Original news, features, opinions from Chicago to Jerusalem
By Ray Hanania Author and Muslim feminist rights voice Asra Nomani discusses the fight to confront growing extremism in the Muslim and the Arab World, and the more important battle to strengthen the voices of moderate. Nomani, the author of several books on her life as a Muslim woman, talks about the need to understand how…
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By Abdennour Toumi Ankara – Turkey — The recent attacks in Paris are but one act in a series of serious threats posed by “homegrown” radicalism from young immigrant Muslim dissenters. This menace has forced Western domestic intelligence to deal with a case that demands vigilant law enforcement on one hand and a general review of Muslim…
Read More “Edjteehad in the West: fighting Islamic extremism” »
By Ray Hanania UPDATE 2, Friday: Bridgeview Police released the following statement: Bridgeview Police today interviewed two individuals believed to be involved in an exchange of comments on Facebook that involved allegations of threats made against the Bridgeview Mosque. Both suspects were interviewed at the Bridgeview Police Headquarters. The names of the persons of interest…
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By Maria C. Khoury, Ed. D. It was simply a most glorious celebration of the Epiphany on the Jordan River today according to the Old Julian calendar. There were hundreds of priests, nuns and thousands of people from all walks of life coming to the precious site where over 2,000 years ago “…the heavens were…
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By Ray Hanania The absence of our story as Arab-Americans may explain why so many Americans hate Arabs and Muslims, especially in the wake of the Charlie Hebdo Massacre. Most Americans lump Arabs and Muslims into one category of spite because, to be honest, most Americans are uneducated and ignorant about the facts. I blame…
Read More “I Am Not Charlie Hebdo: I Am Not the Terrorists Either” »
By Maria Khoury Christ is Born! Glorify Him! I thought you might like to see how Bethlehem looked like this Christmas. with prayers and good wishes from the very land of Christ’s birth. All Christian denominations in Palestine agreed to celebrate Christmas on the new calendar December 25th since the early 90’s and celebrate the Holy…
By Mohammed Asad Orthodox Christians from around the world celebrated Christmas today, Jan. 7, 2015. The Orthodox Christmas is celebrated on the basis of the old Julian Calendar and often comes within a week or two of the traditional Christmas on Dec. 25 of each year. Orthodox Christians are mainly from Middle East and Mediterranean countries…
Read More “Orthodox Christians celebrate Christmas in Gaza Strip” »
By Ray Hanania As a Christian, no city in the world means more to me than the “Little Town of Bethlehem.” I write about it often, mainly to remind American Christians — many of whom have forgotten the roots of their faith and therefore the spirit of their Christianity — that Bethlehem is a real…
Read More “A virtual visit to the birthplace of Christianity, Bethlehem” »
The United States Commission on Civil Rights today announced that it has sent a letter to Attorney General Eric Holder recommending that the revised DOJ guidelines applicable to law enforcement officials should not exclude the Department of Homeland Security from compliance with the guidelines. The letter states: “We commend the efforts of the Department of…
Read More “Civil Rights agency urges expanding racial profiling ban” »
The Minnesota chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-MN) today welcomed a federal agreement over the rejection of the planned Abu Huraira Islamic Center in St. Anthony Village, Minn. CAIR: St. Anthony Islamic Center Squabble Ends in Settlement “This settlement sends a clear message that there are consequences to denying people their constitutionally-protected rights,”…
Read More “Minnesota Settlement clears way for Muslim prayer center” »
By Ali Younes For Hamas leader Khaled Meshaal, this year was an emotional roller coaster that had the potential to destroy his fledgling and increasingly powerful organization or make it even more powerful and relevant than ever before. Speaking to chairman of Hamas political Bureau in the Qatari capital, Doha last week on wide range…
Read More “Exclusive: Hamas leader Meshaal: Israel risks religious war over Jerusalem” »
New head of Antiochian Church in America enthroned in New York City by Patriarch of Antioch; Antiochian Patriarch to meet with World and U.S. officials on issues in Syria The second largest Orthodox Christian Church in North America has a new leader, enthroned by the head of one of the oldest churches on earth. On…
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By Mike Ghouse Of all the Muharram commemorations, Muharram 2014 could become significant in this millennium. It was a battle between good and evil fought 1334 years ago that we face collectively now. Imam Hussein (ra) stood up against the wicked king Yazid, and refused to endorse him as the spiritual leader, also known as…
Read More “Muharram 2014; a catalyst for change for Muslims.” »
Holy Christian Ecumenical Foundation forges coalition to Help Holy Land Christians (WASHINGTON, D.C., 10/23/14) – A group of American Muslim and Christian organizations today announced the formation of an interfaith coalition to protect Christians and other religious minorities in Arab countries and to promote peaceful coexistence. Leaders of major Muslim and Christian organizations, religious leaders…
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Ashrawi warns Israel destroying Christian presence in the Holy Land at Middle East Christian confab By Ray Hanania Last September, Middle East Christians were thrust into a spotlight they have long deserved when U.S. Senator Ted Cruz told a questionable Washington D.C. group ostensibly organized to “defend them” that if they didn’t support Israel then…
Jordan King says he is committed to protecting Christian Arabs AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah on Tuesday said that co-existence and fraternity among Muslims and Christians living in Jordan stand as a distinct model in the Middle East. He made his remarks at a meeting with a number of leaders of Christian denominations from…
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Conference explores the important role of Christians in Middle East peace The most important gathering of Christian Arab voices on Palestine and Peace By Ray Hanania The Holy Land Christian Ecumenical Foundation (HCEF) will holds its 16th Annual Convention this weekend, Oct. 17 and 18, 2014 at the Marriott Hotel in the nation’s capitol exploring…
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AHRC welcomes the 26th Global Report on Fighting Impunity The American Human rights Council (AHRC) welcomes the publishing of the 26 Global Report on Fighting Impunity prepared by International Rehabilitation Center that was released on Monday September 29, 2014. The UN General Assembly proclaimed June 26 as the annual “International Day in Support of Victims…
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