Archive for September, 2011
MYG Open House “A Huge Success”
By: Wasi Momin
There was a feeling of familiarity in the air as I stepped through those double doors. It was to mark the beginning of another one of many successful MYG years. With all the amazing memories of the previous year now behind us, it was time to do it yet once again. This year we had the support of our talented, skilled, and most eager Youth Coordinator, Soha Yassine, who had hit the ground running from day 1.
Many new faces were present, many of whom I had never seen before, many faces I had, and many I don’t see very often. There were also those who had moved on, who I will miss dearly. In total, over 130 parents and youth were in attendance. The program began with a very packed MYG room. Dr. Maher Hathout spoke to the parents and youth of the humble beginnings of this Youth Group nearly 40 years ago: its mission, the ideas and morals it represents, and his joy for what it has become. The Board of the MYG was introduced and this was followed by a small introduction by Jihad and Soha informing us of new opportunities, developments, and overview of the year. MIT (Muslim Intellectual Training) Coordinator, Yusif Lee, also spoke about the youth program for kids grades 6-8.
The parents were then asked to leave as the youth program began. They met separately where they formed a the Youth Group Parent’s Circle. This circle consists of more than 40 parents who meet weekly to discuss how they can support the vision and goals of MYG and MIT. We started with laughs and a little bit of fun as we acknowledged the accomplishments of MYG members and “brushed off their shoulders.” We then shifted to a somewhat more serious tone to look at our topic of discussion for the day: Shahadah, the MYG theme of the month. We examined it in a deeper light, which engaged the minds of the youth present.
The ICSC to me is much like a second home, and the MYG a place where I have found myself, received endless knowledge, and made bonds that will hopefully last a lifetime. We’re set to make some real magic happen this year. To all my MYG peeps out there: what it do?
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[In the media] Dr. Maher’s Address at “One Light, One Peace, One World”
By: Editor
On Saturday evening, September 10th, a multi-faith and multi-cultural crowd overflowed the plaza at the Los Angeles City Hall Steps on the tenth anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks for the “OneLight” evening prayer service of unity and peace. The hour-long interfaith service, hosted by the Los Angeles Council of Religious Leaders, focused on the idea of light overcoming darkness. Bishop Jon Bruno, Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, and Dr. Maher Hathout were among the religious leaders who also participated, along with a 50-voice interfaith choir and a youth choir. You can hear Dr. Maher’s address below.
What Would you do if your Child was Bullied?
October 1, 2011
Stand Up Against Bullying Forum will help parents address the question of what would you do if your child was being bullied?
Holly Priebe-Diaz, Human Relations, Diversity, and Equity department of the Los Angeles Unified School Department, will train parents about what is bullying, how to report it and LAUSD bullying policies on Saturday, Oct. 1 at the Ehsan Center (8374 Topanga Canyon Blvd., Suite 201 in Canoga Park, CA 91304).
For more information, please contact Saadia Khan, MPAC’s Civic Outreach Coordinator at 323.258.6722 or saadia@mpac.org
Lutheran Delegation visits ICSC
Bishop Dean Nelson with Director of Religious Affairs, Jihad Turk at the Southern California Islamic Center for the September Rostered Leaders Event.
Last Friday, the leaders of the Lutheran Church in the Los Angeles area visited the Center. Many rostered leaders have expressed that they appreciated the chance to learn and observe. One said, “This was an experience which we will long remember and cherish.”
Al-Azhar Delegation: “You haven’t visited the USA unless you’ve visited ICSC”
Click here to view more photos from the day
ICSC Hosts International Human Rights Symposium
By: Editor
Humanitarian Action in the Context of Social Unrest: The Challenges to Aid Efforts During the Arab Spring
This Saturday MECA partnered with the American Red Cross and MPAC to host and international human rights symposium. The symposium looked at humanitarian action in the context of social unrest and civil uprising. More specifically, it visited this topic via the challenges to aid efforts in the circumstances of what has been happening in North Africa and the Middle East within the past year called the “Arab Spring.” Speakers from different fields and backgrounds spoke individually, and subsequently together on a panel, in order to look at this topic from different angles and giving a broader perspective and picture to the attendees. Speakers included Dr. Maher Hathout, Dr. James Gelvin (UCLA), Ashar Shah (Helping Hand for Relief and Development) and Sandy Brady (American Red Cross).
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The four-hour event highlighted the importance of the growing partnership between the Center and Red Cross. The Red Cross honored ICSC Youth and Volunteer Coordinator, Soha Yassine, with a certificate of thanks for her help in planning the event.
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One attendee remarked: “The information furnished was invaluable and eye opening. The guest speakers were very knowledgeable in the topics at hand, which made for a wonderful learning experience.”
Click here to view more photos of the event.
ICSC Joins LAUSD Inter-faith Roundtable
By: Editor
This week, Los Angeles Unified School District Superintendent John Deasy convened the inaugural Inter-faith Roundtable. In his address to the group of Jewish, Presbyterian, Episcopal, Catholic, Methodist, Quaker, and Muslim leaders amongst others, Mr. Deasy spoke about how faith communities are families unto themselves.
Jihad Turk and Soha Yassine represented ICSC
Although the roundtable hasn’t decided what issues it would like to focus on, the Center is looking forward to the great things that will come from this group.
My film about Muslim-American Identity
Hassan
Dr. Maher Discusses Contemporary Issues on new Podcast
Do you have questions about Islam but can’t find the answers that settle your mind?
Then tune in to “Straight Talk: Honest conversations with Dr. Hathout about relevant, inclusive, practical Islamic thought.”
A direct 20-30 minute conversation with MPAC Senior Adviser Dr. Maher Hathout, a scholar/poet/cardiologist, about contemporary topics facing Muslim Americans – from the impact of Ramadan to being part of the entertainment industry. If you have questions, the podcasts may have the answers or another way of looking at the subject.
Set to be released every two weeks onwww.straighttalkpodcast.com, the podcasts provide an avenue for listeners to hear what others are refusing to talk about. The interactive discussion online also lets participants submit and suggest topics, as well as discuss your frustrations, inspirations and comments with your peers. Each podcast is linked to Quran verses to spark healthy discussions through interesting perspectives and thought-provoking questions.
Available to stream and download now, take part in the conversation on Facebook, Twitter and the website.
MYG and “One Nation, One Voice”
By: Khtija Khair
In cooperation with MPAC, MYG of the ICSC, MECA’s Food Pantry, Uplift, and COPAA, the Islamic Center hosted a morning-long commemoration of the 9/11 attacks. First, over 35 youth arrived to the Los Angeles Police Academy at 8AM to participate in the Volunteer Center of Los Angeles and Mayor Villaraigosa’s youth service project.
Click on the photo to view more photos from the day
Though I was merely about 6 or 7 when the tragic event happened, 9/11 impacted me in tremendous ways, just as it did to any ordinary citizens of America. It wasn’t until the age of 15 I began to fully understand the gravity of what happened. The day before 9/11/2011, I was a participant for a youth service project at the police academy, located in Los Angeles. The Muslim youth group of Southern California joined in solidarity with others to work in service of first responders in commemoration of those who lost their on 9/11/01.
Attending this event gave me hope and happiness. The common notion and stereotype that “Muslims are terrorists” began to fluctuate to this idea that we too, as Muslims, are in grief and give condolences for those who lost their lives because of 19 terrorists. Nineteen terrorists that achieved nothing but death and disrespect for a religion of peace. We, as Muslim Americans, will forever carry the responsibility to represent and define Islam.