Simitian, Commonwealth Club to host "Understanding Islam" speaker series
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SAN JOSE – Santa Clara County Supervisor Joe Simitian today announced that he will be co-hosting and moderating a three-part speaker series this spring with the Commonwealth Club on “Understanding Islam.”
“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 and will be held in the Embarcadero Room at the Rinconada Library in Palo Alto. All events are free, but space is limited. Anyone interested can RSVP online at www.commonwealthclub.org/sv or by calling 408-299-5050.
Monday, April 3rd
7:00pm-8:30pm
What does it mean to be Muslim? The basics.
A discussion of Islam as a religion and an identity in modern America and abroad.
Moderator: County Supervisor Joe Simitian.
Panelists: Sumbul Ali-Karamali, author, The Muslim Next Door
Maha Elgenaidi, Executive Director, Islamic Networks Group
Jihad Turk, President of Bayan Claremont Islamic Graduate School
Tuesday, May 9th
7:00pm-8:30pm
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
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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