Muslims and Christians build bridges of understanding
(SAN DIEGO, CA, 11/14/08) – Last night, local members of the Mission Valley Church of the Nazarene and representatives of the San Diego Muslim community met together for the fourth time as part of a series of dialogue meetings between Christian and Muslim groups.
The main topic that was discussed at this meeting was the role of Mary the Mother of Jesus in the Islamic, Catholic, and Church of the Nazarene perspective. Other topics included Christian concept of original sin in contrast to the Islamic concept of fitra (fit-rah) or primordial nature.
These dialogues were arranged by Muslim Public Affairs Council San Diego (MPAC San Diego) representative Sal Saboor and Reverend Scott Peterson of the Mission Valley Church of the Nazarene.
A Catholic representative from the University of San Diego (USD) was also invited to dialogue with the other groups.
Edgar Hopida, the Public Relations Director of the San Diego chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR San Diego), was among the invited representatives of the Muslim community to participate in this important dialogue.
“We are very pleased that our dialogue has expanded to include a representative from the Catholic faith,” said Hopida. “As our dialogue continues to maturate, we hope that the walls of misconception become eventually broken and that the bridge of mutual understanding and respect takes its place.”
CAIR San Diego Rep Speaks on Activism at Local Community College
(SAN DIEGO, 10/30/08) A representative from the San Diego Chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-San Diego) spoke on activism at Southwestern College in Chula Vista, CA. CAIR-San Diego Public Relations Director Edgar Hopida was one the speakers invited for the Activism Seminar organized by the Southwestern College Muslim Student Association.
The purpose of this seminar was to encourage college students participate in grassroots activism. Over 30 people came out for the event.
“Activism has always been a part of college culture. We hope that this seminar today will encourage the next generation students to mobilize at the grassroots and effect positive change for the society,” said Hopida.
Among the other speakers invited were Abdur Rahman Abdul Hamid, Founder and President of the Black Contractors’ Association of San Diego (BCA) and Michael Meacham, Director of Conservation and Environmental Services for the City of Chula Vista.
CAIR San Diego Rep Conducts Diversity Training for Social Worker Students
(SAN DIEGO, CA 10/17/08) On October 14th, the San Diego chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-San Diego) conducted diversity training for two groups of graduating seniors of the Social Worker program at San Diego State University (SDSU).
CAIR-San Diego Public Relations Director Edgar Hopida gave a powerpoint presentation on the introduction of the Islamic faith and diversity issues relating to the Muslim family as well as social worker interactions with Muslim clients.
“The diversity training they received today will help them better understand and serve the American Muslim community,” says Hopida.
Instructors of the Social Worker program also gave the students additional handouts and materials relating to the Muslim community and Social Work prior to the presentation.
CAIR San Diego Rep Speaks on the Islamic Perspective of Social Justice at Local College
(SAN DIEGO, CA 9/18/08) On September 17th, a representative of the San Diego chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-San Diego) gave a lecture on the Islamic perspective of Social Justice at Mira Costa College’s Oceanside Campus. CAIR-San Diego Public Relations Director Edgar Hopida gave a basic overview of the objectives of Islamic law and its way to achieving social justice. This lecture was part of a series of presenting different perspectives in Justice Studies.
“Social justice is an integral part of the Islamic tradition,” says Hopida. “It is important that these perspectives are included, especially in the post 9/11 environment where Islam has unfortunately been misunderstood.”
CAIR San Diego Sponsors Media Professionals Breakfast
(SAN DIEGO, CA 9/10/08) On September 10th, the San Diego Chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-San Diego) co-sponsored its first Media Professionals Breakfast at National University in San Diego. The event's topic was, "Islamophobia: Covering the Muslim Community After 9/11." Over a dozen members of the San Diego Press Club and the Society of Professional Journalists San Diego chapter attended the panel discussion. The media breakfast was co-sponsored by the San Diego chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists (SBJ).
CAIR-San Diego Public Relations Director Edgar Hopida gave a short powerpoint presentation on Islamophobia and its effects on media coverage. Other panelists included Shaykh Taha Hassane, Imam of the Islamic Center of San Diego (ICSD) and Dr. Waheeda Samady, a local medical doctor and activist who were invited to address questions posed by the participants.
"It is extremely important that the Muslim community continues to engage and dialogue with local media," says Hopida. "By and large, our local media have been very balanced in their coverage our community."
Participants who attended the event received a copy of the CAIR publication, "Beyond Stereotypes: A Journalist's Guide to Understanding Islam and Muslims."
CAIR, ACLU Seek Records in Muslim Surveillance Case
Following news reports of a major security breach at the Strategic Technical Operations Center at Camp Pendleton, in which its chief and his staff operated a ring that stole surveillance files to give to local law enforcement, the ACLU Foundation of San Diego & Imperial Counties filed Public Records Act and Freedom of Information Act requests with the FBI, the U.S. Department of Defense, the San Diego Police Department and the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department today.
The requests seek information on possibly unlawful surveillance of law-abiding members of the community merely because of their religion, and whether the federal government disclosed information arising from that surveillance to local law enforcement in San Diego County.
An investigative article in the San Diego Union-Tribune on May 22, 2008 reported that “a massive number of files were taken from Camp Pendleton,” including “more than 100 FBI and Defense Department files,” and illegally turned over to local law enforcement in Los Angeles. A number of the records concern the Islamic Center of San Diego, which, according to the article, was “monitored by a federal surveillance program targeting Muslim groups.”
“If the news reports are accurate, they reveal the perils of mass data collection programs,” said David Blair-Loy, legal director of the ACLU of San Diego & Imperial Counties. “If the government is spying on law-abiding Muslims merely because of their religion—without any evidence of criminal activity—any group could be next.”
The ACLU affiliates in San Diego and Los Angeles, along with the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) and the Islamic Shura Council of Southern California already requested congressional hearings on May 28, 2008 on the security breach when the article was first published.
“We are disturbed by the implications of a new government spying infrastructure acting in such a reckless fashion,” said Kevin Keenan, executive director of the ACLU of San Diego. “The breech of the government’s top security systems shows just how lawless and out-of-control this program was. What kind of security can this agency actually be giving us if it can’t even protect its own security systems?”
“While the government is wasting time targeting Muslim Americans and Muslim organizations just because we are practicing our faith, they are missing out on identifying actual terrorism suspects,’ said Edgar Hopida, Public Relations Director of the San Diego chapter of CAIR. “We need to know what surveillance was done, who authorized it, and why.”
The Public Records Act and Freedom of Information Act requests seek records to answer those questions, and whether any collected information was unlawfully shared between government agencies, local law enforcement agencies, or with private contractors.
The requests ask for all records created from January 1, 2001 to the present that were “prepared, received, transmitted, collected, and/or maintained” by the FBI, the National Joint Terrorism Task Force, and the San Diego Police Department that refer to the Islamic Center, CAIR, or CAIR’s San Diego staff.
The ACLU also wants records related to the methods of information collection on investigation and infiltration, the rationale for determining who was to be targeted for surveillance, and a number of other specific requests.
Response from FBI and DOD is required by federal law within no more than twenty business days of the request. State law requires a response from the police and sheriff’s departments within ten days.
CAIR San Diego Rep Speaks at Hate Crimes Summit
(SAN DIEGO, CA 6/13/08) Last night, a representative of the San Diego chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR San Diego) spoke at the 1st Annual Hate Crimes Summit at the Joan Kroc Institute for Peace and Justice located in the University of San Diego (USD).
CAIR-San Diego Public Relations Director Edgar Hopida introduced a Muslim community member who was a victim of a hate-motivated incident at his public school by his own elementary school teacher.
Hopida remarked, “It is troubling that children become victims of hate in institutions of learning that are designed to produce civilized, educated members of society.”
The event featured keynote speaker Heidi Beirich, deputy director of the Southern Poverty Law Center's Intelligence Project as well as other testimonials of victims of hate motivated incidents. Opening remarks were made by California State Assembly member Lori Saldaña and the master of ceremonies was conducted by San Diego Human Relations Commission Executive Director Ashley Walker.
The 1st Annual Hate Crimes Summit was concluded by a signing of “A Declaration About Hate-Motivated Behavior By the Citizens of San Diego City and County” which reads in part:
“San Diego County is one of the most diverse regions in the United States. This diversity boasts a rich and varied cultural heritage. We, as citizens, honor and respect the diversity that exists in the region. When an act of hate is committed against any citizen, it is considered an act against the entire community.
The Citizens of San Diego City and County declare that all people should be treated with courtesy and respect, regardless of their racial background, their nation of origin, the religion they practice, their sexual orientation, gender, age or disability. It is the right of all citizens to pursue their daily lives with the expectation that they will not be verbally abused, psychologically intimidated or physically harmed.
The Citizens of San Diego City and County wish to state in the strongest terms that we will vigilantly oppose any hate-motivated behavior and all other forms of discrimination. A hate crime is any criminal or attempted criminal act which is motivated by the victim’s actual or perceived race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, gender, age or disability and accompanied by a verbal, written or physical action that is intended to create emotional suffering, physical harm or property damage. We will acknowledge and address slurs, bias incidents and discrimination because these behaviors and attitudes are the cradle that nurtures and supports later antisocial behavior.
We, as citizens, caution those who advocate or perpetrate hate not to challenge the community’s resolve to oppose them. We insist that law enforcement vigorously investigate, apprehend, prosecute, convict and punish all those who perpetrate hate crimes and that they work in partnership with community groups that accept and respect differences.”
This summit was organized by the United for a Hate-Free San Diego, a coalition made up of over 52 faith leaders, community leaders, and organizations who were concerned about the growing hate crimes problem in San Diego County. CAIR-San Diego was among the founding members of this coalition.
SEE: Tackling Hate Crimes in San Diego (San Diego Union-Tribune)
According to CAIR’s 2007 Annual Civil Rights Report, anti-Muslim hate crimes increased by 9.2 percent in 2006 and that 29% of the civil rights complaints came from California, the most in any state.
CAIR, America's largest Islamic civil liberties group, has 35 offices and chapters nationwide and in Canada. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.
CAIR Delegation Visits 17 Congressional Offices
(SAN DIEGO, CA, 5/21/2008) – A delegation from the San Diego and Greater Los Angeles Area chapters of the Council on American-Islamic Relations met last week with representatives and staffers from 17 congressional offices in Washington, D.C.
The meetings focused on a number of key issues including citizenship delays, racial profiling, anti-hunger initiatives and legislation surrounding relocation, internment and deportation of Latinos of Japanese ancestry during World War II.
The CAIR delegation reported that representatives they met with expressed support for ending the name-check backlog that has resulted in delayed citizenship applications. This move would allow people who have fulfilled all the requirements for citizenship to vote in this year’s presidential election.
The law says an applicant who has passed his or her interview and citizenship test must be granted a decision within 120 days. CAIR-Los Angeles filed a joint suit in 2006 on behalf of community members in an effort to resolve the problem. CAIR-San Diego similarly assisted the ACLU-San Diego/Imperial Counties chapter in filing a class-action lawsuit for the people affected in the San Diego County area.
The CAIR delegation also discussed and supported passage of the Wartime Relocation and Internment of Latin Americans of Japanese Descent Act (HR 662) – which seeks to "establish a federal commission to investigate and determine the facts surrounding the relocation, internment, and deportation of Latin Americans of Japanese ancestry by the US government during WWII and recommend any appropriate remedies based on the commission’s findings.”
“The American Muslim community’s success in shaping policies can only be achieved by actively contributing and participating in the political process,” says CAIR San Diego Public Relations Director Edgar Hopida.
Muslims and Christians build bridges of understanding
(SAN DIEGO, CA, 3/27/08) - On March 26th, local members of the Mission Valley Church of the Nazarene and representatives of the San Diego Muslim community met together for the third time as part of a series of dialogue meetings between Christian and Muslim groups.
Topics that were discussed at this meeting included: the structure and contents of the Quran, Islamic perspective on Jesus and his role near the end of time, Modesty from the Islamic and Church of the Nazarene perspective, stories of the prophets in the Quran, and the Difference between Shia and Sunni Islam.
These dialogues were arranged by Muslim Public Affairs Council San Diego (MPAC San Diego) representative Sal Saboor and Reverend Scott Peterson of the Mission Valley Church of the Nazarene.
Edgar Hopida, the Public Relations Director of the San Diego chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR San Diego), was among the invited representatives of the Muslim community to participate in this important dialogue.
CAIR San Diego Rep speaks on Islamophobia at local church
(SAN DIEGO, CA 3/25/08) On March 24th, a representative from the San Diego chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-San Diego) gave a presentation on "Islamophobia: Causes and Remedies," for the Men's and Women's Group of the La Jolla Presbyterian Church.
Members of the La Jolla Presbyterian Church received handouts and a recommended reading list on the topic of Islamophobia.
CAIR San Diego also presented a copy of the Quran, Islam's revealed text, as a gift to Reverend Stan Beard, who is the Director of Congregational Life at the church.
"Islamophobia is a growing problem and attitude that should be addressed," said CAIR San Diego Public Relations Director Edgar Hopida who was invited to speak at this event.
Muslims and Jews build bridges of understanding
(SAN DIEGO, CA, 2/15/08) - On January 13th, CAIR-San Diego Public Relations Director Edgar Hopida joined members of Congregation Beth El and representatives of the San Diego Muslim community in creating continued positive dialogue between Jewish and Muslim groups. Last night's meeting was the sixth such meeting between local Jewish and Muslim groups.
Topics discussed included Jewish and Muslim marriage practices, Muslim and Jewish youth bridge building groups/activities, Difference between Orthodox and Conservative Judaism, Ritual bathing practices for Judaism and Islam.
The Muslim-Jewish dialogue was arranged by Muslim Public Affairs Council of San Diego (MPAC San Diego) Interfaith Coordinator Sal Saboor and Rabbi Graubart of Congregation Beth El.
CAIR San Diego Rep meets with Kazakh Delegation
(SAN DIEGO, CA, 2/6/08) - A representative of the San Diego chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-San Diego) met yesterday with a delegation of human rights activists from Kazakhstan who were visiting the Islamic Center of San Diego (ICSD).
The Kazakh delegation met with CAIR-San Diego Public Relations Director Edgar Hopida and with the head of the mosque, Imam Taha Hassane, to discuss challenges facing the Muslim community in America and the status of American Muslim civil rights.
Delegation members were given copies of two reports - "Western Minorities: Integration and Disenfranchisement" and CAIR's 2007 report on the status of Muslim civil rights in the United States.
Imam Hassane also arranged a tour of the Islamic Center of San Diego shortly after the meeting. Hassane and Hopida received Kazakh cultural gifts from the delegation as a token of appreciation.
The meeting was sponsored by the Citizen Diplomacy Council of San Diego and the United States State Department.
Local Credit Union apologizes to Muslim for refusing him service due to religious headgear
(SAN DIEGO, CA, 1/11/07) - The San Diego chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-San Diego) announced yesterday that the San Diego USE Credit Union will formally apologize to a Muslim man for refusing him service because he was wearing religious headgear.
CAIR-San Diego Public Relations Director Edgar Hopida spoke to the managers from USE Credit Union regarding the incident. After investigating the matter, they found that the branch and employee misinterpreted their policies of no hats while making banking transactions to include religious headgear.
A representative from the USE Credit Union stated that they have corrected the misinterpretation of the procedure from the branch in question, and will contact the Muslim man to apologize for the inconvience it caused him.
"We welcome the decision of the USE Credit Union in correcting its employees on policies relating to customers wearing religious headgear when making transactions as well as the apology to the person they inconvienced.," says Hopida.
Muslims and Christians build bridges of understanding
(SAN DIEGO, CA, 12/13/07) - On December 12th, local members of the Mission Valley Church of the Nazarene and representatives of the San Diego Muslim community met together for the second time as part of a series of dialogue meetings between Christian and Muslim groups.
Topics that were discussed at this meeting included: the Hajj piligrimage, Eid al Adha (eed-al-odd-ha), permissible food in Islam, Islam and the Church of the Nazarene's view on repentance, Islam's view of Abraham, Christmas,and the creation story from the Biblical and Quranic perspective.
CAIR San Diego Rep speaks To college students on religious accomodation
(SAN DIEGO, CA 12/6/07) On December 6, 2007, A representative the San Diego chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-San Diego) spoke to a students of Northwestern University in Chicago, IL by phone regarding religious accomodation in public school. This discussion was in light of the incident involving Muslim students praying during recess time at Carver Elementary School in San Diego, CA.
This session was facilitated by Professor Cindy Conlon who invited CAIR San Diego Public Relations Director Edgar Hopida to speak to her class by phone to help her students understand Muslim religious practices and how public schools can better accomodate them within the framework of the law.
"There is a growing importance of discussing religious accomodation in school and finding just solutions to problems that typically occur. The session at Northwestern University is a welcome addition to that endeavor," says CAIR San Diego Public Relations Director Edgar Hopida who addressed the Professor Conlon's class.
Muslims and Jews build bridges of understanding
(SAN DIEGO, CA, 12/6/07) - On December 5th, CAIR-San Diego Public Relations Director Edgar Hopida joined members of Congregation Beth El and representatives of the San Diego Muslim community in creating continued positive dialogue between Jewish and Muslim groups. Last night's meeting was the fifth such meeting between local Jewish and Muslim groups.
Topics discussed included similarities between medieval Jewish and Muslim sacred literature, the Hajj (hadj) pilgrimage to Makkah, Eid al Adha (eed-al-odd-ha), Hanukkha (hah-nuh-kuh), Muslim and Jewish youth bridgebuilding groups, Quran and Torah recital styles, and music.
The Muslim-Jewish dialogue was arranged by Muslim Public Affairs Council of San Diego (MPAC San Diego) Interfaith Coordinator Sal Saboor and Rabbi Graubart of Congregation Beth El.
CAIR San Diego Rep speaks to professors about Islam
(SAN DIEGO, CA, 12/5/07) - A representative of the San Diego chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-San Diego) recently joined a panel discussion about Islam for professors and faculty of San Diego State University (SDSU).
CAIR-San Diego Administrative and Membership Coordinator Homayra Yusufi joined the panel to speak about Islam and contemporary issues for American Muslim students and to answer questions from the audience. Attendees were offered copies of the Quran, Islam’s revealed text, and the CAIR publication “An Educator’s Guide to Islamic Religious Practices.”
CAIR San Diego Rep gives presentation about Islam at local high school
(San Diego, 11/29/07) On Wednesday, November 28, a representative from the San Diego Chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-San Diego) gave a powerpoint presentation about Islam and American Muslims at El Cajon Valley High School in El Cajon, CA as part of the high school's "Multi Cultural Week."
"I commend the school's administration in helping to educate their fellow students and teachers about Islam and American Muslims by sponsoring this important event," says Edgar Hopida, CAIR San Diego Public Relations Director and speaker at the event.
CAIR San Diego Rep speaks on Islamophobia at local college
(SAN DIEGO, CA 11/27/07) On Tuesday, November 27th, a representative from the San Diego office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-San Diego) addressed an audience of junior college students and faculty on the topic of Islamophobia. This talk was part of a program sponsored by the Southwestern College Muslim Student Association.
" Islamophobia is a growing problem and attitude that should be addressed," said CAIR San Diego Public Relations Director Edgar Hopida who was invited to speak at this event.
CAIR San Diego meets with Islamic studies professor from Poland
(SAN DIEGO, CA, 10/11/07) - On Thursday, October 11,the San Diego office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-San Diego) met with Dr. Agata Nalborczyk, Assistant Professor of European Islamic Studies from Warsaw, Poland.
Professor Nalborczyk spoke with CAIR-San Diego Public Relations Director Edgar Hopida on the topics of civil rights, CAIR's advocacy work, and the comparison of integration trends within the American Muslim community in the United States as opposed to European Muslims in Europe. The meeting was sponsored by the U.S. State Department.
The professor received as a gift, a copy of the Quran, Islam's revealed text, and a copy of CAIR's 2007 annual civil rights report.
Sheriff's dept. employee allowed to retake ID photo with head scarf
(SAN DIEGO, CA, 10/9/07) - The San Diego chapter of the Council on
American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-San Diego) announced today that a
Muslim sheriff's department employee will be allowed to re-take her
identification photograph while wearing her religiously-mandated head
scarf, or hijab.
CAIR-San Diego Public Relations Director Edgar Hopida met recently
with the employee relations manager of the San Diego County Sheriff's
Department to discuss accommodating the woman's request to wear a
head scarf in the photograph. Hopida provided the department with a
copy of CAIR's booklet, "An Employer's Guide to Islamic Religious
Practices," outlining legal requirements for religious accommodation
in the workplace.
"We welcome the decision of the San Diego County Sheriff's Department
to provide reasonable religious accommodation to its employees," says Hopida.
CAIR San Diego meets with delegation from Turkey
(SAN DIEGO, CA, 9/19/07) - On Tuesday, September 18, representatives of the San Diego office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-San Diego) met with a nine-member delegation of judges, lawyers and legal scholars from Turkey.
Delegation members spoke with CAIR-San Diego Public Relations Director Edgar Hopida on the topics of civil rights and CAIR's advocacy work. The meeting was sponsored by the U.S. State Department.
Each member of the delegation received as a gift, a copy of the Quran, Islam's revealed text, and a copy of CAIR's 2007 annual civil rights report.
CAIR San Diego meets with local business newspaper editor
(SAN DIEGO 9/13/07) - The San Diego office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-San Diego) along with a delegation of Muslim and Interfaith leaders met recently with the Opinion Editor Joseph Guerin of the San Diego Daily Transcript (SDDT) newspaper. The meeting was to discuss a particular SDDT columnist's opinion editorials that contained blatant anti-Muslim rhetoric and factual errors on the religion of Islam. CAIR San Diego presented Joseph Guerin a 27 page document containing factual errors and misrepresentations of Islam and the Muslim community by the columnist for the past two years.
Mr. Guerin reassured the delegation that opinion editorial pages is a forum for all, not a podium for that columnist alone, and that he along with CAIR San Diego will schedule a face to face meeting with the columnist to address his concerns and issues with Islam and the Muslim community.
The San Diego Daily Transcript also showed interest in running feature stories on local Muslim owned businesses.
"We appreciate Mr. Guerin's willingness to meet with us and to allow us the opportunity to address the blatant Islamophobic commentary found in a local columnist's opinion editorials," says CAIR San Diego Public Relations Director Edgar Hopida who organized the meeting.
Muslims and Christians build bridges of understanding
(SAN DIEGO, CA, 7/20/07) - Local members of the Mission Valley Church of the Nazarene and representatives of the San Diego Muslim community met recently to begin an interfaith dialogue initiative.
Topics discussed at this meeting included misconceptions about Islam, what is the Church of the Nazarene, the concept of paradise and hell in Islam, and Islam's view of Jesus.
CAIR-San Diego Public Relations Director Edgar Hopida and MPAC San Diego (Muslim Public Affairs Council) Interfaith and Community Outreach Coordinator Sal Saboor were among the delegation of Muslims invited to dialogue with Pastor Scott Peterson and members of his congregation.
CAIR helps Muslim woman retake drivers license photo
(SAN DIEGO, CA, 7/13/2007) – The San Diego office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-San Diego) announced today that a local Muslim woman will be able to have her driver’s license photograph retaken with her Islamic headscarf, or hijab, after initially being asked to show some of her hair.
CAIR-San Diego says that yesterday afternoon, an employee at the Poway office of the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) had insisted that the woman pull back her headscarf and show some of her hair for her driver’s license photographs, despite California regulations that allow for religiously mandated head covering, requiring only that the whole face be shown.
Also SEE: Most States Allow Muslim Scarves in Driver Photos (CAIR)
CAIR-San Diego sponsors lecture: 'Less Safe, Less Free'
(SAN DIEGO, CA, 6/29/07) - On Tuesday, June 26th, the San Diego Public Library, in partnership with the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of San Diego and Imperial Counties, the San Diego office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-San Diego) and the American Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC), hosted a speaking engagement featuring Georgetown Law Professor David Cole at the Lyceum Theater located at Horton Plaza, Downtown San Diego.
Muslims Care: CAIR-San Diego co-hosts Health Fair
(SAN DIEGO, CA, 6/24/07) – On Sunday, June 24, the San Diego chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-San Diego), along with Logan Islamic Community Center (LICC) and Al Tabib UCSD Medical Student Group, held a Community Health Fair at the LICC parking lot as part of CAIR’s national “Muslims Care” campaign.
Muslims Care is a new annual initiative designed to encourage volunteerism in the American Muslim community.
SEE: Muslims Care
Muslims and Jews build bridges of understanding
(SAN DIEGO, CA, 5/30/07) - CAIR-San Diego Public Relations Director Edgar Hopida joined members of Congregation Beth El and representatives of the San Diego Muslim community for a dinner last night focusing on positive dialogue between Jewish and Muslim groups. Last night's dinner was the fourth such meeting between local Jewish and Muslim groups.
Topics discussed included similarities between medieval Jewish and Muslim cultural music, the Hajj (hadj) pilgrimage to Makkah and the Jewish pilgrimage to Jerusalem's Western Wall.
CAIR-San Diego Rep meets with German Muslim delegation
(SAN DIEGO, CA, 5/23/07) - On May 21, a representative of the San Diego chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-San Diego) was invited by Justice Overcoming Boundaries (JOB) to meet with a Muslim delegation from Germany to discuss importance of citizen activism.
JOB Executive Director Norma Chavez-Peterson and CAIR-San Diego Public Relations Director Edgar Hopida discussed a variety of issues ranging from immigration to Muslim integration into the American society.
The delegation received copies of CAIR's "American Muslim Voter Survey" report, "Western Muslim Minorities: Integration and Disenfranchisement" policy bulletin, and the 2006 Annual Civil Rights Report.
CAIR-San Diego Rep speaks on American Islamic relations at local Rotary Club
(SAN DIEGO, CA 5/11/07) On May 11, a representative from the San Diego chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-San Diego) spoke at the Escondido East Rotary Club on the topic of "American-Islamic Relations." The presentation covered the the history of CAIR, it's mission, activities, projects at both the local and national level, as well as life as an American Muslim after 9/11. A question and answer session followed the presentation.
The Rotary Club received a gift package that included CAIR's Annual Civil Rights Report and the Quran, Islam's revealed text.
CAIR-San Diego Rep participates in local launch of the New Sanctuary Movement
(SAN DIEGO, CA 5/10/07) On May 9, a representative from the San Diego chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relation(CAIR-San Diego) participated in an interfaith service that celebrated the launch of the New Sanctuary Movement. The New Sanctuary Movement will be launched on the same day in San Diego, Los Angeles, Seattle, Chicago and New York.
Representatives from more than 20 cities will also participate in a series of solidarity events. The service was at the Plymouth Congregational Church Sanctuary located in North Park and organized by the San Diego Interfaith Committee on Worker Justice (ICWJ)
Among the interfaith leaders were Edgar Hopida, Public Relations Director for CAIR-San Diego who spoke briefly about the long-term economic benefits that immigrants and their children could contribute to the United States. Taha Hassane, Imam of the Islamic Center of San Diego (ICSD), also participated and gave the Muslim blessing of the Sanctuary participants who stood under a traditional Jewish chuppah (khoop-pah) or canopy that is used traditionally in Jewish weddings symbolizing the presence of God.
The New Sanctuary Movement is a national coalition of interfaith religious leaders and participating congregations, called by our faith to respond actively and publicly to the suffering of our immigrant brothers and sisters residing in the United States. For more information about the national movement visit: The New Santuary Movement.
CAIR-San Diego conducts Media Workshop for local Islamic Center
(SAN DIEGO, CA, 5/5/07) - On May 4, the San Diego Chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-San Diego) conducted a Media Activism Workshop held at the Islamic Education Center of San Diego (IECSD) located in Rancho Bernardo.
The workshops are designed to encourage media activism in the Muslim Community. Members of the IECSD learned how to write press releases, letters to the editor, and how to properly prepare for interviews. CAIR San Diego's Director of Public Relations Edgar Hopida conducted the workshop and served as the "media reporter" during the mock interviews in which some members who attended had an opportunity to role play.
"The workshop was very successful and beneficial for IECSD community. The youth group after taking the training, want to form a media monitoring group," says CAIR-San Diego Public Relations Director Edgar Hopida.
CAIR-San Diego participates in Islam Fair at San Diego State Univeristy
(SAN DIEGO, CA - 5/4/2007) - On Thursday, April 11, The San Diego chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-San Diego) participated in San Diego State University Muslim Student Association (SDSU MSA)'s Islam Fair. The Islam Fair was designed for people learn more about Islam and its cultural diversity. CAIR San Diego had a booth that covered "American Muslim Civil Rights and Advocacy." There were also other tables and exhibits from various Muslim organizations and cultural groups.
The Muslim Student Association is an on-campus Associated Students recognized organization dedicated to providing Muslim students with educational and social activities in order to build a community here at SDSU. Our organization is motivated towards making Muslim students feel at ease in this new community, which allows a way to cope with the stress due to classes or other college related situations. In addition, we intend to educate both Muslims and non-Muslims in the religion of Islam. All SDSU students, both Muslim or non-Muslim of all degrees of faith, are encouraged to be part of the MSA and participate in our weekly activities. The environment of the MSA at SDSU is very tolerant and welcoming.
CAIR-San Diego Rep Attends Talk with Asia Foundation President
(SAN DIEGO, 4/27/07) A representative of the San Diego chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-San Diego) was invited attend a social gathering featuring a conversation with former US Congressman and current President of the Asia Foundation, Douglass Bereuter on Halting "America's Declining Influence in Asia." This event was sponsored by the University of California San Diego's Graduate School of International Relations and Pacific Studies (IR/PS).
During his presentation, Mr. Bereuter suggested that the US must pursue new iniatives to improve relations with Muslims through the process of regular dialogues and exchanged with civil society, media, academics, and think tanks.
Muslims and Jews build bridges of understanding
(SAN DIEGO, CA, 3/21/07) – A representative of the San Diego chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-San Diego) recently joined a dialogue session intended to build bridges of understanding between local Jewish and Muslim communities.
Members of the Conservative Jewish community of Congregation Beth El visited the Islamic Center of San Diego last night for the third gathering in a series of dialogue meetings intended to take place once a month.
CAIR San Diego Rep participates in Interfaith Peace Vigil
(SAN DIEGO, CA, 3/20/07) - A representative of the San Diego chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-San Diego) recently took part in a day-long prayer vigil for peace sponsored by Faith Leaders for Peace, a group of interfaith leaders and activists from San Diego County.
Throughout the event, which took place at the Federal Building in downtown San Diego, participants shared teachings on peace from their various faith traditions.
Taha Hassane, Imam of the Islamic Center of San Diego and an active member of the Faith Leaders for Peace, gave a short supplication at the vigil. The concluding supplication was given by Imam Sharif Battikhi of the American Islamic Services Foundation.
“We applaud Faith Leaders for Peace for sponsoring this event and for promoting peace for all people and faiths on the fourth anniversary of the war in Iraq," said CAIR-San Diego Public Relations Director Edgar Hopida.
CAIR San Diego Rep speaks at High School Journalism contest
(SAN DIEGO, CA, 3/18/07) – A representative of the San Diego Chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-San Diego) spoke recently about “Muslims in Media and Popular Entertainment” at Westview High School in Rancho Penasquitos, Calif.
CAIR-San Diego Public Relations Director Edgar Hopida was invited by the San Diego Journalism Education Association (SDJEA) to address their high school write-off contest.
More than 60 student journalists from San Diego County attended the presentation, learning how news media and popular entertainment affect public perception about Muslims and Islam.
CAIR San Diego Rep Speaks on Islam and Filipino Family Values
(SAN DIEGO, CA, 2/24/07) - A representative of the San Diego chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-San Diego) spoke recently about Islam and its role in the growth and preservation of Filipino values at the third annual Mabuhay Conference, "Fiesta: A Celebration of our Filipino Family Values," at the University of San Diego.
CAIR San Diego Rep participates in the "Next Generation Project: US Global Policy and the future of International Institutions"
(SAN DIEGO, CA, 2/24/07) - The Next Generation Project is premised on the belief that new voices and fresh ideas will strengthen the nation’s discussion of U.S. global policy and the future of international institutions. As part of the project, The Assembly will identify emerging leaders from professional and demographic sectors that have traditionally been underrepresented in foreign policy discussions, and bring them together at meetings across the country that will combine The Assembly's time-tested process with innovative approaches to generate new ideas about U.S. global policy and the future of international institutions; influence discussions about the future of America’s role in the world; and cultivate new policy networks.
Muslims and Jews build bridges of understanding
(SAN DIEGO, CA, 1/31/07) - Local Muslims visited Congregation Beth El in La Jolla, Calif., as part of a series of dialogue meetings between Jewish and Muslim groups designed to explore each other's religious traditions.
CAIR-San Diego Public Relations Director Edgar Hopida was among the delegation of Muslims invited to dialogue with Senior Rabbi Philip Graubart and members of his congregation.
"We welcome the continued dialogue between the Muslim and Jewish communities and hope this effort helps build bridges of understanding and respect between to the two faith groups," said Hopida.
Islamic community meets with former Philippine Senator
(SAN DIEGO, CA, 1/30/07) - A delegation of Filipino American Muslims attended a gathering for former Philippine Senator Santina Tillah-Rasul. In 1987, Senator Rasul was the first Muslim woman to be elected to the Philippine Senate. The gathering was sponsored by the University of Philippines Alumni Association (UPAA) of San Diego.
Senator Rasul spoke about current socio-economic conditions of the Muslim community in Southern Philippines and gave an overview of her program, called Magbassa Kita Foundation. The foundation's activities include literacy promotion, economic empowerment, and peace advocacy in the island of Mindanao. A question and answer session followed her presentation.
Among the Filipino American Muslims invited to attend were Muhammad Yahya Orias, Coordinator of the Shura Council of San Diego, and Edgar Hopida, public relations director for the San Diego chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR - San Diego).
Other guests included Aurora Cudal, associate editor of the Filipino Press, Rita Buencamino-Andrews, president of the Council of Philippine American Organizations of San Diego County (COPAO - San Diego), and other prominent Filipino community leaders.
Health Care professionals learn about the religious and ethical directives in Islam
(SAN DIEGO, 1/26/07) The San Diego chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations conducted a short presentation on the "Religious and Ethical Directives in Islam" for the Scripps Mercy Hospital San Diego Bioethics Committee.
Members of the committee also received the CAIR publication, "A Health Care Professional's Guide to Islamic Religious Practices."
El Cajon Lions Club learns more about CAIR
(SAN DIEGO, CA, 1/22/07) - The San Diego chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations held a presentation about CAIR at the El Cajon Valley Lions Club. The presentation covered the the history of CAIR, it's mission, activities, and projects on both the local and national level. A question and answer session followed the presentation.
The Lions Club received a gift package that included a DVD of the documentary "Legacy of a Prophet" and the Quran, Islam's revealed text.
Journalists attend CAIR San Diego Seminar on Portrayal of Islam in Media
(SAN DIEGO, CA, 1/20/07) - The San Diego chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-San Diego) held a media seminar, entitled "The Image of Islam and Muslims in the Media," at the Islamic Center of San Diego.
The event featured a presentation by CAIR National Communications Coordinator Rabiah Ahmed. An open forum for local Muslim community leaders and media professionals followed Ahmed's presentation.
Attendees received a gift package that included a DVD of the documentary "Legacy of a Prophet" and the Quran, Islam's revealed text.
CAIR San Diego Rep Speaks on similarities between Christianity, Islam
(SAN DIEGO, CA, 12/08/06) - CAIR San Diego Public Relations Director Edgar Hopida gave a presentation on "The Similarities Between Christianity and Islam" at the Solana Beach Library in Solana Beach, CA.
Event participants learned about how Islam shares beliefs and practices found in Christianity. The presentation was concluded by a question and answer session. CAIR San Diego presented the Solana Beach Library with a copy of the Quran, Islam's revealed text.
Local Muslims and Jews build bridges of understanding
(SAN DIEGO, CA, 12/1/06) - Local Muslims visited Congregation Beth El, a Conservative Jewish center in La Jolla, Calif., beginning a series of dialogue meetings between Jewish and Muslim groups. These meetings are intended to take place once a month.
CAIR-San Diego Public Relations Director Edgar Hopida was among the delegation of Muslims invited to dialogue with Senior Rabbi Philip Graubart and members of his congregation.
CAIR San Diego Rep gives presentation about Islam at Local High School
(SAN DIEGO, CA, 11/29/06) - A representative from the San Diego chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-San Diego) gave a presentation about Islam and American Muslims at El Cajon Valley High School in El Cajon, Calif., as part of the high school's "Multi Cultural Week."
CAIR San Diego Rep speaks on Islamic view of the end of times for Local Interfaith group
(San Diego, 11/16/06) A representative of the San Diego chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-San Diego) spoke before the South County Interfaith Alliance on the topic of "The Islamic Perspective on the End of Time." The event also included a similar presentation from a member of the Baha'i faith. A question and answer session followed after both presenters concluded.
"During the question and answer session, a Christian member of the interfaith organization remarked with surprise, how similar Islam and Christianity is toward the afterlife and the events that are said to occur near the end of time. These kind of events are excellent at building bridges because it shows that although we have differences, we have more things in common than normally perceived," says Edgar Hopida, Director of Public Relations of the San Diego Chapter of CAIR.
CAIR San Diego Rep Speaks on Islamophobia
(SAN DIEGO, CA, 11/3/06) - A representative of the San Diego chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR San Diego) spoke yesterday before the Interreligious Council of San Diego (IRC San Diego) on the topic of the origins of Islamophobia and Anti-Muslim attitudes.
Members of the Interreligious Council received a copy of the CAIR 2006 report on "American Public Opinion of Islam and Muslims," a public opinion survey that gauged anti-Muslim sentiment in 2005.
The presentation was concluded with a question and answer session in which members of the Interreligious Council asked about how CAIR and other mainstream Muslim organizations are combating the negative images of Islam as well as drowning out extremist interpretations of the faith as perpetuated overseas.
CAIR San Diego Rep Speaks at Methodist Church
(SAN DIEGO, CA, 10/29/06) - A representative of the San Diego chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR San Diego) spoke at the Mission Hills United Methodist Church.
CAIR-San Diego Director of Public Relations Edgar Hopida gave a short presentation about CAIR's work and a brief introduction to Islam. The presentation was concluded with a question and answer session in which members of the church asked about current events and misunderstandings about Islam and Muslims.
"This type of interfaith dialogue is needed to break down barriers to mutual understanding," said Hopida.
CAIR San Diego Conducts Food Drive for Homeless
(SAN DIEGO, CA, 7/6/06) – The San Diego chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR San Diego) has initiated a food drive for the homeless as a collaborative effort involving local mosques and Islamic centers.
The food drive takes place during "Helping the Needy" month, a part of CAIR's nationwide “Muslims Care” campaign. In this summer-long initiative, each month has a designated theme as a way of encouraging Muslim communities across the United States to reach out to their neighbors and make a positive contribution to society.
The proceeds of the food drive will go to Community Christian Services Agency, a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving the homeless and impoverished in San Diego.
CAIR San Diego participates in Interfaith Service at Immigration Hearing
(SAN DIEGO, CA, 7/6/06) - Faith leaders and advocates from San Diego and other Southern California cities conducted an interfaith service in front of the Imperial Beach Border Patrol Station in response to a closed-door House Immigration Hearing.
The sub-committee conducting the hearings invited groups such as the Friends of the Border Patrol, an organization known for its border vigilantism. The San Diego chapter of the Council on American Islamic Relations (CAIR-San Diego), Interfaith Committee for Worker Justice (ICWJ), and Service Employees International Union (SEIU) were among the faith and advocacy groups who participated in the multi-faith prayer service.
CAIR San Diego Participates in Faith Leader for Peace Event
(SAN DIEGO, CA, 6/15/06)- The San Diego chapter of the Council on
American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-San Diego) recently took part in a
day-long prayer and fasting event to promote peace sponsored by the
Faith Leaders for Peace at the Federal Building in downtown San Diego.
Throughout the day, event participants shared teachings on peace from
our various faith traditions and invited congregations to join in the
event. Shaykh Taha Hassane, Imam of the Islamic Center of San Diego
and also an active member of the Faith Leaders for Peace, led the mid
afternoon prayer for Muslims.
"We applaud the efforts of the Faith Leaders for Peace for sponsoring
this event and for the promotion of peace for all people and faiths,"
said CAIR -San Diego Director of Public Relations Edgar Hopida.
CAIR San Diego Mayoral Forum a Success
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(SAN DIEGO, CA, 9/16/05) - The San Diego office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations
(CAIR-San Diego) hosted a forum for the Muslim community with mayoral candidate Donna Frye on September
15th.
The forum provided an opportunity for Councilwoman Frye to present her views to the Muslim
community prior to the election. Frye began by answering a series of questions that were
submitted prior to the event and ended by opening the floor to questions from the audience. Topics
discussed ranged from concerns of housing ownership, to how Muslims can become more politically-involved.
"We thank Councilwoman Frye for her willingness to engage the Muslim community and address its concerns,"
said CAIR-San Diego Executive Director Omar Hassaine.
CAIR, America's largest Muslim civil liberties group, has 31 offices and chapters nationwide and
in Canada. Its mission is to enhance understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties,
empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.
CAIR San Diego Meets With Ambassador Richard Boucher
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(SAN DIEGO, CA, 8/8/05) - The San Diego chapter of
the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-San
Diego) said today that it helped arrange a recent
meeting between local Muslim leaders and Ambassador
Richard Boucher, former State Department spokesman
and current Assistant Secretary of State for Public
Affairs.
The meeting was designed to discuss foreign policy
issues and to identify the Muslim community's views on
and concerns about theseissues. A dozen community
leaders, including Imams and leaders of local Muslim
organizations, were in attendance.
Ambassador Boucher offered comments on current world
events and said the first came into contact with the
Muslim world while on a mission to Senegal. His
comments were followed by an open discussion with the
Muslim leaders.
Topics discussed ranged from foreign and domestic
policy issues to why anti-Americanism seems to be
growing worldwide. The discussion continued the next
day with a breakfast meeting at the University of San
Diego's Joan B. Kroc Institute for Peace and Justice.
"We thank Ambassador Boucher for his interest in the
Muslim community and its concerns, and hope this is
just the beginning of a productive dialogue," said
CAIR-San Diego Executive Director Omar Hassaine.
CAIR, America's largest Muslim civil liberties group,
has 31 offices and chapters nationwide and in Canada.
Its mission is to enhance understanding of Islam,
encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower
American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote
justice and mutual understanding.
