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WHERE ARE ALL THE GOOD MUSLIMS?
Young Muslims Build Bridges in Their Neighborhoods
America is asking where the good Muslims are and what efforts are being made to reach out to the main stream culture and increase understanding, awareness, and peace between non-Muslims and Muslims. The answer to that question may be found in the hands of the Muslim youth. Muslim youth, ages seventeen to twenty-seven will be commissioned with the task on building bridges of unity in their neighborhoods by working to remove stereotypes and misconceptions about Islam. The mission is to unite Muslim families with all people of faith within their neighborhoods.
"Neighborhood Enlightenment" is a campaign designed for young Muslims to meet with their local communities and directly engage in presentations, and public education on Islam. The presentations will take place in public libraries, Islamic Centers, Churches, and schools. The first campaign will be launched on April 14, 2007 in Temecula, Ca. with the cooperation of selected Islamic Center Youth Groups in and around the area, and has the potential to expand all throughout Southern California.
Muslims, in general, are still portrayed negatively in the media despite American Muslims condemnations of the 9-11 attack and numerous interfaith works to educate the public about Islam. Hate crimes against Muslims were reported to increase three-fold after the events of September 11th, and some religious leaders describe Islam as a dangerous religion and Muslims as a violent people.
MuslimBridges.org hopes to be an active participant in leading a movement to dispel these inaccurate depictions of Islam and American Muslims. Dr. Shakeel, Executive Director of the Shurah Council of Southern California stated it eloquently, "Breaking bread brings people together." The act of sharing, listening, and allowing dialogue between people of faith can only bring increased understanding and enlightenment between all parties.
Ibrahim Marabeh, MuslimBridges.org volunteer responsible for organizing presentation events commented, "It gives them a guiding light in their journey to become better Muslims and most importantly it gives them a tool to shed some light on what is Islam? Who are these Muslims? .... It is their chance to answer some of these questions."
The first presentation on "Neighborhood Enlightenment" is scheduled for April 14, 2007, 10:45am at the Temecula public library - 41000 County Center Drive, to be held in the community room. It is open for all members of the community. Other presentations are scheduled to follow in San Diego, Orange County, and Riverside County.
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MuslimBridges.org is a non-profit faith-based California Corporation founded in December 2006, and run one-hundred percent by volunteers. It was founded with the mission to help spread peace, and to build bridges between people of all faiths-Jews, Christians and Muslims. The website, launched on Jan 22, 2007, non-commercial, not-for-profit and does not accept donations. For additional details on the organization and the programs please visit: http://www.muslimbridges.org/. Press contact :
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