Posted on 08/23/2005 11:36:55 AM PDT by 4.1O dana super trac pak
Parma- The Irish have one. So do the Italians, the Greeks and the Puerto Ricans.
But Greater Cleveland's 40,000 Muslims have had no unifying festival to strengthen their bonds and to share their diverse cultures with the rest of their neighbors.
That all changed Saturday with the debut of SalaamFest 2005. The one-day event, held at the Islamic Center of Cleveland on West 130th Street, featured games and food as well as educational and cultural activities for both the faithful and the curious.
"The idea was to bring the community together," said Ali Khan, chairman of the organizing committee. "All the major mosques are involved. This is a start, hopefully."
The festival, which got a strong turnout despite scattered showers, grew out of a series of town hall meetings at Cleveland State University last year. Those discussions centered on the need to show the outside world - as well as Muslims themselves - that their religion is not the rigid, humorless dogma often portrayed in the media and popular culture.
To that end, games included "Pin the Black Stone on the Kaba," a new version of an old children's game.
Instead of using a donkey and tail, contestants try their luck placing the divine meteorite in the correct spot in the Kaba, the central shrine of Islam. The day even concluded with a Muslim comedy troupe called Allah Made Me Funny.
"A lot of people feel threatened by our religion, and a lot of Muslims are afraid of their own identity," said Hadele Banna of the Concerned Muslims of Greater Cleveland.
Local Muslims view the event as significant for several reasons.
First, the festival was organized by a diverse, grass-roots effort rather than by the mosques, which are usually distinguished by specific race and ethnic backgrounds.
Also, it comes at a time when Muslims throughout the nation - regardless of race or nationality - are still being stigmatized by the Sept. 11 attacks.
Finally, it gives the Muslim community here the kind of high-profile festival that Muslims in other U.S. and Canadian cities have enjoyed for years.
"We felt it was time in Cleveland to do this," said Muhammad Samad of the IntraCity Muslim Action Network.
Organizers were set to hold the event in downtown Cleveland but changed plans because of the cost and uncertainties about the turnout. But they hope to hold future festivals in a place where the entire Cleveland community can participate.
"Some people think Muslims are closed off and don't interact with their neighbors," said Julia Shearson, one of the organizers. "Nothing could be further from the truth."
Are they going to have a pig roast?
Im printing this thread out for my 65 yr old fraile mom.. if she keels over from laughter its all ur fault lol... this is great
American Muslims are actually a well-behaved part of the society unlike the Islamic underclass in Europe and are generally well-educated etc. The 9/11 attackers were not Americans.
"Irish, Italians and Puerto Ricans are all ethnic groups.
Islam is not."
I couldn't agree more.
This is a legitimate festival once they start having Catholic festivals, Lutheran fairs, etc.
My mind is made up about islam. They've taught me all I need to know.
They'd better hope that some mullah doesn't make them dead. Ooops nevermind. It is perfectly okay to lie and deceive unbelievers.
Sounds like a Wrestle-Mania event.
Ahhhh, muslim children... they blow up so fast.
Make sure you bring all the ladies by the out-patient cliterodectomy tent.
Concerned Muslims? Concerned about what? Concerned about keeping that bogus Religion of Peace facade? This is beyond satire!
LMAO
"""I'm not impressed by a Muslim festival."""
If you happen to be in Vancouver, Canada, on September 11th go and visit a Muslim festival at Stanley Park's Lumberman's Arch.
They serve the best bhajia I've ever eaten!
Lineups for this delicacy are long ..... so don't buy just one serving, or you'll be back in line in a New York minute.
Their act bombed.
Beheadings ? Amputations ?
Dunno. We critisize Muslims for not assimilating and remaining closed off to the rest of American society.
Festivals like this are a good step if they signify and increased thr willingess on the part of American Muslims to join American society.
You say that like it's a bad thing.
Salaam-fest?
Damnit! I thought it read Salami Feast! Damn, I love that stuff too! mmmmm Pork!
R3
"American Muslims are actually a well-behaved part of the society unlike the Islamic underclass in Europe and are generally well-educated etc. The 9/11 attackers were not Americans."
BS. My bs meter is pegged. There's an imam in Cleveland, Fawiz Dhamra... they deported him for terrorist ties. The 9/11 attackers couldn't have succeeded without local help. There are other imams being investigated and deported for terrorist ties.
Sure, turn a blind eye. OUR muslims are nice, THEIR muslims are the terrorists.
It's simple... islam = evil.
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