-Salha, who is a long-time Muslim leader in his community, described the “execution style” murder of his two daughters, Yusor and Razan, and son-in-law Deah Barakat in February 2015 by an anti-Muslim extremist. Following his moving testimony, he maintained his calm and dignity even while patiently responding to difficult questions that were posed by congresspeople. His beautiful demeanor throughout the hearing despite his personal tragic loss is an inspiration to all of us and a vivid demonstration of his strong faith and exemplary Muslim character. We commend him and his family members and that of Deah’s for their efforts to fight Islamophobia and hate despite their personal grieving. To further their efforts, please visit Our Three Winners Foundation.
ING Added its Support to the NO BAN Act
ING joined Senator Chris Coons & Congresswoman Judy Chu, among a number of Members of Congress, faith leaders, and partners to introduce bills HR2214 and S1123 in the House and Senate, respectively – The NO BAN ACT – that will rescind ALL iterations of the Muslim Ban, refugee & asylum ban, and amend the Immigration and Nationality Act, thus outlawing discrimination on the entry of immigrants or nonimmigrants based on religion.
Over 300 multifaith and faith-based organizations and faith leaders in 39 states signed on to this faith statement joining together to say, “We are guided by our faith to love God and love our neighbors, whoever they may be. We cannot separate the two, and seek to be welcoming of all people because loving God means loving our fellow human being. We pray that our country reflects principles of both welcome and of religious freedom, and that we remember the value of diversity. At no other time has our moral responsibility to uphold these principles been greater.”
Join us for our 26th Anniversary Ramadan Events: Sunday, May 19, 2019 in Dublin, and/or Sunday, May 26, 2019 in Palo Alto
As we celebrate our 26th anniversary, join us to learn about ING’s exciting new programs that promote intercultural understanding, empower Muslim teens, and explore ways we can jointly address and overcome common roots of bigotry. You will also have the opportunity to meet our new leadership team for the Bay Area. Special guests will be announced at a later date.
Upcoming ING Supporter Events in the Bay Area:
- Saturday, April 13, 2019 in Saratoga. This event is SOLD OUT.
- Sunday, May 19, 2019 in Dublin, 6:30-9:30 pm. Register here for Dublin event.
- Sunday, May 26, 2019 in Palo Alto, 6:30-9:30 pm. Register here for Palo Alto event.
I look forward to seeing you at one or both of the remaining events. Thank you,
Maha Elgenaidi
Executive Director
Upcoming Events
Friday, April 12th, 2019:
- Understanding Ramadan, Tenderloin Community School, San Francisco, CA. Find more information here.
Tuesday, April 16th, 2019:
- Death and Dying in Islam, Institute on Aging, San Francisco, CA. Find more information here.
- Understanding Islam: What does it mean to be Muslim? The basics, Saratoga Civic Theater, Saratoga, CA. Find more information here. RSVP here.
Thursday, April 18th, 2019:
- Getting to Know American Muslims and Their Faith, University of San Francisco, San Francisco, CA. Find more information here.
Friday, April 19th, 2019:
- Developing Cultural Competency: Working With American Muslim Communities, Monterey, CA. Find more information here.
Monday, April 22nd, 2019:
- Developing Cultural Competency: Working With American Muslim Communities, FBI San Francisco Division, San Francisco, CA. Find more information here.
Tuesday, April 23rd, 2019:
- Understanding Islam: Fear of a Faith: Sharia. Surveillance. Terrorism. The Muslim Ban. What’s real, and what’s not?, Saratoga Civic Theater, Saratoga, CA. Find more information here. RSVP here.
Thursday, April 25th, 2019:
- Understanding Islam: Women and Islam, Saratoga Civic Theater, Saratoga, CA. Find more information here. RSVP here.
Friday, April 26th, 2019:
- Mosque Tour, Chaplaincy Institute, Alameda, CA. Find more information here.
Sunday, April 28th, 2019:
- Getting to Know American Muslims and Their Faith, Glide, San Francisco, CA. Find more information here.
Monday, April 29th, 2019:
- Islamophobia, Islam and Ramadan, San Francisco General Hospital, San Francisco, CA. Find more information here.
- Religion and Pluralism, Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts, Mountain View, CA. Find more information here. RSVP here.
If you are interested in attending any of these upcoming events, please write to [email protected].
Highlights of Past Events
Urban Sanctuary Congregation Members
Grateful for Presentation on Ramadan
ING Speaker Ismael Nass-Duce spoke on “Ramadan and Fasting” for members of the Urban Sanctuary congregation in San Jose. Ismael gave an overview of Ramadan, the purpose and goals of fasting, and a look at a day in the life of a fasting person. The requester sent us a note afterward saying, “Your time here meant so much to our members. A number of people reached out to me afterward saying they felt your vision for lifting up profiles of religious courage and your healing presence in the community gave them tremendous insight and encouragement.” You can access ING’s free public presentation on Ramadan on our site.
ING Interfaith Panelists Discussed Marriage and Family Values
ING Deputy Director Ishaq Pathan facilitated a panel on “Marriage and Family Values” with members of the Interfaith Speakers Bureau at the Dominican School of Philosophy & Theology. Students asked engaging questions on the topics of marriage, divorce, celibacy, adoption, and family roles in relation to each panelist’s religion.To book an interfaith panel, visit our site.
ING Delivered Cultural Diversity Seminar for
Milpitas Unified School District Educators
ING Executive Director Maha Elgenaidi presented a cultural diversity seminar for educators in the Milpitas Unified School District. She addressed Muslim traditions, their impact on a student’s life in school, and important considerations to make for accommodating Muslim students. To book a cultural diversity seminar, visit our site.
ING Speaker Presents to Catholic Boys School via Webinar
Supplementing world history curriculum, ING speaker Ismael Nass-Duce spoke to a class at a private Catholic school via webinar on “Getting to Know American Muslims and Their Faith.” He discussed the diversity of beliefs and practices of American Muslims today and the long history of Muslims in the U.S. To request a presentation about American Muslims visit our site.
ING Speaker Presents Muslim Demographics, History, and Notable Figures
Supplementing world history curriculum, ING speaker Ismael Nass-Duce spoke to a class in San Jose on “Getting to Know American Muslims and Their Faith.” He covered the demographics of Muslims in the world and in the U.S., Muslim traditions and practices, and gave an overview of Muslim history in this country, including notable American Muslims today. To schedule a similar presentation, visit our site.
Islamic Networks Group (ING) is a non-profit organization with affiliates and partners around the country that are pursuing peace and countering all forms of bigotry through education and interfaith engagement while working within the framework of the First Amendment’s protection of religious freedom and pluralism.