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By Dr. Zachary Markwith, PhD
May 18, 2022
| Salam alaykum/Greetings of peace friends, ING released three statements this week in response to events that underscore the importance of our work together: ING’s first statement is one of solidarity with the victims and families of the tragic shooting on May 14th in Buffalo, NY, most of whom are African American. The suspect issued an anti-Semitic and racist manifesto against Jews, Blacks, and other people of color indicating that he acted out of fear that White Americans were in danger of being “replaced” by non-White “others.” The second statement on “Islamophobia’s Key Role in White Christian Nationalism” discusses the origins of “the Great Replacement” theory that inspired the Buffalo shooter and numerous other hate crimes and acts of terror from far-right extremists. Along with anti-Semitism and racism in general, we focus on the Islamophobic roots of this theory and ways that all communities impacted by it can come together to combat racism. Finally, ING’s Founder Maha Elgenaidi wrote an editorial, “For the sake of our children, Jewish and Muslim Americans must pave the way towards peace in the Middle East by paving the way towards peace in the United States.” The editorial is a response to recent events in the Middle East and a statement made by the head of the Anti-Defamation League comparing one of the largest Muslim American advocacy organizations, the Council on American-Islamic Relations, with White nationalist extremists. Maha calls for Jewish and Muslim organizations here in the US to put aside divisive rhetoric and work across their differences on shared challenges that impact our communities, including anti-Semitism and Islamophobia. Our Islamic, interreligious, and intercultural programs offer solutions to these challenges based on education and engagement, which can preempt conflict and help create peace between us. |
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Thank you for your continued support in all the work that we do. A special shout out to the supporters and friends who recently donated during our Ramadan campaign which raised $253,779. Your investments in our work produce the impact that you will see on these pages which are updated annually. If you haven’t yet joined us, we welcome your support at www.ing.org/donate. Your prayers and/or feedback are always welcome at [email protected].
Sincerely,
Education Director Dr. Zachary Markwith, writing on behalf of the ING Team