Despite—or perhaps, because of—the current atmosphere of heightened anti-Muslim bigotry, American Muslims are becoming more politically active and engaged than ever, with more Muslim running for office than ever before. And, some of these candidates are poised to make history: two Muslim women—Ilhan Omar of Minnesota and Rashida Tlaib of Michigan—would become the first Muslim women in Congress, should their win their elections this fall.
Imam Feisal on Interfaith Panel Following “Flight of the Ibis”
Imam Feisal participated via video response in a panel discussion April 29 following a special one-night-only performance of Flight of the Ibis in the Theatre of The Riverside Church. Imam Feisal was joined by Foreign Service Officer and former Director of Religion and Global Affairs at the U.S. State Department, Rachel Leslie; Minister of Justice and Advocacy at The Riverside Church Reverend Bertram Johnson; Associate Rabbi, Congregation Rodeph Sholom, Benjamin Spratt; and playwright Alan Roland. The panel was moderated by Professor Katherine Pratt Ewing who is Director of the Institute for Religion, Culture, and Public Life, Columbia University. With original music by Yo Yo Ma’s Silk Road Ensemble member Kinan Azmeh and direction from Beth Greenberg (formerly with NYC Opera), the lead cast member was The Metropolitan Opera star Lauren Flanigan.
The Roots, Causes, and Consequences of Islamophobia
As the fight against Islamophobia is becoming a mainstream social justice issue, read this engaging interview on Vox.com with Khaled Beydoun, a law professor and the author of a new book called American Islamophobia: Understanding the Roots and Rise of Fear, about the roots, causes, and consequences of anti-Muslim bigotry in the U.S., as well as the possible positive outcomes of bringing the fight against Islamophobia into mainstream discourse.
“Love Overcomes Hate”
After an act of hate at a mosque in Tempe, Arizona, the interfaith community came out to show its support for local Muslims, sending the message that “love overcomes hate.”
Muslims and Jews Building Strong Bonds
As we navigate this time of heightened bigotry and tensions, there is a bright spot: Muslims and Jews are growing closer and finding new avenues for interfaith exchanges and new ways to support one another. At Cordoba House, we believe these exchanges are very important!
