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September 3, 2010 |
Upcoming 9/11 Events 1. Next Tuesday (9/7/10), a public film screening about Muslim American youth followed by a panel discussion at Intersections. 2. Day of Remembrance: Large Scale Community Service Project - Counter rally from city hall 2pm-4pm 3. 9/11 World Trade Center Memorial Annual Floating Lanterns Ceremony by The New York Buddhist Church (NYBC) This event is free and open to the public. Saturday, September 11, 2010. 6-9 PM. at Pier 40 at West Houston Street and the Hudson River 4. For more events, click here September 12 Sound bites "It bothers me when people make statements that are outrageous and inconsistent with our American values, but those are also issues that come up all over, and it's part of our religious diversity." "I believe very strongly in the First Amendment's guarantee of religious freedom, and I will not throw our Constitution or core values aside simply because it is an election year." "There's also a more important principle at work here: And that is that the transnational terrorists who committed this outrageous act on 9/11, they are arguing that America is at war with Islam. The way to undermine and counteract that false narrative is to stand on our sacredly held beliefs of religious liberty. That's how we demonstrate that, no, America is a country…for everyone where people worship as they see fit." Support members of Congress: In this atmosphere, it's no surprise that ugly words are leading to uglier actions. Last week, a Muslim New York cab driver's throat was slashed in an apparent hate crime (the driver is recovering). Just this weekend, arsonists struck a construction site for a mosque in Tennessee. In the face of spreading anti-Muslim rhetoric, protests, and violence, we are so proud that a number of JStreetPAC endorsees are demonstrating real courage and standing strong for religious freedom in America. Past Events: Related articles: 
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Ramadan Mubarak! Dear ASMA Supporter, As Salamu Alaykum, Peace Be Upon You As Ramadan draws to an end we are reminded of the blessings this month has bestowed on us, giving us another opportunity to benefit from its blessings and draw closer to Allah. The last ten days should be a time to perfect one's fast and avoid anything that may break it. It is a time to give more charity and to settle disputes and forgive one another. It is also a time for soul searching, evaluating one's life, supplicating, and asking forgiveness. An important voice is under assault in America today. The voice of tolerance, community and liberty has been defamed as our civil liberties weaken by the moment. As the plans for the proposed center sparks nation-wide Islamophobic sentiments, we find ourselves squarely in the center of the most heated debate of the century. This firestorm has not only affected the constitutional rights of Muslims in this country who want to build a place of worship. This deep rooted hate is hindering aid to Pakistan where thousands upon thousands have lost their lives and millions remain homeless. America, historically the most generous country in aid-giving, has seemed to ignore the pleas of the innocent Pakistanis. We believe this is a direct effect of the growing anti-Muslim feelings we are experiencing today. We urge you join us in strengthening ASMA's message of cultural and religious harmony through interfaith collaboration, youth and women's empowerment, arts and cultural exchange. Your participation in this effort is a participation to reclaim the ideals that have made this nation the most religiously tolerant country in the world. We call on your help today to safeguard the rights of the Muslim Community but also we call on you to help us safeguard and preserve the ethos of religious freedom. To this end, we have reached millions of Americans through our media appearances on CNN, BBC, Fox, ABC, NPR, and Al- Jazeera, with dozens of major media appearances in the last two months. In addition, we are currently in the midst of scheduling even more upcoming media out-reach to speak on the center but more importantly about the condition of Muslims in America today. Furthermore, we are continuing out-reach to work hand in hand with religious leaders nation-wide in forming a strong coalition against our opposition. Most notably, the mayhem over the center has presented the Muslim ummah with the most advantageous opportunity to finally become a unified force and foster the changes in our community which we are in dire need of. By supporting ASMA, you are building a movement for dialogue and peace. As responsible members of American society, it is our duty to partake in the upliftment of our community. While this is true of all times, we are asked to be particularly mindful of this in the holy month of Ramadan, which is a time for spiritual renewal, reflection, and charitable acts. During this time, we are enjoined to pay our annual zakat by sharing our wealth with those less fortunate than ourselves. To help calculate your Zakat, click here to see a worksheet that will help you determine your dues. Your donations are vital to the success of our community. At a time when many of you are busy, and there is much confusion about where to give, you can give safely to ASMA. Your donations go directly into our program activities which strengthen our young leaders, empower women, build coalitions with interfaith communities, and respond to media inquiries. Our work has been recognized and supported by foundations like Rockefeller Brothers Fund, Ford Foundation, Henry Luce Foundation, and the Tides Foundation. Now, we invite you to join us in building a better future for us all. ASMA Society is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and all donations are tax deductible. The support of individuals like you will enable and empower us to continue our valuable work. To contribute electronically, please click here. |