MAS Mobilizes Over 30,000 Muslims for March on Washington

In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful Demonstrators Surround White House as U.N. Resolution for Ceasefire Develops C-Span Re-Cast Set for Sun. 8/13 at 2:46PM By Aishah Schwartz WASHINGTON, DC - Aug. 13, 2006 (MASNET) Saturday's National Emergency March on Washington, in defense of Lebanon and Palestine, bringing over 30,000 Muslims from across the nation, was a huge success. The event, sponsored by the Muslim American Society's Freedom Foundation (MAS Freedom), the A.N.S.W.E.R. Coalition, and the National Council of Arab Americans (NCA), was broadcast live on C-Span and throughout the Arab world by Al-Jazeera. (Event slideshow here.) Organizers of the event were pleased to see the massive turnout exceeding expectations as busses rolled into Washington, D.C. throughout the morning. MAS chapters provided transportation and buses for this historical event from Boston, New York, New Jersey, Philadelphia, Pittsburg, Maryland, D.C., Columbus, Ohio, Iowa, Raleigh, Charlotte, Richmond and Tampa, producing the largest mobilization of the Muslim community since the Bosnian rally and the 2002 rally for Palestine. Throughout the early afternoon Muslims, Christians, Jews, and people of conscience made their voices heard in opposition to the Israeli induced atrocities committed in Lebanon and Gaza funded by U.S. tax dollars. Speakers included, Ramsey Clark, Former U.S. Attorney General; Dr. Clovis Maksoud, Former Ambassador from the Arab League to the U. N, Arab-American Anti Discrimination Committee (ADC); Dr. Esam Omesh, President, Muslim American Society; Ibrahim Ramey, Muslim Peace Fellowship; Brian Becker, National Coordinator, A.N.S.W.E.R. Coalition; Mara Verheyden-Hilliard, attorney and co-founder, Partnership for Civil Justice; Mahdi Bray, Executive Director, Muslim American Society Freedom Foundation; Gloria La Riva, Coordinator, National Committee to Free the Cuban Five; member of A.N.S.W.E.R. delegation to Louisiana and Texas; Ben Dupuy, Former Ambassador At Large for the government of President Jean-Bertrand Aristide (1991-1993); Secretary General of the National Popular Party; Co-Director of Haiti Progress; Mounzer Sleiman, Vice Chair National Council of Arab Americans; Peta Lindsay, National Youth and Student Coordinator, A.N.S.W.E.R. Coalition; Howard University student; Carl Messineo, attorney and co-founder, Partnership for Civil Justice; Eugene Puryear, Co-Coordinator, Youth and Student A.N.S.W.E.R.; Howard University student; Osama Siblani, Publisher, Arab American news; Rev. Graylan Hagler, Sr. Pastor, Plymouth Congregational Church. President, Ministers for Social and Economic Justice; Magdy Mansur, Muslim Student Association; Dr. Imam AbdurRahman Al-Khalidy, Witness to the Sabra and Shatila Massacre, Vice President of Board of Trustees, Islamic Center, Albany NY; Dr. Ashraf El Bayoumi, Egyptian Committee Against Imperialism and Zionism; Lamis Deek, Al Awda; Hyuk Kyo Suh, Korean Americans against War and Liberalization; Asma Hanif, Coordinating Council of Muslim Organizations; Amen Al-Baba, Muslim youth; and Yenica Cortes, Party for Socialism and Liberation. The crowd was deeply moved by the story told by 15-year old Amen Al-Baba, an American Muslim of Lebanese descent, who was actually trapped in and witnessed the devastation and violence of the Israeli military bombings. MAS Freedom also co-sponsored rallies in Seattle, San Francisco, L.A. and Kansas City as well as various other cities across the nation, bringing together countless thousands of supporters unable to make the long trip to Washington, but nonetheless just as enthusiastic to be a part of the historic event. "I really believe that the local rallies sponsored by MAS Freedom chapters in over 26 cities really contributed to the massive participation of the Muslim community. Certainly this is a demonstration of the fact that when properly educated and motivated, Muslims are willing to come out under the banner of 'Faith Over Fear and Justice for All', stated MAS Freedom Foundation Executive Director, Mahdi Bray. "I am especially proud of our youth who came out in droves to volunteer in supplying logistical and promotional support for this important event. We wanted to make it clear to the world that American Muslims will not be silent in the face of injustice, be it abroad or at home. However, as I have always said, when the rally ends, the real work begins. MAS Freedom will maintain a proactive campaign in support of justice for those in the Middle East and our community at home," Bray concluded. Despite the Israeli Cabinet approval of U.N. Resolution 1701, as reported live on CNN Sunday morning, MAS Freedom will forge ahead in the outreach component of its Middle East campaign through teach-ins at masjids, churches, schools and various other public venues, because at best, the road to peace and justice will be long, and it remains to be seen if the announced ceasefire will be effective. The stated goal of the U.N. Resolution is to 'change the rules of the game' in order to achieve its objectives by other than military means. Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni added, however, that Israel would not relinquish its demand for the return of allegedly kidnapped soldiers. U.N. Resolution 1701 also calls for a ceasefire effective at 8:00 a.m. Beirut time or 1:00 a.m. Eastern time Monday, however, with the Israeli military's recent assault plan now being cut by 7 days, the attacks on southern Lebanon reached a 33-day pinnacle in severity with 28 reported casualties overnight. MAS Freedom wishes to thank its supporters. The campaign seeking justice for the people of Lebanon and Palestine needs your continued support in order to address these issues proactively. If your organization would like to sponsor a speak-in please contact MAS Freedom. Guest speaker information is available on the Muslim American Society's website. If you wish to donate, volunteer or join MAS please contact us at (202) 496-1288. Published by Daily Muslims, IBN News and The Muslim Link. ------------------------------------------------------------- The Freedom Foundation is the public affairs arm of the Muslim American Society (MAS), a national grassroots religious, social, and educational organization. MAS is America's largest grassroots Muslim organization with over 50 chapters nationwide. Learn more at www.masnet.org. Support our work at MAS Freedom Foundation by mailing a check or money order payable to "MAS Freedom Foundation" at the address below. ------------------------------------------------------------ MAS Freedom Foundation 1050 17th Street NW, Suite 600 Washington, DC 20036 Tel: (202) 496-1288 Fax: (202) 463-0686 URL: http://www.masnet.ort/index_publicaffairs.asp Email: MAS4Freedom@aol.com

Join the National Emergency March on Washington

"What is morally wrong can never be advantageous,

even when it enables you to make some gain

that you believe to be to your advantage.

Believing that a wrongful course of action

constitutes an advantage is pernicious."

~Marcus Tullius Cicero

Join the

National Emergency March on Washington

August 12, 2006 - 12 Noon

Lafayette Park Across from the White House

Washington, D.C.

To Learn More Click Here

Sign the Petition!

Ask Congress to Support H.Res. 945 Calling for Immediate Humanatarian Intervention in Lebanon

Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee of Texas submitted on Tuesday, July 25, 2006, House Resolution 945 calling for Immediate Humanitarian Intervention in Lebanon. Thus far, the resolution has 13 original Co-Sponsors. Please contact your Members of Congress and ask your friends and family to contact their Members of Congress encouraging them to co-sponsor House Resolution 945. If your Representative has already co-sponsored this resolution, please call to thank him/her. For their contact information or to learn more about the bill's progress please visit http://www.congress.org/. See the full text of the resolution and names of the co-sponsors below. 109TH CONGRESS, 2D SESSION - H. Res. 945 Expressing deep concern at the ongoing violence in the Middle East, and particularly the current hostilities between the State of Israel and Hezbollah, which have intensified since July 12, 2006. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Ms. Jackson Lee of Texas submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on International Relations RESOLUTION Expressing deep concern at the ongoing violence in the Middle East, and particularly the current hostilities between the State of Israel and Hezbollah, which have intensified since July 12, 2006. Whereas, since the commencement of hostilities, over 350 Lebanese civilians, one third of whom are children according to the United Nations Emergency Relief Coordinator, and 17 Israeli civilians, have been killed; Whereas, vital infrastructure, including hospitals, power plants, bridges, roads, and food and milk factories in Lebanon have been destroyed; Whereas, over 600,000 people in Lebanon and hundreds of thousands of people in Israel have been displaced; Whereas, President George W. Bush has expressed great concern over the welfare of the people of Lebanon; Whereas, United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan has called for an immediate cease-fire, Whereas, the United Nations Emergency Relief Coordinator has warned of a humanitarian disaster in Lebanon; Whereas, the Government of Lebanon has urgently appealed for an immediate cessation to hostilities; and Whereas, the international community has expressed support for a humanitarian corridor to Lebanon to be opened immediately to get desperately-needed humanitarian supplies to the suffering people of Lebanon: Now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the House of Representatives (1) calls for the cessation of the targeting by any side of infrastructure vital to non-combatants, which also increases the likelihood of the loss of innocent civilian life; (2) calls for a secure humanitarian corridor to be opened immediately via the seaports and airports of Lebanon to alleviate the unnecessary suffering of the people of Lebanon; (3) calls for an immediate cease-fire in line with the urgent appeals of the Government of Lebanon and the United Nations Secretary General; and (4) urges a comprehensive and just solution to the Arab-Israeli conflict to ensure that the peoples of the Middle East can live in peace, freedom, and prosperity. List of Current Co-Sponsors for H. Res. 945: Rep Conyers, John, Jr. [D-MI-14] - 7/25/2006 * Rep Davis, Danny K. [D-IL-7] - 7/25/2006 * Rep Hinchey, Maurice D. [D-NY-22] - 7/25/2006 * Rep Kaptur, Marcy [D-OH-9] - 7/25/2006 * Rep Kilpatrick, Carolyn C. [D-MI-13] - 7/25/2006 * Rep McDermott, Jim [D-WA-7] - 7/25/2006 * Rep Woolsey, Lynn C. [D-CA-6] - 7/25/2006 * Rep Cummings, Elijah E. [D-MD-7] - 7/25/2006 * Rep Hall, Ralph M. [R-TX-4] - 7/25/2006 * Rep Johnson, Eddie Bernice [D-TX-30] - 7/25/2006 * Rep Kildee, Dale E. [D-MI-5] - 7/25/2006 * Rep Kucinich, Dennis J. [D-OH-10] - 7/25/2006 * Rep Kucinich, Dennis J. [D-OH-10] - 7/25/2006 * *=original co-sponsor ---------------------------------------------- Tips for Writing Congress State your purpose for writing in the first sentence of the letter. For example: As your constituent, I am writing to urge your support for increased funding for health care. If your letter pertains to a specific piece of legislation, identify it. And make sure that you are referencing the correct legislation to the correct body of Congress. House bills are H.R.____; Senate bills are designated as S.____. It is also important to know the status of the bill. Be courteous. If appropriate, include personal information about why the issue matters to you to make your point. Address only one issue in each email. Close your letter with a restatement of your purpose and indicate the response that you expect. Addressing Your Correspondence to a Senator: The Honorable [Jimmy Stewart]__(room number)__(name of) Senate Office Building United States Senate Washington, DC 20510 Dear Senator [Stewart]: ---------------------------------------------- Addressing Your Correspondence to a Representative: The Honorable [Jimmy Stewart]__(room number)__(name of) House Office Building United States House of Representatives Washington, DC 20515 Dear Representative [Stewart]: ----------------------------------------------- Tips For Phoning Congress Telephone calls are usually taken by a staff member, not the member of Congress. Ask to speak with the aide who handles the issue about which you wish to comment. (See guide to Congressional staff here.) After identifying yourself as a constituent, tell the aide you would like to leave a brief message, such as: "Please tell Senator/Representative [Name] that I support/oppose [S.___/H.R.___]." State your reasons for support or opposition to the bill. Ask for your senators' or representative's position on the bill. You may also request a written response to your telephone call.

MAS Freedom Foundation Announces National 'No Justice-No Peace' March on Washington August 12, 2006

Interfaith Peace Coalition Lifts Voices for the Oppressed

July 17, 2006 By Aishah Schwartz CEDAR RAPIDS, IOWA - The Muslim American Society's Iowa chapter (MAS-Iowa) held its first American Justice for Palestine 'AJ4P' rally in protest of Israeli aggression this past Friday, July 14, in front of the Federal Building on First Avenue in Cedar Rapids. Those gathering for the 'AJ4P' rally represented an interfaith alliance of Christians, Jews, and Muslims, among others. Participants chanted and marched together carrying signs with slogans ranging from, "Every Soul Counts", "Not in Our Name", and "End Israeli Occupation" to "Free Palestine Now". (Photos and TV-Station coverage.) MAS-Iowa President, Ahmed Elkhaldy led the rally as participants lifted their signs and voices in protest of the U.S. government's support of Israel’s recent illegal military campaign waged against Palestinian civilians and most recently, the country of Lebanon. Miriam Amer, MAS Freedom-Iowa Director and rally organizer stated, "Israel’s recent invasions of Gaza and Lebanon, and the targeting of their civilian populations and infrastructures, constitutes a collective punishment against the Palestinian and Lebanese people; this is a blatant disregard for human life." The MAS Freedom-Iowa demonstration re-affirmed MAS Freedom National's pledge to defend the rights of the Palestinian people and to promote development of a U.S. foreign policy that embraces real peace in the Middle East. MAS Freedom-Iowa together with the Arab-American Institute will co-sponsor another 'AJ4P' Rally Friday, July 21 in Iowa City’s Pedestrian Mall at 5 PM. All are welcome to attend. For more information, contact the MAS-Iowa office at (319) 892-0256. MAS Freedom Foundation National initiated the American Justice for Palestine 'AJ4P' campaign on June 28, 2006 when it denounced Israel's June 27 invasion and bombing of Gaza. MAS Freedom subsequently began its campaign of rallies in front of the Israeli Embassy in Washington, DC on June 29 (photos), followed by subsequent rallies on July 6 (video) and July 14. MAS Freedom chapters in Arizona, New York, Wisconsin, North Carolina, Texas, Tennessee, Minnesota, California, Massachusetts, Colorado, Iowa, Illinois, and Michigan have already held or planned 'AJ4P' press conferences, vigils, and rallies. As the 'AJ4P' campaign continues to take shape across the nation additional direct action event dates will appear on MAS Freedom's 'AJ4P' Event Tracker. The event tracker, suggested guest speaker list, and information about how you can contribute to the 'AJ4P' campaign are all available at http://www.masnet.org. Sign MAS Freedom's Petition to President George W. Bush Today! http://www.petitiononline.com/just406/petition.html

Women and the Mosque: Past, Present and Future

B i s m i l l a a h i r R a h m a a n i r R a h e e m Assalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatuallahi wa Barakatuhu, Insha'Allah this message finds you in the best of health and imaan. In light of recent dialogue* on the topic of women in the mosque, I wanted to share with you that Islam Online will have a Live Dialogue session on this important topic to which I wanted to invite you! Please pass this information along. Insha'Allah we can all benefit! You might also find something helpful from another Live Dialogue held July 2, 2006 entitled, "Help for New Muslims". (TRANSCRIPT) If you haven't stopped by for a visit recently, the Muslimah Writers Alliance website has received recent updating. Hope to see you soon, insha'Allah! Ma'Salaama, ~Aishah Schwartz Founder & Director Muslimah Writers Alliance Alexandria, Egypt and Washington, DC RECENT DIALOGUE: Local Masjid Hears Sisters Concerns Masajid Still Have a Long Way to Go On the web: http://www.muslimahwritersalliance.com http://mwapeopleschoice.blogspot.com http://mwawomenmakinghistory.blogspot.com http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Muslimah_Writers_Alliance http://www.sisteraishah.com http://aishahsjourney.blogspot.com http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Sisters4Dawah The Prophet (sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam) said, "One who helps a fellow Muslim in removing his (or her) difficulty in this world, Allah will remove the formers distress on the Day of Judgment. He who helps to remove the hardship of another, will have his difficulties removed by Allah in this world and in the Hereafter. One who covers the shortcomings of another Muslim, will have his faults covered up in this world and the next by Allah. Allah continues to help a servant so long as he goes on helping his own brother (or sister)." (Muslim) MARK YOUR CALENDARS NOW! WHAT: Women and the Mosque: Past, Present and Future WHEN: July 10, 2006 Makkah Time: 16:00 to 18:00 GMT Time: 13:00 to 15:00 WHERE: Islam Online Live Dialogue The Relationship Between Women and the Mosque Caught between culture and Islam, there is nothing in the Qur`an or the Sunnah of Islam that prevents women from praying in the mosque. In India, Muslim women mostly pray in buildings adjoining mosques; in some larger mosques there are separate prayer enclosures. In 2004, the idea of a women's mosque was motivated by the rising number of complaints from local Muslim women against what they see as partisan rulings by the jama`at. Of those mosques that provide space for women to pray, it is often small making women feel not welcomed. With increasing call for religious rights around the globe, Muslim women are challenging practices that have many bad influences. Early this year in Canada, saw the release of the film Me and the Mosque, by director Zarqa Nawaz which did the community circuit to stimulate debate in the community and raise awareness. Between Islam and cultural practices, what is correct and what is considered acceptable - and by whom? See - Breaking Down Barriers If you have a question you would like to ask and feel that you might not be able to participate in this session, feel free to send us your question at society_iol (at) hotmail.com with "Live Dialog" in the subject line. About Dr. Layla Al-Marayati Dr. Layla Al-Marayati is the spokesperson and past president of the Muslim Women’s League (MWL), a Los Angeles–based organization dedicated to disseminating accurate information about Islam and women and to strengthening the role of Muslim women in society. She has written articles and participated in numerous conferences addressing issues of concern to Muslim women; topics include basic women’s rights in Islam, reproductive health and sexuality, stereotyping, and violence against women. In addition, Dr. Al-Marayati spearheaded the MWL's efforts on behalf of rape survivors from the war in Bosnia in 1993, and she was a member of the official US Delegation to the UN Conference on Women in Beijing in 1995. Dr. Al-Marayati has also participated in numerous activities related to international religious freedom. She served as a presidential appointee to the Commission on International Religious Freedom from 1999 to May 2001. Prior to that, she was a member of the State Department Advisory Committee on Religious Freedom Abroad. She has testified before Congress and as part of the US delegation to the OSCE Human Dimensions meeting in Poland regarding religious intolerance against Muslims in Europe. As an American of Palestinian descent, Dr. Al-Marayati frequently speaks about the rights of Palestinians. She is a member of the board of directors of KinderUSA, a newly formed charity whose primary focus at this time is on addressing the health and educational needs of Palestinian children living in the West Bank and Gaza. Her articles have been published in the Los Angeles Times, the Chicago Tribune, on Beliefnet, Counterpunch, and in the English version of Al-Ahram Weekly published in Egypt. She has appeared on local and national television and radio programs addressing issues of concern to Muslims in America. Dr. Al-Marayati is a Board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist in private practice in Southern California. She is married to Salam Al-Marayati and is the mother of three children, Malek, Zayd and Jinan.

They Say This Mosque is a Jewel, But How Would I Know?

By Joanne McEwan Staff writer – IslamOnline Enter the mosque of “Al Dhahar Baybars Al Jashenqir” in Gammaliyya, Historic Cairo, and you will feel solitude, peace and refuge from the dust, overcrowded streets and a vociferous thoroughfare of Vespas. The courtyard has a breeze of mysterious origins. How in this hot summer does it happen to be a haven from the heat of the sun? Birds nest above in the cloisters and the odd stray cat lazes about in the shade. Some elderly men are reading the Qur’an as they wait for the prayer to begin. It is a serene mosque with modest decoration and without any gaudy embellishments. But as it is time for prayer I, as a woman, have to step behind this musty curtain and my view of this modest masterpiece is blocked. Its unique cool microclimate has now changed to a stale claustrophobic one. (continued…) Direct Link http://www.islamonline.net/English/Views/2002/10/article02.shtml See Also: CAIRO — The removal of a wall separating male and female worshipers at San Francisco's largest downtown mosque left its 400-member congregation split down the middle. "It's one of those cultural things that many immigrants brought from overseas without giving it much thought," Souleiman Ghali, a founding member of the Islamic Society of San Francisco, told The New York Times on Sunday, June 25. "I am positive there will be an American Islamic identity that is separate from what you see in the Middle East and the rest of the Islamic world," he said. The debate raged after the slapdash, 8-foot wall across the back of the Darussalam mosque was demolished. "It's time to get rid of those bad habits," said Ghali, who was the main force behind the wall's removal. (continued…) See Also: Partitions in the Mosque What Do You Know About Women in Islam? Test Your Knowledge Here

Masajid's Still Have a Long Way to Go

The Muslim Link 2nd item on cover page June 23, 2006 Letter to the Editor I embraced Islam on April 19, 2002 after a khutbah at The World Bank in Washington, D.C. A short time later I endeavored to become involved in the local Muslim community through various volunteer efforts from which I retain many nice memories. However, when I read the June 9 article, I was disheartened to be reminded that four years later internal discord, dissatisfaction, and countless unresolved and neglected issues between the female population of our local masajid and management remains largely unaddressed. (continued...)

Bringing Awareness to Hunger - YOU can help!

(Washington, D.C. - June 5, 2006) In recognition of National Hunger Awareness Day 2006, a National Hunger Symposium was held on Monday, June 5, at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. A coalition of organizations in the anti-hunger community, agriculture sector, federal government, conservation groups, the food industry and the faith community came together on the eve of National Hunger Awareness Day to address the growing number of hungry Americans and chart a course for change for 2006. People invited to participate in the Symposium, engaged in an expert panel discussion with topics ranging from the role of faith-based organizations on ending hunger to the Farm Bill as a federal tool to address hunger issues. Aishah Schwartz, Founder & Director of Muslimah Writers Alliance, attended this year's symposium and presented for distribution MWA's Special Edition Newsletter offering selected essays bringing awareness to world hunger written by MWA members from Kenya, Florida, and Saudi Arabia. Established in 2006, MWA is an internationally based organization with a mission to inspire Muslim women to collaborate with one another for the sake of Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala and the common good of the Muslim Ummah, in addition to being of support to one another in fulfilling their aspirations to become established writers. Applying Islamic principles, boundless enthusiasm, experience, and resourcefulness to every project embraced, MWA members are dedicated to one another's success. Check here for additional information on how you or your organization can still get involved in the effort to end hunger, insha'Allah. SEE ALSO: The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) honours its first Saudi special ambassador Abdulaziz Arrukban, the first Saudi citizen to have volunteered to work with the agency to raise awareness about hunger issues and funds to help alleviate it. CLICK HERE Copyright © 2006 Aishah Schwartz Permission is granted to circulate among private individuals and groups, to post on Internet sites and to publish in full text and subject title in not-for-profit publications. Contact author for all other rights, which are reserved.