The internet can be a harsh place, but showing compassion for others online can help spark a more compassionate offline world. Read this engaging piece on the Sojourners blog about how online kindness can be transformative.
Read more (Sojourners)
Survey of American Muslims Show a Young, Faithful, and Politically Engaged Population
A new survey from the Institute for Social Policy and Understanding (ISPU) about the political lives of American Muslims shows a growing population that is younger than their neighbors, religiously-minded, and actively engaged in politics, in particular issues of civil rights. The survey also shows how the American Muslim community has evolved in recent years, becoming more liberal in its political leanings.
Read more (The Atlantic)
Children’s Museum ‘Surprise Blockbuster’: A Show on Islam
During this time of heightened Islamophobia, cultural connections are more important than ever. A new exhibition at the Children’s Museum of Manhattan titled “America to Zanzibar: Muslim Cultures Near and Far” showcases the history, art, and traditions of Muslims. The organizers hope that this exhibition will help dispel misconceptions about Muslims and Islam and expose young children to new ideas. According to Andrew S. Ackerman, the museum’s executive director, “People really want to dig in and get a better understanding from a trusted source about Muslim cultures… We want young children to be exposed to as much diversity as possible to better understand other people and themselves, and there’s no question that reduces prejudice, violence, and misunderstandings.” And, the show has been even more popular than anyone may have predicted! With over 350,000 people already having attended, the museum has extended the show for another year and plans are underway to take it on a nationwide tour in 2018.
Read more (New York Times)
Don’t Know Muslims? These Seattle Women Invite You to Dinner
A new Seattle-based project, Eat with Muslims, aims to break down stereotypes and misconceptions one dinner party at at time. Fathia Absie, co-founder of Eat with Muslims, says she started the project to counter hateful anti-Muslim rhetoric, saying, “Nothing beats fear like face… Once you talk to someone, all the differences you think you have just melt away. And our commonality will start revealing itself.”
Read more (KUOW.org)
Jewish Community Donates to Help Repair Burnt Florida Mosque
After a mosque in Tampa, FL was damaged in an arson attack, Adeel Karim set up the “Stand With New Tampa Muslims Against Hate” crowdfunding page on the Launchgood website, which raised over $60,000 in less than a week. Karim noticed that many of the donations were in multiples of 18—$18, $36, $72, etc.—and that these donors were Jewish. As Karim states on Facebook, he learned that “Jews donate in multiples of 18 as a form of what is called ‘Chai.’ It wishes the recipient a long life.” A quote on its website reads: “Let us not forget that we are all members of the same human fraternity.”
Read more (Forward.com)
