Greetings! Muslims in Atlanta and around the world have welcomed the month of Ramadan, which began July 20. As Muslims abstain from food and drink during the day, and pray and reflect during the night, they are also reminded to be more compassionate, forgiving, and charitable. Ramadan is a time of brotherhood, and a time to recognize and celebrate the diversity of the people that follow all Abrahamic religions (see "ISB Volunteers at Kids4Peace Camp" below), as well as those of other traditions. We at ISB have certainly been active on this last point. The ISB was involved in a number of events with the common theme of diversity (see "ISB Contributes To GA PTA Convention on Diversity" and "ISB Joins Others to Create Safe Space for Interfaith Work" below). Also in the spirit of Ramadan, ISB youth helped those in need while also participated in an event of religious inclusion (see "ISB Youth Participate in Day of Interfaith Service"). During the past 12 months, the ISB has reached thousands of people in the Atlanta metro area educating Americans of all faith traditions about Islam and Muslims through our many educational programs, events, and speaking engagements (see our "Year In Review" here ). Please remember, ISB's efforts are 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
|
| ISB's Executive Director Named Outstanding Georgia Citizen |
ISB Executive Director Soumaya Khalifa was recently named Outstanding Georgia Citizen.
Khalifa was presented the award in a private ceremony by Georgia Minority Floor Leader, the Honorable Stacey Abrams and Georgia Representative Pedro Marin. The award was signed by Secretary of State of the State of Georgia Brian P. Kemp on July 8.
"May this Outstanding Citizen be afforded every courtesy as a Goodwill Ambassador from Georgia in her travels to other states, to nations beyond the borders of the United States of America, or wherever she may hereafter travel or reside. Thank you for your service to our State," the award stated.
For more information, please click here. |
ISB Contributes To GPTA
Convention on Diversity |
 | From left to right: Amin Tomeh, Soumaya Khalifa, GPTA President Elect Rita Erves, GPTA Diversity & Inclusion Chair Abdul Akbar
|
The ISB contributed to a diversity conference organized by the Georgia Parent Teacher Association (GPTA) on July 13 and 14.
The GPTA's "2012 State Convention Leadership Training," attended by 1500 PTA leaders across the state, was held on July 12 - 14 at the Classic Center in Athens, GA.
ISB Executive Director Soumaya Khalifa and ISB speaker Amin Tomeh presented a workshop previously designed by ISB speaker Jelena Naim titled, "Teaching About Religions in Public Schools" on July 13.
On July 14, Khalifa and Tomeh presented a second workshop titled, "Understanding Muslim Students and Families." The goal of the workshop was "to provide a basic understanding of Muslims and their faith, suggest resources for the study of Muslim history and culture, and enhance interaction with Muslim students," reported Tomeh.
"The feedback that we received throughout the session indicated strongly the need for more of what the ISB offers; if not in the form of presenting to the students, then in interacting with PTAs and with teachers directly to empower their skill set with cultural know-how as they cater to a more diverse student body," added Tomeh.
|
| ISB Joins Others to Create Safe Space for Interfaith Work | |
The ISB participated in a conference focussing on diversity and creating safe environment for interfaith work on July 16 and 17.
"Creating Safe Spaces for Interfaith Work through Commitment to Universal Principles," was held in Atlanta on July 15 to 18 and organized by the North American Interfaith Network (NAIN), a non-profit association of interfaith organizations and agencies in Canada, Mexico and the United States.
ISB Executive Director Soumaya Khalifa was joined by Quaiser Abdullah, Assistant Director of IT at Temple University, in conducting a 75 minute workshop on diversity and inclusion. Khalifa shared the history, experience and impact of the ISB. "In a world where Muslims are marginalized and the 'experts' are speaking on their behalf, the Islamic Speakers Bureau of Atlanta provides an alternative," said Khalifa. The conference was hosted by Interfaith Community Initiatives, a nonprofit committed to transforming Greater Atlanta into a model city for interfaith appreciation and cooperation (for more information on the conference, click here). |
|
ISB Youth Participates in Day of Interfaith Service
|
 ISB youth volunteer Ruwa Romman along with Maryam Al-Atassi, Hala El-Shaffey joined the Emory University's Youth Theological Initiative (YTI) in their annual Day of Interfaith Youth Service (DIYS) on July 23.
The YTI is a three week camp where students from all around the world come and study theology at Emory's Candler School of Theology. On the Monday of the third week, other youth from different faith traditions from across the Atlanta area are invited to join the YTI for dialogue and to work on one service project.
The event began with a meeting with the YTI students at Emory followed by a few hours of volunteer work at MedShare International, an organization that delivers medical supplies to over 85 nations. The day of service ended with a celebration feast at the time of breaking fast for those observing Ramadan, the Muslim holy month of fasting. |
|
Atlanta Magazine Features
Article on Muslim Holiday Traditions
|
 In recognition of the holy month of Ramadan, an Atlanta-lifestyle magazine recently featured a story on family traditions during Muslim holidays.
Atlanta Magazine featured ISB Communications Manager Ghada Elnajjar and her family as part of a series examining the relationship between food and religious holidays. The magazine also featured articles on Hindu and Jewish traditions. "Ramadan Ends with Friends and Abated Hunger: Feasting After Fasting," appears in the magazine's August issue.
In addition to explaining the meaning and traditions surrounding Ramadan, the Muslim holy month of fasting, the article also focused on Eid ul-Fitr, the holiday marking the end of Ramadan, and the communal feast that takes place on that day. To view article, click here. To view photo gallery, click here. |
ISB Volunteers in
Kids4Peace Camp |
 ISB speaker Emad Hamid volunteered as an adult chaperon/staff member at the Kids4Peace annual camp.
This is the ninth year that Kids4Peace convened its two-week summer camp at Camp Mikell in Taccoa, GA bringing together Muslim, Christian, and Jewish youth from the U.S. and Jerusalem.
The children from the three faith groups observed each other in their weekly worship as part of the many relationship building actives rooted in interfaith principles.
Each visitor from Jerusalem is assigned a local "peace pal" where they were roommates in the camp cabins with the hopes that they continue correspondence in the future. For more information on Kids4Peace, please click here. |
|
|
Upcoming Events
| | |
What: Summer Lunch Program
Where: Islamic Community Center of Atlanta
When: June 8 - August 10
What: Interfaith Iftar with ISB, Emory Presbyterian and
Istanbul Center
Where: Istanbul Center
When: August 8
What: Eid ul-Fitr Arts and Crafts
Where: Imagine It! Children's Museum
When: August 11
Where: To be determined (more information on ISB website)When: November 10
|
|
|
|
About ISB
| |
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). |
Volunteer
| Volunteerism is one of the primary drivers of our continued growth and success. Most of our volunteers are students or full-time professionals who find the time to contribute to non-profit work. In return, they find great satisfaction and fulfillment by providing an important service to their community. For more information click here. For an ISB Volunteer Request Form, click here.
|
Friend Us on Facebook!
|
 |
Contact Us
|  |
|
|
|
