Paly High - New Location for "Understanding Islam" Speaker Series

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SAN JOSE – Santa Clara County Supervisor Joe Simitian today announced that the second event of the “Understanding Islam” speaker series he is co-hosting and moderating with the Commonwealth Club will be moved to the Haymarket Theater at Palo Alto High School.

High interest has led to the change in venue, in order to accommodate a larger audience. 

“We’re lucky to live in one of the most diverse places in the country,” said Simitian. “But without understanding the diverse cultures around us, misconceptions abound. Our goal is simple: to create a better understanding of Islam among the general public.”

“The Club is pleased to co-sponsor this forum with Supervisor Simitian,” said Commonwealth Club President and CEO Dr. Gloria Duffy. “Not only will it lead to greater understanding of the various interpretations of Islam, but it will create a beneficial dialogue between those of the Muslim faith and others in our community, at a time when open and respectful communication in our society is most needed.”

“At a time when hate crimes and federal policies are targeting our Muslim neighbors, we are grateful for the Commonwealth Club’s leadership in hosting the “Understanding Islam” series,” said CAIR-SFBA Executive Director Zahra Billoo. “We encourage Silicon Valley residents to attend these events, and invite their friends and neighbors as they provide a unique opportunity to hear and learn from some of the region’s Muslim leaders.”

Each event will have a panel discussion, moderated by Simitian, featuring experts and activists from the Islamic community.

All panels will be from 7:00pm-8:30pm. All events are free, but space is limited. Anyone interested can RSVP online at www.commonwealthclub.org/sv or by calling 408-299-5050.

Tuesday, May 9th
7:00pm-8:30pm
Paly Haymarket Theater, 50 Embarcadero Road, Palo Alto
Fear of a Faith: Sharia. Surveillance. Terrorism. The Muslim Ban.
What’s real, and what’s not?
A discussion of the policies, politics, and current events that affect U.S. understandings of Islam and Muslims.

Moderator: County Supervisor Joe Simitian.
Panelists: Ameena Jandali, Islamic Networks Group
Jihad Turk, ‎President of Bayan Claremont Islamic Graduate School

Monday, May 22nd
7:00pm-8:30pm
Location TBD
Women and Islam
A discussion of what it means to be a Muslim woman, and how Islam intersects with gender in
today’s world.

Moderator: County Supervisor Joe Simitian.
Panelists: Sumbul Ali-Karamali, author, The Muslim Next Door
Maha Elgenaidi, Executive Director, Islamic Networks Group

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