Greetings! As we approach the holiday season, I would like to wish our fellow Jewish and Christian brothers and sisters Happy Hanukkah and Merry Christmas and all a prosperous and peaceful New Year! December concludes another year of success and recognition for the ISB. Our work is about long term efforts to educate and enhance understanding. Over the years, the ISB has worked tirelessly to promote our nation's values of inclusion and coexistence by consistently reaching hundreds of groups and thousands of individuals each year at the grassroots level by conducting countless educational presentations and workshops, and building partnerships with other like-minded interfaith organizations. This December was no exception! (see "Presentations" to the right and "ISB Participates in National Baptist-Muslim Dialogue," and "ISB's 'Meaningful Conversations' Presented During Central Zone Conference" below). ISB's efforts have not gone unnoticed. As you may recall earlier this year, the ISB received the "2012 MLK Community Service Award," and this month, I was honored to receive the FBI Atlanta Leadership Award for my community work through the ISB (see story below). December also began our fundraising letter campaign of which, the first letter requesting your tax-deductible end of year donations was sent last week (click here to view letter). Please remember, ISB's efforts are only possible through the generous support and contributions 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. |
|
ISB Executive Director, Recipient of
FBI Leadership Award
|
ISB Executive Director Soumaya Khalifa received the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)-Atlanta "Director's Award" for her community leadership on December 13.
The FBI will host all of the selectees from around the country at a national ceremony in April 2013.
The award ceremony was covered by local media including MyFox Atlanta. To view article, click here. |
ISB Participates in National
Baptist-Muslim Dialogue | |
ISB Executive Director Soumaya Khalifa facilitated a table discussion at the 2nd annual National Baptist-Muslim Dialogue.
The event, which was co-sponsored by several Muslim and Baptist faith-based and interfaith organizations, was held in Boston on November 30 - December 2.
In an effort to improve relationships between the two faith communities, Baptist and Muslim leaders from around the country gathered to explore the theme ""Loving God as a Pathway to Peace." For more information on the event, please click here and here.
|
|
ISB's "Meaningful Conversations" Presented During Central Zone Conference
|
 ISB Executive Director Soumaya Khalifa was invited to speak at a conference organized by the Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) in association with the Muslim community of Cincinnati and Dayton, Ohio.
The ISNA Central Zone conference, "Connecting Faith and Service: The Journey of Building A Vibrant Community," was held on December 7 - 9. The focus was on the need to view service as as an opportunity to benefit ourselves while serving others.
Khalifa conducted "Meaningful Conversations," an ISB-Atlanta created workshop designed to provide individuals the tools to engage in interfaith dialogue with others. For conference program, please click here.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Presentations
| Noor Abbady and Fairyal Halim participated in a panel discussion at Pace Academy Middle School on December 7. Other panelists included representatives from the Jewish, Catholic, and Presbyterian faiths. "Abbady and Halim interacted beautifully with the other speakers, thus promoting a great example of mutual respect and commonalities between religions," reported John Anderson, head of Pace Academy.
Fairyal Halim also conducted a presentation for the Rotary Club of Midtown Atlanta on the topic of "Islamic Holidays" on December 11. At the end of the presentation, members of the Rotary Club announced that a donation on behalf of the ISB will be made towards a school in Haiti.
Huma Faruqi presented to a group of special needs students at the Orion School in Atlanta on December 14. Faruqi, who is also a special needs teacher, presented to a group of 8 students between the ages of 11 and 15 on the subject of "Muslim Contributions to Civilization."
Soumaya Khalifa and Dr. Rashid Naim presented to a group of 40 congregants attending an adult Sunday class at St. Anne's Episcopal Church on December 16. The presentation was part of a 4-part series on Islam. Khalifa and Naim focussed on the diversity of Muslims as well as addressed some of the stereotypes associated with Muslims and their religion. |
 |
 |
|
|
