Greetings!
In commemoration of the tenth year anniversary of September 11, the ISB was a participant in a number of interfaith dialogue events in the Atlanta area, during which, the ISB joined organizations of other faith traditions in a show of unity, mutual respect and understanding (see stories below). September also marked the beginning of the Jewish High Holy Days, a 10-day period of repentance that began with Rosh Hashana on September 28 and will end October 8 with Yom Kippur. The ISB sends its greetings to those of the Jewish faith and wish them peace, good health, and happiness. On another front, as a direct result of ISB's engagement with the U.S. Attorney's Office, the guidelines for driver license photographs taken of Muslim women wearing the hijab (Muslim head cover) were changed to be more accommodating of religious traditions (see story below). Once again, I would like to remind everyone about our upcoming 2011 Building Bridges Awards Dinner on October 29 celebrating ISB's 10th anniversary. The event, which will honor recipients of the "2011 Building Bridges Awards," will feature a keynote address by Dr. Azizah al-Hibiri, Founder and Chair of KARAMAH: Muslim Women Lawyers for Human Rights. An interview with Dr. Al-Hibiri, "Lawyer Considers Issues from Islamic Perspective," written by Jan Jaben-Eilon was published in Womenetics on September 13. To view interview, click here. For ticket information please click here. As always, ISB's work is only possible through the generous support and contribution of its friends and supporters. You can make a secure online donation through our website or mail a check to ISB Atlanta, P.O. Box 2608, Peachtree City, GA 30269. All donations are tax deductible. Thank you, 
Soumaya Khalifa
Executive Director
ISB Atlanta
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ISB's Efforts Influence Change in Guidelines of GA Department of Driver Services
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Following concerns expressed by American Muslim leaders at a meeting organized by the ISB with the U.S. Attorney's office, the State of Georgia has modified its guidelines regarding driver's license pictures of women wearing the hijab (Muslim head cover).
 | | US Attorney Yates |
The change in the guidelines, which took effect on July 15, was communicated to the ISB and leaders of the American Muslim community in a letter dated September 20 from the U.S. Attorney of Northern District of Georgia the Honorable Ms. Sally Quillian Yates (to view new guidelines, click here).
Previously, the policy required that hijabs, scarves and other head covering be removed or pushed above the headline and behind the ears when having photograph taken for driver's licenses. The new policy worked out between the U.S. Attorney's office and the GA Department of Driver Services now allows women wearing hijab and scarves to remain covered so long as their faces are clearly seen. Additionally, the ears no longer need to be uncovered. The meeting organized by the ISB with U.S. Attorney's office and the American Muslim community was held on April 23, 2011 (for April newsletter, click here). |
ISB's Executive Director Takes To The Airways To Discuss 9/11
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 | Soumaya Khalifa, Kiplyn Primus, and Kenneth Rucker
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Executive Director Soumaya Khalifa was a guest on
The Local Take,
a local news and public affairs coverage segment that airs on 91.9 WCLK - The Jazz of The City, a national public radio station.
Khalifa was interviewed on September 10 by seasoned communications expert Kiplyn
Primus to speak about the 10th anniversary of September 11.
The Local Take focuses on the impact of the Atlanta area on national stories, during which, Primus talks with Atlanta area experts and answers listeners' questions.
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9/11 Interfaith Educational Panel at Oglethorpe University
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 ISB Executive Director Soumaya Khalifa participated in an educational interfaith panel at Oglethorpe University on September 11. The "9/11 Interfaith Community Panel and Round Table Dialogue " was organized by the student chapter of Coexist Foundation, a nonprofit organization that promotes understanding and respect between Jews, Christians and Muslims through education, dialogue and research.
Other panelists included Rabbi Chaim Neiditch, National Conference of Synagogue Youth Atlanta, Gogi Basi, President of the Sikh Study Circle, Inc., Reverend Marthame Sanders, Pastor at Oglethorpe Presbyterian Church, Reverend Bill Garrett, Deacon at All Saints Catholic Church. The Panel was moderated by Reverend Dr. Gil Watson, Senior Pastor at Northside United Methodist Church and professor of world religions at Oglethorpe University. ISB youth volunteer Ruwa Romman, who is also a student at Oglethorpe University, served as one of the student organizers and moderator.
Oglethorpe University organized this event in an effort to meet President Obama's Interfaith and Community Service Campus Challenge that emphasizes interfaith cooperation and community service as an important way to build understanding between different communities and contribute to the common good. |
| Memorial Interfaith Worship Service |
 The ISB and the Istanbul Center (IC) joined Emory Presbyterian Church in a memorial interfaith worship service on September 11 that was dedicated to 9/11 and incorporated elements of prayer from the Christian and Muslim faith traditions. ISB's Soumaya Khalifa, IC's Meryam Ozer and Reverend Jill Oglesby Evans delivered a program of worship that was respectfully and inclusively representative of both the Christian and Muslim faiths. During the service, representatives from all three organizations read selections from both Scriptures, followed by songs of peace sung by the Chancel Choir, a Muslim call to prayer by IC's Attilla Can, and the Interfaith Prayer for Peace in which attendees selected a colorful stone from a tray, quietly offered a prayer from his/her respective faith tradition, and placed it in a central bowl to represent the variety of understandings of God. The interfaith worship service ended with a fellowship meal, during which the attendants intermingled and were given the opportunity to have one on one dialogue with each other. "It was so inspirational to see people reach out to share their weekly service with another faith. It was a fitting and powerful tribute to a day dedicated to reflection," said ISB Speaker Jelena Naim.
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| Day of Service: Open Hands Meal Delivery |
 ISB was a participant in the "Open Hands Meal Delivery," a project to deliver food to the hungry in Atlanta, organized by Hands on Atlanta on September 11. Amani Elghoroury led the effort on behalf of the ISB. Dedicated as a "Day of Service," the ISB joined others on this day "to give back to the community by working together to help those in need," said Elghoroury.
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| Religious Pluralism and Social Justice in America |
The ISB joined BUDS (Building Understanding) and the King Center for Nonviolent Social Change on September 15 in hosting a panel discussion on religious pluralism and social justice. "From Fear to Faith: A Call for Positive Religious Pluralism in American Life" was presented by Clergy Beyond Borders (CBB), an organization that empowers religious leaders to utilize the resources of their diverse religious traditions in promoting dialogue, inter-religious understanding, justice, and world peace.
In honor of the 10th anniversary of 9/11, the panel called on Americans to promote voices for freedom and oppose voices of extremism in every faith community. ISB Executive Director Soumaya Khalifa and BUDS Executive Director Daniel Shorr served as co-moderators.
In addition to the panel, the program also included Windows and Mirrors peace and hope exhibit, liturgical music of Muslim, Jewish, and Christian traditions, and a social justice and religious "market place" where attendees learned about how to get involved with local organizations.
The discussion was part of a national-based campaign by CBB that attacks on any faith community and on the freedom of religion promotes extremism and threatens peace in America and abroad. To view photo gallery, click here.
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Presentations
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Dr. Rashid Naim delivered a presentation on September 1 to the American Service Committee, a Quaker organization committed to social justice, peace and humanitarian service.
On September 10, Dr. Abdullah Kapic spoke to a group of students from the TESOL (Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages) program at the University of Georgia (UGA) Gwinnett Campus. Dr. Kapic tailored his presentation to dispel some of the stereotypes the students may have had about Muslims and Islam.
Also on UGA Gwinnett Campus, Salma Stoman presented "Overview of American Muslims and their Faith" on September 11 to another group of students of the TESOL program.
"The desired outcome" for the above two presentations is to give students the opportunity "to gain more understanding and sensitivity to students in the U.S. and throughout the world who might be Muslim," said Dr. Sarah Ann Shope, who regularly invites ISB speakers to her classes.
Amjad Taufique delivered a presentation on "Health Care Provider Training" on September 12 to a group of four chaplains and three social workers at the Altus Hospice. The audience was most interested in how they can be of service to Muslim patients and their families and needed information on funeral homes and cemeteries used by the Muslim community.
Amin Tomeh presented "Overview of American Muslims and Their Faith" on September 13 to a group of 230 high school students and 10 teachers at the Weber School, a Jewish community high school in Atlanta. Students were given a chance to ask questions and were thankful for the opportunity to hear the presentation.
Ibrahim Awad also presented "Overview of American Muslims and Their Faith" to a group of boys, ranging in age from nine to eleven years old. The boys are members of the "Young Men of Excellence," the DeKalb Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity's mentoring program. The presentation was part of diversity training for the group, after which they were asked, "knowing what you know now, what would you do to make a Muslim feel welcome?"
Dr. Kapic was hosted by the University of Georgia's International Events Association on September 22 to address a group of 50 students from the School of Public and International Affairs. He was asked to speak about the basics of Islam including beliefs, practices, and culture vs. religion.
Dr. Naim delivered another presentation this month on September 22 to members of the International and Comparative Law Society.
On September 30, ISB speakers Amin Tomeh and Hounada Fakhoury were invited by Dr. Douglass Seanor to speak to his religious studies students at Marist School, an independent Catholic college preparatory school. Tomeh presented "Exploring Muslim Traditions & Practices" to a group of 23 students, while Fakhoury presented "Overview of American Muslims and Their Faith" to a group of 45 students. Dr. Seanor "was appreciative to have the ISB assist him in breaking stereotypes," said Fakhoury.
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About ISB
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The Islamic Speakers Bureau of Atlanta is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, apolitical educational organization that provides certified Muslim speakers to promote awareness about Islam and Muslims. The ISB is a local affiliate of the Islamic Networks Group (ING). |
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