From Fundraisers to Rallies Windy City Have It All

Rallies In Chicago

More than hundred American Muslims, men, women and children, belonging to Hizb ut-Tahrir, gathered in front of the Wrigley Building in downtown to protest against the infamous movie maligning Prophet Mohammad(SAW) and his companions. Speaking at the Rally Dr. Raza Imam said, “ There is no need to defend or protect the Prophet (s) because Allah

already said best things about him: "He is on the highest character" and "We have raised your name." He further said, “ Allah and the angels send their blessings on the Prophet (s), so there is no need to defend or protect the Prophet because Allah took care of that.” He explained, “The world is in crisis today: economic turmoil, massive unemployment, healthcare crisis, and massive foreclosure. The world needs a new solution - we believe Islam is that solution.” He told the audience, “The real issue is to discuss the life of the Prophet (s) and Islam with the Muslims.” He said that this is NOT the first time he was insulted and made fun of, in fact, he was known for his kindness, honesty, generosity,trustworthiness, and mercy but as soon as he criticized the society and spoke out against the tribal chiefs, and criticized the cheating in the markets, and called out against the evil practice of burying baby girls alive, that's when he was called crazy, a liar, a magician, etc. He said, “ So we call the world to learn about the Prophet (s) and learn about Islam as a complete way of life." People were holding banners and Placards with protesting slogans and Hizb ut-Tahrir flags.

In a separate  rally Muslims from India, Pakistan and Bangladesh gathered at the corner of Devon and Rockwell streets to protest against the infamous You Tube Video. The Rally was organized by Raja Yaqoob and Ali Bakhtiari. Speaking to the Rally Raja Yaqoob and Saleem Akhter asked the Obama Government to take strict action against the people who are responsible for producing and exhibiting the video. They said this kind of bigotry can not be tolerated. They asked the Muslims of United States to be united and asked them to contact their representatives in the government and record their protest. They said the protests will continue until the US Government take a firm action against the perpetrators. Other speakers also condemned the producers of the video and asked the US government to take measures to stop this kind of insult to any religion. 

American Association of Retired Asians(AARA) Raised Funds for Seniors

American Association of Retired Asians was applauded by the community for its services to the seniors of Greater Chicago. Comparatively a very young organization, in its 5th year, AARA has set the record of popularity among the seniors of South Asia. Its famous lunch on Thursdays at Shahi Nihari in Lombard is becoming an icon, an example of best organizational skills, passion and devotion. Apart from this lunch where poets, singers, musicians and other creative seniors present their works, AARA has been very actively involved in educating the seniors on various services provided by the Government agencies and also offer assistance to them when and where the need arises. Anjali Julka daughter of Late Vichitra Nayyar welcomed the guests and talked about the great service the organization was doing for the seniors of the community. Welcoming the guests Ms Talat Khan, Executive Director of AARA, said that she is honored to have them their to support the dream of developing Senior Assisted Living Facility for the retired asians. She said the organization is providing ESL, health awareness seminars and  other beneficial programs but, she said,  she is proud of the Lunch program on Thursdays, organized in conjunction with Dupage County Department of Aging. She commended Musarrat “Moneek” Khan of Dupage County for helping her in achieving this remarkable mile stone. A documentary envisioning the mission and programs of AARA was projected before I joined Anjali Julka and started raising funds for the organization. Samreen Khan, Senior Advisor to the Governor of Illinois delivered his message to the community. the Governor commended the great work AARA’s board is doing by helping the senior population of the State. Later Sarey Gama fame Farhan Zaidi, The Melody of India Gayatri Patel and The Rafi of Chicago Shehzad Ahmed performed and made the audience to dance on their tunes. Famous Bollywood tabla player Pooran Viyas, Popular Keyboard player Mudassir, great drum player Nadeem and music maestro Rumail Bhatti also gave their top performance for the cause. The passion, the involvement of the audience was memorable. 

APPNA Care Day

APPNA Celebrated 2nd Annual APPNA Care Day through out the country. Thousands of people got free flu vaccinations and at some places Hajj vaccinations. Three such locations in Chicago were busy last Saturday to help communities remain healthy. IFS Libertyville medical camp lead by President of PPS Wasim Kagzi saw record number of patients. In the north side of Chicago, at the Pakistan Business Association’s Clinic a team of physicians and volunteers lead by Dr. Mansoor Alam vaccinated hundreds of community members irrespective of color, cast or creed.  People who are going for Hajj were also vaccinated at the Westmont clinic.  

Metropolitan Asian Family Services(MAFS) Celebrated 20 Years of Service to the Community

Metropolitan Asian Family Services celebrated 20 years of service to the community last Saturday. Speaking at this occasion the President of the Board of Directors Dr. Firdaus Jafry welcomed the guests and the dignitaries. She said “Be generous in supporting the projects of MAFS.” Senior Healthcare Policy Advisor to Governor Pat Quinn Mr. Michael Gelder said, “ Governor Pat Quin is strong supporter of the services MAFS provides to older adults through out the Chicago Metropolitan area.” He added, “ Three more centers during last year is a tremendous accomplishment.” Mr. Jesse White, Secretary of State said, “ We should do whatever we can to help the seniors of our community and to keep their services alive.” Indian Consul of Chicago Mr. N J Kanti congratulated MAFS for completing 20 years of human services. Mary Killough of the Department of Aging, State of Illinois, informed the audience that in Illinois 2 million seniors are being served by the department and the State spends over 800 million dollars on senior services. She said that,”MAFS plays a very important role in providing services to the seniors.” She asked the audience to support MAFS in its projects. Mr. Amrish Singh Gautum said that he feel proud to see the Ex-Patriots of India doing noble deeds in USA. He said “ Together we have to follow the great tradition of love and peace taught by the great leaders of India including Mahatma Gandhi, Pandit Jawahir Lal Nehru, Guru Nanak, Sri Krishan and Sri Ram.” Mr. Karan Sigh Pawar congratulated MAFS for doing remarkable work for the Indian community in Chicago. Dr Gopal G. Lalmalani, President of the Village of Oakbrook said that this organization is truly about services. He commended the work of MAFS and said he is proud of this organization for providing services to the Indian seniors. Ms. Martha of Coalition of Human Services Organizations said “It is a great combination of talented immigrants and local state leaders and politicians who come here to recognize the talent and help immigrant population is providing to grow and achieve what they can achieve.” She added, “ Because of great leadership skills, talent and devotion to human services MAFS is where it is today.” Mr. Narain Patel, Chairperson of 20th Anniversary Celebration event, thanked the audience for supporting MAFS. He said, “Compared to the beginning of MAFS 20 years ago when very few services were provided, now meeting the growing need of senior population MAFS has a wide range of services it provides to the seniors of Indian origin.” Senior Board Member of MAFS Mr. Shankar Prasad Bhatt gave a brief history of his relationship with MAFS and its leadership. He commended Ms. Santosh Kumar and other board members and said, “When you serve humanity, God is always with you.” Mrs Ramesh Goyal commended the organization for its excellent human services work durig the last 20 years. She thanked Meadows Club and Dharishti for helping in organizing the great event. Ms. Santosh Kumar Founder and Executive Director of MAFS gave a breif overview od services provided by the organization. She thanked government organizations and the sponsors for supporting the projects. She said it is after Dr. Firdaus Jafri joined the organizations that the organization has grown tremendously. Adressing the community and the journalists she said, “Please think right. She said the government agencies present here keep a close watch on the expenditure of the money this organization gets from them. If we make mistake they correct it. She further said that MAFS has started many programs when and where the need arises. After few dance performers Mrs. Madan Gulkarni introduced the entertainment program, a musical evening to pay tribute to Late Kishore Kumar. She  thanked the sponsors, Jet Airways of India, Medstar, Women’s Doc, National Bankcard and Horizon Medical Center. Kishore’s two sons Ameet and Summit Kumar took the audience on a nostalgic tour by singing Kishore’s unforgettable musical numbers. Prior to this MAFS distributed awards to almost  all the distinguished guests including the President of the Board of Directors Dr. Firdaus Jafri for the remarkable contribution they made towards the growth of MAFS.

ViewPoint Dr. Mujahid Ghazi

 

IMANA Medical Relief(IMR) Saves Smiles in Sudan and Rejuvenate Communities in Haiti

Last Ramadan I was helping to raise funds for two major organizations. Islamic Relief and Islamic Medical Association of North America’s relief wing IMR. Talking about the projects on Global TV like Geo is one thing and experiencing first hand about these projects is totally a different ball game. Last month I saw a team of volunteer physicians and medical students arriving at IMANA’s head quarter and spending their weekend in packing supplies in big shockproof boxes. Sorting them, checking their expiry dates and classifying them according to the procedures they are going to be used in. Making sure that each category of material is in enough quantity to be used during the surgeries and treatment in Sudan and Haiti. 
Dr. Ismail Mehr, President Elect was working with the volunteers at times more than everyone, checking if everything is put in respective boxes or not?  Address tags are properly displayed or not? More than 10 of these boxes will be traveling with volunteers as their personal luggage to save the money otherwise spent on expensive courier or cargo service. The volunteers and officials purchased their own tickets. IMR only provide logistic support to its volunteers, with food and water, once they arrive in Sudan or Haiti.

Their ‘Save Smile’ clinic starts in the first week of March in Sudan. This clinic performs surgery on hundreds of Sudanese who suffer from Cleft Palate, a birth defect, which is very common in Sudan. Due to lack of awareness and surgical intervention, these children and adults, suffer throughout their lives and are isolated and annihilated by the society. The volunteer plastic surgeons, anesthesiologists, nurses and medical students get time out from their busy schedule and travel to Sudan to help these individuals gain self esteem and a chance to live like a normal person. The happiness and empowerment these volunteers bring to the communities is out of this world. There was a young woman who sold her livestock and walked three days with the money to reach “Save Smile” Clinic in Khartoum. She was surprised to see that doctors are Muslim physicians from US who are not charging a penny for their service. Tears of happiness and gratitude came into her eyes after the surgery, when she saw her defect repaired. She got married after few months and is living a very happy life with her husband. A blind 55 years old Qur’an teacher, who lived with the defect his whole life, praised and prayed loudly after he touched freshly repaired lips against the advice of the surgeon Pervez Malik. What is better in life than to serve it to bring a smile to the faces of people who are otherwise ignored and ridiculed by the society?

While Save Smile Clinic will be spreading smiles on the faces of patients and their family members in Sudan, another volunteer team will be working in Haiti to diagnose and treat patients, in a remote town, where people don’t see a regular doctor routinely. Not because they don’t afford it but simply because they don’t have a doctor there. Dr. Nadeemullah, a Board Certified physician in Internal Medicine, Palliative and Hospice care spearheads this project. He takes three or four teams of volunteers every year since the earthquake hit that island. They go with medicines and other materials to help the disease afflicted community.

This year I am also joining the Haiti team. I hope I will bring more information on this project when I come back.

It is not Ramadan but do we have to wait for Ramadan to dig into our pockets and help IMANA Medical Relief’s humanitarian projects in Sudan and Haiti?

To help IMR mail your donations to

IMANA Headquarters

101 W. 22^nd Street Suite 106

Lombard, IL 60148

Ph: 630-932-0000

Long March, Dharna and the 180 million audience

This Column was written two days before the drop scene of Islamabad Dharna

http://www.wbez.org/programs/worldview/2013-01-16/worldview-pakistans-protest-leader-greek-taxes-and-zambian-psych-rock

غزہ میں آگ اور خون کا کھیل اور امریکہ میں جشن فتح

 تماشہ مرے آگے۔۔۔۔۔

ڈاکٹر مجاہد غازی کے قلم سے

غزہ میں آگ اور خون کا کھیل، امریکہ کا اسلحہ اور ہمدردیاں ظالموں کے ساتھ۔ جیت کا جشن جاری

صدر ابامہ کی فتح کا جشن منانے والےکیا ان سے غزہ کے عوام سے انصاف کا مطالبہ کریں گے؟

جہاد مشراوی اپنے ۱۱ ماہ کے بیٹے کی مسخ شدہ لاش کو اپنے سینے سے لگائے دنیا سے سوال کر رہا تھا کہ آخر اس کے بیٹے کا کیا قصور تھا جس کی سزا اسے ملی؟ غزہ میں بی بی سی کا یہ نمائندہ غم سے نڈھال اسرائیل کی جارحیت کا تازہ ترین شکار تھا۔اسرائیلی طیاروں کی اندھا دھند بمباری نے اس معصوم سمیت جہاد کے گھر کے دو اور لوگوں کی جان لے لی تھی۔ گزشتہ بدھ سے شروع ہوئی بمباری نے بے شمار بے قصور بچوں اور عورتوں کو شہید کر دیا ہے۔ بےشمار شہری زخمی ہو چکے ہیں۔ اسرائیل اور غزہ کے درمیاں یہ تنازعہ اس وقت شروع ہوا جب گزشتہ بدھ کو اسرائیلی تیاروں نے بلا کسی اشتعال کے ایک  حملے میں حماس کے عسکری ونگ کے سربراہ احمد جباری اور ان کے نائب کو شہید کر دیا تھا۔ کہتے ہیں کہ احمد جباری نے گزشتہ پانچ برسوں میں حماس کے جنگجوئوں کو اسرائیل پر میزائیل حملوں سے باز رکھا تھامگر اسرائیل کی مہم جو سیاسی قیادت نے آنے والے الیکشن میں اپنی جیت کو یقینی بنانے کے لیے یہ نا عاقبت اندیش اقدام کیا۔ اس کے جواب میں حماس کے جنگجوئوں نے انتقام کے طور پر اسرائیل پر میزائیلوں سے حملہ کر دیا جس کو بہانہ بنا کر اسرائیل نے غزہ کے معصوم شہریوں پر ظلم و ستم کا پہاڑ توڑ دیا ۔  ستم یہ ہے کہ فاکس نیوز جیسے اسلام دشمن مغربی میڈیا نے اسے حماس کی دہشت گردی سے تعبیر کرتے ہوئے اسرائیل کے اقدام کو دفاعی حکمت عملی قرار دے کر تصویر کا ایک رخ دکھانا شروع کر دیا۔

مجھے پانچ سال پہلے کا وہ زمانہ یاد آگیا جب کچھ اسی شدت سے صیہو نیت کے علم برداروں نے غزہ کے نہتے شہریوں پر فضائی اور زمینی حملہ کرکے آگ اور خون کا وہ بازار گرم کیا تھا جس نے اس شہر کو تباہ اور برباد کر کے رکھ دیا تھا۔ اس پر ستم یہ تھا کے چاروں طرف سےگھیرا تنگ کر کے کسی بھی قسم کی امداد کو  ناممکن بنا دیا گیا تھا۔اس وقت اسلامک میڈیکل ایسوسی ایش امریکہ کے ڈاکٹروں کی ٹیم نے جان جونکھوں میں ڈال کر غزہ کے زخمیوں کی مدد کی تھی اور الشفاء ہسپتال میں ہنگامی آپریشنوں کے ذریعہ سینکڑوں زخمیوں کی جان بچائی تھی۔ ان کی ٹیم اس وقت امریکہ سے پہنچنے والی پہلی ٹیم تھی۔  ہمارے اپنے شہر شکاگو کے نوجوان ڈاکٹر عمران قریشی نے غزہ سے براہ راست انٹرویو دیتے ہوئے اس ناچیز کے ریڈیو پروگرام میں اسرئیلی جارحیت کا آنکھوں دیکھا حال سنایا تھا۔ گزشتہ رمضان المبارک میں جیو ٹی وی کے ٹیلی تھون میں ڈاکٹر اسماعیل مہر اور ڈاکٹر سعید اختر نے مزید اس پر روشنی ڈالتے ہوئے امانا ریلیف  کے الشفاء ہسپتال غزہ سے مستقل رابطے اور فنی اور میڈیکل آلات کی شکل میں مستقل جاری امداد کا ذکر کیا تھا۔ گو کے اسرائیل کی جارحیت ایک بار پھر عفریت بن کر غزہ کے معصوم اور بے کس انسانوں کو نگلنے کے در پہ ہے مگر اب حالات بدل چکے ہیں۔ اس حملے کے دوران مصر کے وزیر اعظم ہشام قندیل نے غزہ کا دورہ کیا۔ الشفاء ہسپتال میں جا کر نہ صرف مریضوں کی عیادت کی بلکہ غزہ کے شہریوں سے اظہار یکجہتی کرتے ہوئے یقین دلایا کہ مصر کے عوام اس کڑے وقت میں انہیں تنہا نہیں چھوڑیں گے۔صرف وہی نہیں ان کے فوراً بعد  عرب میڈیکل یونین کے جنرل سیکریٹری ڈاکٹر عبدالمنیم ابو الفتح نے، جو گزشتہ مصری انتخابات میں صدارتی امیدوار بھی تھے، ڈاکٹروں کے ایک وفد کے ہمراہ غزہ کا دورہ کیا اور طبی اور غیر طبی امداد کی پیشکش کی۔ انہوں نے اسرئیلی جارحیت کی بھر پور مذمت کرتے ہوئے کہا کےاگر دنیا نے کچھ نہ کیا تو ان معصوم بچوں کے خون کی ذمہ داری انسانیت پر عائد ہوگی۔ سینکڑوں مصری نوجوانوں نے رفاح کا رخ کیا ہے تاکہ وہ اپنے مسلمان بھائی بہنوں کے شانہ بشانہ اسرئیل کی جارحیت کا مقابلہ کریں اور اس مشکل وقت میں امدادی کاموں میں ان کا ہاتھ بٹائیں۔ اردن میں جہاں پہلی مرتبہ مہنگائی اور کرپشن سے تنگ عوام اپنے بادشاہ اور اس کی پٹھو  حکومت کے خلاف سڑکوں پر نکل آئے ہیں بھرپور انداز میں اسرائیلی جارحیت کے خلاف بحی احتجاج کر رہے ہیں۔ یہی حال نہ صرف آس پاس کے مسلم ممالک کے عوام کا ہے بلکہ دنیا بھر میں امن دوست عوام اس تازہ جارحیت کے خلاف سراپا احتجاج ہے۔ دنیا بھر کی حکومتیں کہیں کھل کر اور کہیں دبے لفظوں میں اسرئیلی حکومت کے اس اقدام کی مذمت کر رہی ہیں مگر ہماری اپنی حکومت جسے ہم نے خود ابھی کچھ ہی دن پہلے اپنے ووٹوں سے منتخب کیا تھا، کھل کر اسرائیل کے اس اقدام کی حمایت کرتے ہوئے اسے ایک دفاعی اقدام قرار دے رہی ہے۔ وہ لوگ جو اب تک جشن فتح منانے میں پیش پیش ہیں اور راقم سمیت اپنے دوستوں اور جاننے والوں کو اس جشن میں شمولیت کی دعوت دے رہے ہیں اور وہ مسلمانوں کے لیڈر جو ای میلوں اور ذاتی ٹیلی فون کالوں کے ذریعہ اصرار کر رہے ہیں کہ ہم صدر ابامہ کو ان کی جیت پر مبارکباد دیں کیا اتنی جرات اور ہمت رکھتے ہیں کے صدر ابامہ اور جیتے ہوئے سیاستدانوں کی آنکھوں میں آنکھیں ڈال کر ان سے کہیں کہ وہ جانبداری اور  سرد مہری کا لبادہ اتار کر غزہ کے مظلوم انسانوں کا ساتھ دیں اور اسرائیل کو مجبور کریں کہ وہ اس جارحیت سے باز آجائے۔ یہ ان کے امتحان کا وقت ہے ورنہ ڈاکٹرعبدل منیم ابو الفتح کی طرح   ہم  یہ کہنے پر مجبور ہونگے کہ غزہ کے معصوم بچوں کے خون سے ان کے ہاتھ بھی رنگے ہوئے ہیں۔   

American Muslims have to change their attitude. Ethan Casey at American Islamic College (AIC)

Viewpoint

By Dr. Mujahid Ghazi

Pictures by Rana Yurtsever

American Muslims have to change their attitude. Ethan Casey at American Islamic College (AIC)

Strange things happen some time. I wrote my Urdu column yesterday and sent it to print. With those thoughts still in my mind I went to American Islamic College and to my surprise not only the speaker but even some esteemed attendees were expressing the same logic which I had mentioned in my Urdu column a day before. So I thought I would share it with English readers as well.

 

The Muslim world is going through a turmoil. The Iraq-Afghan occupation, Ghaza aggression, then the Arab Spring and its after effects in Lybia, Syria and other Muslim countries. Deteriorating situation in Somalia and Sudan. Thousands of Muslims died and are still dying. Then came this video that has up hauled the Muslim Ummah and the world. Global reaction of the Muslims and the cold response of the West broaden the differences and promoted the hate against the West and US. The way Government of Pakistan handled the situation made the situation worse. Definitely the movie has done its damage. The attack on American Embassy in Libya and killing of the diplomats brought the Muslims in US back to square one. Organizations like ISNA, ICNA, MAS and other local Muslim organizations issued press releases condemning this act of violence along with condemnation of the controversial movie.

Ethan Casey a journalist and a writer who has written three books on Pakistan and has been a great friend of Pakistani community was the keynote speaker at American Islamic College (AIC) in Chicago. He has to speak on  “Can Muslims Be American?  An American View”. At the onset of his speech he said he has prepared on this topic but he feels like he should change his presentation and make it more relevant to the present situation. He asked the Muslim Americans to stop being timid and stand strongly against the injustices done to them. He said that the American history tells us that only that community is heard which stands up against the injustice and aggression. He said far right Christians have now very masterly organized themselves and have become very strong. He mentioned how the Catholics, Irish, Germans and Italians were ridiculed in the past, but he said they came a long way by consistently raising their voice and struggling persistently to protect their rights. He mentioned the civil right movement and along with Rev. Martin Luther King recognized Malcolm X who was very instrumental in getting the Afro Americans their right to live with dignity and pride. He said that’s what Muslims of America has to do. They have to get organized and participate in the mainstream process and stand up for their rights. Habib Raja and few other attendees pointed out the double standard of the West and the US. They quoted the recent example of Prince Williams’s wife Kate Middleton and how the English government stopped the printing of her topless pictures saying that it hurts the Royal family. Habib Raja said and on the other hand when it comes to the Prophet of Islam Mohammad (Peace Be Upon Him) who is the supreme religious personality for 1.5 billion Muslims, the same powers in the West and US deny stopping the nuisance on the ground of freedom of speech (First Amendment). He said this is mere bigotry and asked the speaker to share it with his Non Muslim American audience. Ethan Casey very honestly responded that it will not make any difference and the Non Muslim secular American population would not be receptive of this argument because they are against religion whether it is Islam, Christianity or Judaism. He insisted on his argument of empowerment of the community by proactively involving in the American Society and establishing strong institutions and organizations so that no one in future would dare to ridicule Muslims or Islam.

That was my argument in my Urdu column written a day before. It is fine to organize rallies and marches to protest against the infamous movie but the speeches and the content should be wisely formulated, keeping in mind that the observer is not Muslim from the other part of the world but already misinformed American. If he sees us violently raising slogans and delivering emotional speeches without logical content, it will strengthen his/her anti Islam and anti Muslim rhetoric. Although I am a little cautious about Hizb ut-Tahrir but I liked there approach in the rally they staged last Saturday. Dr. Raza Imam speaking at the rally clearly said that it is not the first time some one has ridiculed the Prophet (SAW) or Islam. Allah has taken this responsibility to protect the prophet’s honor and He will do it. He praised the life of Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) and pointed out the problems, the West and US, are going through like unemployment, moral corruption and social evils. He then offered Islam as the solution to this crisis. He also mentioned the double standard of the West and condemned the infamous movie and its producers.

I also mentioned in the said column that instead of organizing rallies and marches individually, following the teachings of Prophet Mohammad (Peace Be Upon Him), we should demonstrate unity and empower the bigger organizations like ISNA, ICNA, MAS and CIOGC (Umbrella organization of more than 50 Muslim Centers and organizations in the Greater Chicago). Instead of making our own small mosques, we should be part of these representative organizations and get our voice heard. We should empower the intellectuals  and the skills and organizations they represent. This is what the Jews, Catholics, Afro-Americans and other communities have done, and now, no one dare to ridicule them. May Allah guide us walk on the straight path. Aameen. 

 




 

Chicago Roundup

One Nation, One Dream. ICIRR Immigrant Integration Summit

Rep. Jan Schakowsky Announced Case Closing of Jilani Family

In front of a packed audience at Molcolm X College U.S. Rep. Jan Schakowsky announced the administrative closing of cases against Mujahid Jilani family. She was speaking at the 2^nd Annual Illinois Immigrant Integration Summit of Illinois Coalition of Immigrant and Refugee Rights (ICIRR). She commended the initiative taken by President Obama who recently asked the Department of Homeland Security to practice the rights given to them by ‘Morton’s Memo’. The memo gives authority to DHS to administratively close ongoing cases which besides other criteria, are in the immigrant courts for 10 years or more.

Family of Syed Mujahid Jilani suffered for years since they received a notice of voluntary deportation in 2002 while coming back from a failed entry into Canada. It was NSEERS, the infamous registration of citizens of 12 Muslim countries in the wake of 9/11 which made Jilani family to suffer this long. They came to US in 1999 to get treatment for their 3 years old daughter Tooba Jilani, a special child with mental and physical deficiencies. She was going through surgical correction at Shriner’s Hospital. During this 10 year ordeal volunteers from ICIRR Mehrdad Azemun and Ashley Moy-Wooten, Dr. Mujahid Ghazi from Asian Broadcasting Network and Sadruddin Noorani, a community activist worked with Tahir Kameli, John Floss and other attorneys from Kameli Associates who provided selfless pro bono help to the aggrieved family. It was not before U.S. Rep. Jan Schakowsky met the family and the activists on 20^th of October, 2011 that the things started rolling. She wrote a letter to the Secretary of DHS Hon. Janet Napolitano asking her to exercise prosecutorial discretion and administratively closing the pending removal proceedings based on the criteria mentioned in John Morton’s memo of July 2011. Rep. Schakowsky asked other families like Jilanis to come forward and take advantage of President Obama’s initiative to help immigrant communities.

The Illinois Coalition of Immigrant and Refugee Rights, an umbrella of 130 member organizations, attracted 1500 attendees to attended workshops and closing session which featured appearances by Senator Dick Durbin, U.S. Rep. Luis Gutierrez, U.S. Rep. Jan Schakowsky, Illinois Speaker of the House Mike Madigan, Illinois Senate President John Cullerton, Cook County President Tony Preckwinkle, Illinois Governor Pat Quinn and University of Illinois President Michael Hogan.

In his speech Governor Pat Quinn reiterated his intention of implementing the Illinois Dream Act, the 2011 law that created a privately funded scholarship program for undocumented students. He also announced a seven-member DREAM Fund commission of education, business, and immigrant leaders to raise money for scholarships.

“We have a tough budget, but we don’t want to cut back on human services,” the Governor defended his budget.

Earlier Alie Kabba of United African Organization and ICIRR Board President welcomed the attendees and guests. Tuyet Le from Asian American Institute talked about the 2011 successes of ICIRR and introduced ‘One Nation, One Dream’ 2012 platform.

Incoming CEO of ICIRR Lawrence Benito, CAIR-Chicago Executive Director Ahmed Rehab and other community activists also spoke at the event.

Out going CEO and incoming ICIRR Chief Strategy Executive Josh Hoyt and Congressman Gutierrez Recognized Rev. Walter “Slim” Coleman and Emma Lozano by presenting a life size painting of them.

Eid Milad un Nabi Celebrated in Des Plaines

Eid Milad un Nabi was celebrated in Des Plaines by local residents. After recitation of Holy Qur’an, Hamds and Naats were recited by a Mohammad Aslam, Javed Bhatti and others. Peer e Tareeqat Allama Syed Shah Badruddin Quadri Al-Jilani spoke about the life of Prophet Muhammed (SAW). The event was attended by a large number of the the Muslim community. Azher and Aneeqa Hussain made sure that no one leave without a Tabarruk. The food was also served at this event.

Masjid al-Islam Inaugrated in Elgin

Decorated with beautiful blue tiles imported from Pakistan, the beautiful building of Masjid al-Islam was inaugurated in a unique style. After Bismillah of 6 year old Waliullah young Muslim scholars and students recited Qur’an one by one. In his speech Maulana Abdullah Saleem thanked the community to make a dream come true of having a much needed Masjid within the IIE complex in Elgin. He prayed for all the people who contributed in the building process. More than 1500 people attended this inauguration. This mosque will not only serve the students living in the hostel but will also attract the Muslim community living around it.

Kashmir Solidarity Day Observed in Chicago

On February 5^th every year, Pakistanis all over the world observe the Kashmir Solidarity Day globally to re-affirm their passionate love and affiliations with the people of Indian-Administered Kashmir. It was observed in Chicago last week, organized by the Consul General of Pakistan in Chicago. K. Rizwan Kadir, of the University of Chicago Kashmir Society, made an impassionate presentation about the human rights abuses in Kashmir. He pointed out that what started out as a territorial and political issue devolved into a human rights morass in the last 2 decades. According to the statistics he presented, in 10 years, from 1989 to 2009 over 92,000 Kashmiris were killed. Out of which 7,000 were custodial killings. There were 115,000 arrests. 107,000 children were orphaned, 105,000 houses/shops were destroyed. 23,000 women were widowed and 10,000 rapes were reported which do not include sexual torture of men. He further explained that a lot of this is a direct result of the draconian laws, such as the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) of 1958 and the Disturbed Areas Act of 1976, which grant the military and the police extraordinary powers to search and arrest and detain people without warrant and shoot to kill.

Kadir pointed out that the relatives of more than 8,000 persons continue to wait for the government to probe all the cases of disappearances, deliver justice to the families of the disappeared, and punish the perpetrators. In the meantime, a new horrific phenomenon, dubbed “Half Widows” has emerged, whereby women, whose husbands have been subjected to enforced ‘disappearances’ and have not yet been declared deceased, continue to have their family lives on hold. By conservative estimates, there are 1,500 such widows in Kashmir.

A long time Kashmiri activist Javed Rathore also asked the community to unite and devote time to create awareness about Kashmir issue. Kainat Zaheer spoke about Kashmir issue from a youth standpoint. She shed light on the history of the conflict and long oppression and aggression of Kashmiris by Indian security forces. Dr. Murtaza Arain introduced Michael Wolfe’s book on Kashmir which was published after he made a sponsored visit of the occupied Kashmir back in 1998. Consul General Zaheer Pervez Khan read out the messages of the Prime Minister and President of Pakistan. He quoted the president’s message which included,“While seeking a peaceful settlement of Jammu and Kashmir dispute, Pakistan will continue to express its complete solidarity with the Kashmiris and extend its fullest political, moral and diplomatic support to their just cause.”

The Prime Minister’s message started with this statement, “The Government and the people of Pakistan join their Kashmiri brothers and sisters in solemnly observing the Kashmir Solidarity Day. On this occasion, we reaffirm our complete support for the heroic struggle of the Kashmiri people for the effective realization of their fundamental and inalienable rights.”

He also thanked the audience for responding to his call. A large number of community members attended the event including young members of Tehreek e Insaaf Chicago chapter.