Idris Jassim Al-Oboudi ادريس جاسم العبودي ialiraqi@hotmail.com ialoboudi@citymb.info Idris is a nationally recognized Recreation and Parks professional and public speaker. A Highly motivating, energetic, passionate leader with vision and a pragmatic approach to recreation issues and needs, has been working in the field of Recreation for the Past 28 years. He is currently the Manager of Parks and Recreation for the City of Manhattan Beach California. Idris is the recipient of numerous prestigious awards and State / National and International notoriety and acclaim. In February, 2008 Idris, received the Professional Distinguished Service Award. This is the highest award bestowed by the NRPA Pacific Southwest Regional Council. It recognizes professionals in the Region who have consistently given outstanding service to the park, recreation and conservation movement on the State, National and in the case of Mr. Al-Oboudi the international level. He also received the 2007 NRPA’s Program Excellence Award for Special Event. In February, 2008 Idris, received Los Angeles County Special Commendation Award form forth District Supervisor Mr. Don Knabe. This Commendation is in recognition of dedicated service to the affairs of the community and for the civic pride demonstrated by numerous contributions for the benefit of all the citizens of Los Angeles County California. In March- 2006 Idris received The California Park & Recreation Society’s (CPRS Over 4000 in Membership) highest Award and Citation that recognizes outstanding contributions to CPRS and the parks, recreation, and/or human serves profession. This award also recognizes his contributions that significantly affect the parks & recreation profession on a regional, sectional, state & national level. Idris was honored for his contributions to the profession and commitment to the Creating Community VIP Action Plan. Both in 2005 and 2006 Idris received the California Parks and Recreation Society’s President’s Award for outstanding Leadership and dedicated service to the parks and recreation profession in California. In 2004 Al-Oboudi was the first Chair of California Parks and Recreation Society’s Youth Sports and Fitness Task Force (Initiative) in charge of providing modality, revamping and re-directing the youth sports experience in California municipalities and organizations. This Plan was rolled out in fall 2005 and is being implemented state and nation wide starting in spring 2006. Mr. Al-Oboudi was in the lead as a creator and organizer of the Rally in support of Youth Sports and Fitness at the California State Capital on March-8-2007 during the CPRS annual Conference. Mr. Al-Oboudi is a 25 year member of the CPRS & a long time member of the NRPA. He has served the CPRS membership in many areas, he was the Education Program Chair of the 2008, CPRS Conference, and served in the same capacity in 2004. He has been and Advisor for the CPRS Director of Education for the CPRS CONF 2003-2005& 2006. He was elected as Southern CA CPRS Administrators Section representative serving from 2003 to 2005. Mr. Al-Oboudi is a frequent contributor to leadership workshops and meetings on recreation issues in Local Collages, Universities, and California Cities, community organizations, CPRS, NRPA and nation wide organizations. Mr. Al-Oboudi Developed a proto type frame work for Vision Insight Planning and Programming (Purpose Driven Programming). This tool was further developed and adopted in Programming for Community and youth recreation, cultural and social activities (Purpose Driven Programming) for the Islamic Community in the USA and the World. This is the First Vision Insight Planning programming tool developed for Muslim Organizations world wide. This ground braking work is a prelude to a comprehensive Initiative Mr. Al-Oboudi is Envisioning, Espousing and Creating, for the Muslim Community in the USA. A 25 year resident of the Cal

1. Vol. 2 Issue No. 5 (Monthly) June 2006 Jumada Al-Awal/Jumada Ath-Thani - 1427H
House of Nurturing
Reps Passes
Love and
Bill Isolating
Palestinians Racial
By Sarah Hassaine
Harmony...
Forgiveness and Redemption: The Palestinian Anti-Terrorism
Reverend Lapsley Act (HR 4681) was passed with p. 18
...Page 5 a 361-37 vote on May 23 further
isolating the Palestinian people
by restricting U.S. and interna-
tional humanitarian aid.
SEE HOUSE BILL * PAGE 10
Earthquake
Devastates
Marines Killed Indonesia
Iraqi Family: Murtha
...Page 12 American Muslims Provide
Relief Aid
FINDING COMEDY IN THE MUSLIM WORLD
Idris Al-Oboudi:
Advocate of Recreation
...Page 13
By Aidan Muhammad Qasim
A 6.3 magnitude earthquake on Comedians Preacher Moss (left) and Azhar Usman (right)
the island of Java in Indonesia
has left the death toll at 6,000 CAIR’s 2nd Annual the expectation of an outstand- attendees and not make the enor-
ing 600 guests for that Saturday mous auditorium look so desolate.
The Da Vinci Code people, according to govern- Entertainment Night night (150 more people than were Ushers showed families to their
ment officials. The earthquake
Review ...Page 23
has come in a long progression
For Civil Rights in attendance the year before), seats, filling in gaps and assuring
ropes bordered off rows of seats
of seismic activity in the area,
By Nadia Afghani so as to consolidate the amount of SEE ENTERTAINMENT NIGHT * PAGE 3
which includes the December
2004 earthquake off the coast of
One thing holds true to any event:
Ache, Indonesia, which triggered
a tsunami that killed 170,000
If you flyer it, they will come. The New Muslim TV: Media-Savvy,
Modern, and Moderate
people and left half a million
But no one--not even the orga-
people homeless. With an epicen-
nizers of CAIR’s 2nd Annual
ter near the city of Yogyakarta, Sabreen was at the peak of
Entertainment Night for Civil
which lies under the shadow of her fame when, in 2001, she
Rights -- could have predicted
Mount Merapi, an active volcano underwent a religious “awak-
the unprecedented attendance
Protecting Charities, at last month’s event at the ening,” retired from acting,
Mosques & Non-profits SEE QUAKE * PAGE 14 Anaheim Heritage Forum. With and donned the veil.
...Page 24 Now she’s back on television,
hosting a talk show on a
INDEX Law: Not Just a Career, new Islamic satellite chan-
The new Islamic satellite channel called nel called Al Risala (“The
LOCAL [3]
NO. CALIFORNIA
[8 ] An Islamic Calling Al Risala (“The Message”).
By Ursula Lindsey
Message”). Sabreen says she
chose to make her come-back
enjoying the early on Al Risala because the channel
NATIONAL [ 10 ] stages of fatherhood Contributor to The Christian Sci- “talks about Islam in an enlight-
INTERNATIONAL [ 11 ] with his newborn
son Ennes and wife,
ence Monitor ened, moderate way ... a very
honest and frank way.”
PROFILE [ 13 ] Sondos. CAIRO – The Egyptian actress
FEATURE SEE MUSLIM TV * PAGE 14
[ 14 ] It is a lot to manage
MASJID PROFILE
[ 18 ] for a 25-year-old, but Southern California InFocus
2180 W. Crescent Ave. Suite G
Address Service Requested
Kahf is doing this not PRESORTED
KIDS CORNER [ 20] only for his family
Anaheim, CA 92801
ph: (714) 678-1820
STANDARD
U.S. POSTAGE PAID
HEALTH/FOOD REVIEW
[ 21 ] and their future, but
also for the future
TIME DATED MATERIAL - DO NOT DELAY
FULLERTON CA
PERMIT NO. 519
ARTS/BOOKS [ 23 ] Barra Kahf, second year law student at UC Davis
of the Islamic com-
MONEY/LEGAL munity.
[ 24 ]
ISLAM By Afsha Bawany “My religion, my
[ 25 ] community, and the values in
It’s finals week and as if that’s not
TRAVEL [ 27 ] enough to keep first-year law stu-
my religion encourage justice
and equality,” said Kahf, who is
COMMENTARY [ 28 ] dent Baraa Kahf busy studying
the basics of civil procedure and
EDTIORIAL/LETTERS [ 30 ] constitutional law, Kahf is also
SEE MUSLIM LAW * PAGE 16

2. 2 June 2006 ADVERTISEMENT Southern California InFocus

3. Southern California InFocus LOCAL June 2006 3
Sanchez also acknowledged each imitations of typical aunti phone for crime in Harlem, or wine in
ENT. NIGHT
FROM PAGE 1
of the awardees with certificates
of recognition. Special honor was
given to Zeke Hernandez, active
chatter that can go on and on
simply using variations of the
word “yes” and stories of grow-
a liquor store, or stupidity in the
White House. It’s right there.” STAFF
President of League of United ing up Southern Baptist in a But the night could not be com- SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
everyone a perfect view.
Latin American Citizens (LU- church with a vocal-chord-less plete without the “Ayatollah of INFOCUS
LAC), for his exceptional work choir singer. Comedy” himself, Azhar Usman.
But as the night waged on and
in civil rights. Quite possibly the most recog- 2180 W. Crescent Ave., Suite G
the seats were filled, and the Anaheim, CA 92801
nizable Muslim comedian in the
world, Azhar has been dubbed Phone: (714) 678-1820
the title “Bin Laughin” after he Fax: (714) 776-8340
once said, “I’m not Osama Bin
Laden’s evil twin brother; I’m email: info@infocusnews.net
his cousin! You can just call me web: www.infocusnews.net
Bin Laughin.” He even stars in
his own iTunes webcast called Southern California InFocus is the
largest American Muslim newspa-
Tinku’s World. per serving Muslims in California.
It is a monthly newspaper and
But that night, he put comedy is published on the first of every
back into the Muslim world, mak- month.
ing light of heavy situations like
racial profiling in airports. “Peo- Publisher
ple are in shock,” he explained, GOOD TREE INC.
when other passengers see him
board. “I’m just waiting for the
(Top row, left to right) Nour Kweider, Nedda Salimian, Ambreen Basria, Genene Salman, Zeke Her- real honest passenger at the end Managing Editor
nandez, (bottom row, left to right) Hisham Labanieh, Amina Abid, Ahmad Almutawa, Marya Bangee, of the flight to go, ‘Excuse me ASMA AHMAD
Yasmin El-Haj sir, but I thought you were go- editor@infocusnews.net
ing to kill us. Sorry about that.
blocked rows were opened, and He addressed the now well-known Remember when you got up to Deputy Editor
more seats were filled, and ush- The end of the first half broke Albert Brooks movie, Looking for go to the bathroom? I was going MUNEER ADHAMI
ers found themselves with prayer…but Comedy in the Muslim World. to stab you.’ Really, if I was a
muneer@infocusnews.net
lost within the sea of where do you put “It’s like we don’t have a sense crazy Muslim fundamentalist
attendees, it became 1,600 Muslims an- of humor, like we don’t smile,” terrorist, this isn’t the disguise I
evident that the 600 gled towards the ho- Moss said. “That’s like looking would choose.” STAFF WRITERS
expected guests had liest of holy lands ABDUSSALAM MOHAMED
brought along a friend with enough room to AFSHA BAWANY
or two or thousand with prostrate in prayer? The Activist of the year be- ANAYAT DURRANI
them. And before any- Master of Ceremonies, Shaikh Why, the massive longed to Zeke Hernandez, the Social Activism: ALI A. MOHAMED
Deputy District Director for
one knew it, the hall Yasser Fazaga stage of course. And, AMEL S. ABDULLAH
League of United Latin Ameri- 1st Place: ($500)- Genene Salman
was packed with ap- basically, any other ANGELA COLLNS
can Citizens (LULAC) and 9 2nd Place ($400- Hisham Labanieh
proximately 1,600 onlookers just available space: the stage, the
youths received Congressional 3rd Place ($250)- Amina Abid ANGIE EL SHERIF
waiting to have their funny bones steps, the rows, the seats, the
recognition from the offices of FATIMA KHAN
tickled. walkways. It was like a snapshot Congresswomen Loretta and
of Hajj right here in Anaheim. Religious Activism: FERDAUS SERHAL
Linda Sanchez
The first half of the Entertain- GENENE SALMAN
ment Night for Civil Rights paid But it wasn’t until after prayer 1st Place: ($500)- Ahmad Almutawa GHALIA MOHDER
Civic Activism:
tribute to nine Muslim youths that the real “entertainment” MARIE MOURADI
2nd Place ($400)- Marya Bangee
who displayed extraordinary ef- began. Preacher Moss, original 1st Place: ($500)- Nour Kweider, MUNIRA SYEDA
forts in civil, social and religious founder of the Allah Made Me 2nd Place ($400)- Nedda Salimian SAAQIB RANGOONWALA
3rd Place ($250)- Yasmin El-Haj
activism. The offices of Con- Funny tour, first took the stage. 3rd Place ($250)- Ambreen Basria SAMA WAREH
gresswomen Loretta and Linda He charmed the audience with SAMY CHOUIA
TRACY AHMED
CAIR Holds Legal Meeting to Resolve Immigration Delays COLUMNISTS
By Ghalia Mohder be naturalized. This is a totally members will be passive about immigration delays can take to CONNIE REGENER
unfair situation for these immi- their rights since they come from help resolve the matter, which LAWRENCE SWAIM
More than 70 people attended a grants and their families. Some- oppressive countries that do not include: asking senators and SALAAM ABDUL KHALIQ
meeting held by the Los Angeles thing is obviously broken with allow their citizens to challenge representatives in Congress to SAGHIR ASLAM
chapter of the Council on Ameri- the system and we would like to the government. But in America, contact the U.S Citizenship and YASMIN MOGAHED
can-Islamic Relations (CAIR-LA) try and fix it,” said Cecillia Wang, the law is on our side and protects Immigration Services (USCIS),
on May 25 in Anaheim to discuss Senior Staff Counsel of filing a complaint with the Office
options for resolving citizenship the ACLU. of Civil Rights of the Department POLITICAL CARTOONIST
and green card delays. The meet- of Homeland Security, and if all KHALIL BENDIB
ing was prompted by hundreds At the meeting, emo- else fails, pursing legal action in
of complaints received by CAIR tions ran high as many federal court. CAIR and ACLU CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
from community members who individuals shared also explained their plans for AIDAN MUHAMMAD QASIM
say they have been made to wait their plight with the a multi-plaintiff class action ALEXANDER GAINEM
for an excessive period while attendees. “I have been lawsuit on behalf of delayed ap-
REV. CONNIE REGENER
their citizenship applications are waiting to receive my plicants against the USCIS in
HUSSAM AYLOUSH
pending review. This despite the citizenship for more order to get it to comply with the
current law that places a 120-day than 12 years. When- 120-day limit imposed by federal LAWRENCE SWAIM
limit on the evaluation process ever I inquire about my law. MAUREEN DADABHOY
once an applicant has been in- status, they always give PARVEZ AHMED
terviewed. The event, which me the same response: (from left to right) Hussam Ayloush, Todd Gall- “These citizenship delays are a DANIEL WITTER
was also co-sponsored by the we’re waiting on a name inger, Ranjana Nataranjan, Cecilia Wang result of discrimination and bu- RADIA HUSAIN
American Civil Liberties Union check. I wonder if there reaucratic incompetence. I would RUMI ABDUL CADER
(ACLU), restricted attendance to is ever an end,” said everyone,” said CAIR Executive recommend that everyone who is SALMAN JAFRI
those who have delayed immigra- Ammar Imreish, 42. Director Hussam Ayloush. in this situation to contact CAIR SONDOS KHOLOKI
tion applications. because the problem will not be SUMAIR MAHMOOD
“Some in the Department of During the event, lawyers from solved if people don’t take proac- ZABIE MANSOORY
“We’ve been hearing reports from Homeland Security are abusing the ACLU and CAIR outlined tive measures,” said Immigration
ZAID SHAKUR
all over the country from people their power because they know steps that individuals facing Attorney Todd Gallinger.
who’ve been waiting for years to that many of our community
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
ASEM ABUSIR
InFocus is the largest BASIM ABDULKARIM
FAISAL QAZI
Muslim newspaper in MOHAMMAD AUWAL
California, in operation NEVEEN ABDELGHANI
SAAQIB RANGOOWALA
for over 16 months. SONDOS KHOLOKI
SUMAIR MAHMOOD
Reach over 50,000 potential Advertisements
MUNEER ADHAMI
customers today. (714) 678-1820
(714) 678-1820 ADS@INFOCUSNEWS.NET
Southern California InFocus does not take
info@infocusnews.net responsibility for or endorse the contents
of articles or advertisements.

4. 4 June 2006 LOCAL Southern California InFocus
WORD ON THE STREET
By Ghalia Mohder
Fathers in Focus
he’s shared with me and
Lotus
With our hectic lifestyles, many of us don’t
get the chance to express our feelings to-
my siblings. He has always
been there for our family
and I’m glad that I’m able
Chinese Eatery
wards our loved ones. With Father’s Day to serve him now at the age
just around the corner, InFocus decided of 90.” (Mohsen Abbas, 45,
to give our readers the opportunity to
dedicate a message to their father.
Bakersfield)
New Halal Islamic Chinese Restaurant
“I would like to thank him
“My father is no longer with for his support and encour-
us. I would like to take this agement. He always pushed
chance to say that may Al-
lah (SWT) bless his soul and
me to reach my potential.”
(Mona Hadaya, 24, Los
Rated the best Restaurant in 2005 by
enter him into paradise. He
was always there for me
Angeles) the Orange County Register & Orange
when I needed him, and
I really miss his presence.” (Masood
“Padrar jan, May Allah
(SWT) bless you for all the
County Weekly News
Malik, 48, Brea) love and support you’ve given
me and my sisters.” (Wa-
“I would like to say that heeda Samedy, 24, San DINE-IN * TAKE OUT * BANQUET * CATER
I love you. Your sense of Diego)
humor always makes me
smile. You mean the world
to me.” (Dema Sabha, 24,
La Palma)
“I want to thank him for his
love, support, encourage-
ment and patience. I would
Open 7 Days a week
not be who I am today with-
“Thank you for teaching out him.” (Firas Dakak,
me to believe in myself and
to know that I can do any-
27, Los Angeles)
Sun - Thu: 11:00 am - 3:00 pm
thing that I set my mind to. “Dad, you have always
Thank you for supporting worked hard to give me 4:30 pm - 9:30 pm
me 1000% in everything and Sara the best of ev-
that I do.” (Khadija Lang, erything. I know I can be a Fri - Sat: 11:00 am - 3:00 pm
40, Los Angeles) troublemaker sometimes,
so thanks for putting up 4:30 pm - 10:00 pm
“I encourage myself and with me. You’re the best
other fathers to continually father ever. I love you!” (Basheer Khat-
thank Allah (SWT) for the
great privilege of being a
ib, 12, Huntington Beach, CA)
16883 Beach Blvd
father and husband. To Some might argue that Father’s Day is
my father, I would say I just another commercial holiday for busi- Hunington Beach, CA 92647
understand now what I nesses to profit from. Others even go as
hadn’t growing up, namely
that his discipline arose out of genuine
far as to say that it is haram (forbidden) to
celebrate it. While it’s true that Mother’s
Tel: (714) 848-4940
love and concern. A learned elder in our Day and Father’s Day have no basis in our
community recently said to me: ‘If the Islamic history, it does not do harm to take Fax: (714) 843-2050
youth knew the good their parents wanted every chance we get to show our apprecia-
for them, they would kiss their feet out of tion to our loved ones. We can partake in
utter respect.” (Sharif Rosen, 26, Los
Angeles)
festivities as long as we remember that
Islam teaches us to honor and cherish our Community Leaders Seek Answers
“I would like to thank him for all the won-
parents on a daily basis. Father’s Day only
serves as a reminder, and a hallmark card about Government Spying on Mosques
derful things and accomplishments that can never hurt. By Sondos Kholoki inaccurate statements and evidence pre-
sented by FBI paid informants, many in
URGENT APPEAL
In response to government monitoring of the community want to be reassured that
mosques, the American Civil Liberties they are not victims of such misinforma-
Union of Southern California (ACLU/SC) tion. And if any wrong information is being
filed a Freedom of Information Act request gathered about them, they would like an
KIDNEY DONOR NEEDED on May 15. This request was filed on behalf
of several Southern California area Mus-
opportunity to address the inaccuracies.
lim organizations and their leaders seek- “We are people of faith and our mosques
Young Muslim mother in need of a kidney transplant ing answers from the FBI about suspected are peaceful and tolerant places of wor-
Has been on dialysis monitoring of religious institutions. ship,” said Shakeel Syed, executive di-
Must be O Positive blood type rector of the Islamic Shura Council, an
“In light of the news about the National umbrella organization that represents the
Help your sister in need and you will be rewarded by Secutity Agency (NSA) spying on law-abid- 70 mosques in the region.
Allah (swt) InshaAllah ing American citizens without probable
cause, it is our right to expect transpar- According to Ranjana Natarajan, staff at-
PLEASE CONTACT ency from our government,” said Hussam
Ayloush, executive director of Council on
torney for the ACLU/SC, the government
has 20 days to respond to this request,
 (909) 861-3848  Lubbi01@hotmail.com American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) which seeks information pertaining to
whether area mosques and community
Human Rights Forum
Community leaders say that considering leaders are being monitored and if so,
the many recent reports of fabricated and why?
Encourages Youth Influence
By Zabie Mansoory “They are the only group with no special ARIZONA REAL ESTATE
interest. While politicians, religious and
With the room packed more than capac- special interest groups will try to bring 1% to 4% Listing Fee
ity, the Muslim Student Association at change, it is not going to happen if their
Cal-State University of motivation is one of spe- Up to 67% Buyers Commission
Northridge (MSA CSUN) cial interest.”
hosted a forum entitled, Discount Rebate
Human Rights and Is- “You are among the
lam. Students in Reli- small minority in the
gious Studies programs world who have an op- Mohamed Hegazy, Realtor
questioned Dr. Maher portunity to actually
Hathout, senior advisor influence polices that Top Volume Producer with
to the Muslim Public affect people around
Affairs Council, about the world,” said Dr. Ha-
DPR Realty, LLC
issues ranging from hu- Dr. Maher Hathout, senior advisor thout.
man rights in Islam to to the Muslim Public Affairs Coun-
global politics to how Is- cil addresses students. “This was a tremendous
Mobile: (602) 326-3552
lam is intertwined with opportunity for us to MoeHegazy@yahoo.com
current events. educate our fellow stu-
dents about our religion,” said CSUN MSA
Office: 480-994-0800, Fax: 480-802-1133
“If any change has to happen, the only President Fatima Billoo. “We are looking
group who is qualified to do so is young forward to having similar events in the http://www.ArizonaRebateRealty.com
educated Americans,” said Dr. Hathout. upcoming semester.” This is not a solicitation of business from clients of other brokers

5. Southern California InFocus LOCAL June 2006 5
FORGIVENESS AND REDEMPTION: Hope and Courage in Dark Times
By Samy Chouia sought revenge. His response dignity?” He went through a long explained, “we must release that
was a peaceful one. The incident Reverend Dr. George Regas, list of American past and present poison within and not yield to the
On April 28, 1990, Reverend Mi- changed his life and made him war iniquities, beginning with Hi- automatic impulse of revenge.”
chael Lapsley had just come home more eager to preach forgiveness roshima and Nakasaki and ending If retained, pain will turn into
from a farewell party on a quiet and brotherly love. with the invasion and occupation aggression, he argued, and ag-
evening in Harare, Zimbabwe. As of Iraq, which he termed “morally gression will inevitably turn the
he started going through the mail, At a recent luncheon at the St. repugnant.” victim into victimizer.
he came across a bulky envelope Paul Lutheran Church on May 18
that purported to contain religious in Los Angeles, Reverend Lapsley Reverend Lapsley spoke of Re- The Reverend spoke with a pas-
literature. Once he opened it and told his audience, made up mainly storative Justice, an expression sion born of a long experience of
turned over the first page, BOOM! of members of the Interfaith Com- he said that could not be spelt in trying to cope with his own pain
An explosion sent him flying back- munity United for Peace and Jus- American idiom. “How can you and the cruelty of the world, a
ward, bloody and unconscious. tice, that there were two kinds of restore relationships damaged by world he hopes to change word-by-
The next day when he woke up in memories—a destructive memory injustice and wrong deeds?” One of word, lecture-by-lecture and coun-
the hospital, his two hands were and a redemptive one. “Most of the the first actions of restorative jus- try-by-country. The New Zealand-
missing, one of his eardrums was human family is characterized by Reverend Lapsley speakes about tice, he said, is for the victimizer born Reverend demanded that
forgiveness after surviving a
shattered and his right eye was destructive memory,” the Rev- to “acknowledge” the wrong. “So torture be abolished all over the
homicide attempt in Aparthied
blind. Reverend Lapsley had no erend said. “Parents and grand- often we forget to say we’re sorry!” world, beginning with the United
South Africa
doubt about the identity of the parents teach their kids never to He cited 9/11 as an example. States, which is supposed to be a
sender. “It came from (South Af- trust others. Imagine if (former Whereas the United States gained beacon of justice and liberty.
rica’s) death Squads,” he recalled South African president) Nelson Professor Emeritus from the All the sympathy of the whole world
painfully. His membership with Mandela had said, ‘Let’s get the Saints church in Pasadena, wore following the tragic incident, “How do we react when evil hap-
the African National Congress bastards!’” Reverend Lapsley, a mix of dignity and remorse on that sympathy quickly dissipated pens to us?” Reverend Lapsley
(ANC) and peaceful opposition like Mandela, chose the redemp- his solemn face. He spoke with the when the United States invaded asked. “When the poison is inside,
to the Apartheid regime almost tive kind of memory and has been eloquence of a deeply introspective Afghanistan and then Iraq, the we need to channel it out.” The
cost him his life. However, and preaching it around the world ever and educated man, “Is forgiveness latter being totally unprovoked forgiving Reverend certainly prac-
predictably, the Reverend never since his tragic incident in 1990. possible on a national level?” He and simply wrong. “This,” the tices what he preaches. The people
asked. “Can a Reverend added, “is an example responsible for maiming him have
Understanding Differences
nation stand of a victim that turned into a long been forgiven. His message is
up in shame victimizer.” Something he himself simple, “Forgiveness is the only
before it can
through Art and Dialogue
avoided at all cost because, as he way to redemption.”
stand up in
By Aidan Muhammad Qasim
Two hundred students,
nizer Rigo Martinez. Martinez, who is of
Mexican origin, experienced some of the
September 11 backlash
Al Huda Islamic School
parents and instruc- directed at Muslims and
tors packed the Willard Arabs because of his skin Immediate Principal Position Opening
Middle School Cafete- color and felt that the com-
ria in Santa Ana for monalities between the
a night of food, pho- Latino community and the
Minimum Requirements: Accepting applications for
tography and commu- Muslim community could Office Manager &
nity, sponsored by the be built upon. * Bachelors Degree (US degree TEACHING POSITIONS of
Orange County Human
Relations (OCHR) and Jessica Florez, 12, par- preferable) all subjects.
the Irvine New Hori- ticipated in the interac- * Fluency in English Benefits
zon Islamic School on tive learning experience * Authorized to work in U.S.
April 15. The event by visiting New Horizon * Salary is based on
was the culmination School and the Islamic * Past administrative experience. qualifications & experience
of a yearlong effort to Center and felt that there * Good communication and computer * Islamic working environment
raise awareness be- was no difference between skills
tween youth from the Muslims and others. “I * Health insurance
Muslim and Latino didn’t know any Muslims,
communities. but I know they aren’t weird or anything, Al Huda Islamic School Please e-mail your
and my partner [Sereena Ahmad, a fifth 12209 Hawthorne Way, resume to:
The program was facilitated over the grader at New Horizon] likes the same Hawthorne, CA 90250 alhuda.boe@gmail.com
course of the school year by OCHR orga- stuff as me.” Enrollment is Open: KG-8th grade Att: Board of Education
Faith Leaders “Si Se Puede!”
Call For More Cooperartion Immigration Protests in Santa Courtyard of the Flags at the Santa Ana
Federal building.
By Ali A. Mohamed cussion organized by the World Affairs Ana
Council of Orange County. Dr. Hathout “We are here to show that migrant work-
Religious leaders representing Islam, expressed frustration with the pervasive ers are humans and
Christianity and Judaism in southern Cal- stereotype in mainstream America that that they are proud to
ifornia have called for closer cooperation Islam is linked to terrorism. “I have been be here in the United
between the various faiths as the most on CNN, Larry King Live, Fox News and States,” said Denise
effective tool in advancing world peace. indeed all major news networks explain- Velasco, one of the
ing that Islam is against taking of lives. many organizers of the
Prominent Muslim leader Dr. Maher We have been screaming the loudest, but event and employee of
Hathout, Executive vice chairman of the unfortunately our voices are not heard,” the SEIU Local 1877,
Board of Rabbis in Southern California, he said. a service employees
Rabbi Mark S. Diamond and Los Angeles international union.
Bishop J. Jon Bruno all spoke passion- The leaders discussed international sup-
ately about the need to work together to port to the Hamas-led government in The local Muslim Stu-
confront the common threats to society. Palestine and added their voice to the dent Associations came
They singled out terrorism as one area raging debate over immigration reform. out to support the
the faiths can confront the vices through They agreed that while it was impractical immigrant protests,
closer cooperation. to grant amnesty to all illegal aliens or many saying that it
deport all of them, the reforms must be was important to stand
They were speaking at the Costa Mesa carried out with fairness and dignity. up against the same
Hilton on May 18 during a panel dis- group of individuals
Local Muslims protesting for workers rights
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6. 6 June 2006 LOCAL Southern California InFocus
Local MSA’s Hold Palestine Contributing to Modern Literature- A
Awareness Week Competition About the Prophet
By Sama Wareh Quran was revealed in poetic verses - so
By Genene Salman are necessary building blocks for peace. that it may relate to the people. Abdur-
“Peace between the Muslims and Jews is When flipping the pages of current Eng- Rahman also says that Prophet Muham-
The Muslim Students Association, along possible, but it requires the participation lish textbooks, almost every subject is mad never uttered any poetry himself, but
with other campus organizations at Un- of everyone,” she said. present in the poetry section except for he praised other people’s poetry.
versity of California, Irvine, Los Angles one - a subject that captures the hearts of
and San Diego hosted a week-long series Munira Syeda contributed to this story. over 1.5 billion Muslims across the world: The goal of this competition is to serve as
of activities to raise awareness Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). a way for the international community
about the Palestinian-Israeli In order to fill this void, an international from every region to be informed about
conflict. The activities, which poetry contest has been put into place. Prophet Muhammad, who he was, and
included lectures, films, a The first ever Praise the Prophet poetry how he contributed to the world. Another
staged apartheid wall, and a competition, offering up to $4,000 dollars goal, as Abdur-Rahman Ibn Yusuf says,
mock checkpoint, were intend- in prizes, is now accepting entries and is a method of encouraging people to do
ed to make the 58-year-long comes to a close on August 31. more research. “This poetry contest is open
oppression of the Palestin- to Muslims and non-Muslims, and when
ians more visible on college “English literature is deprived of sufficient participants go on the website to submit
campuses. material about Prophet Muhammad. As poetry, it kind of forces the participants to
English speaking people, we should be get more knowledge about the Prophet.”
Dr. Norman Finkelstein, re- ashamed,” Abdur-Rahman ibn
nowned author and Professor Yusuf, a Muslim scholar and author in Details on rules and prizes are available
at DePaul University, cited Santa Barbara, California and originator at Islamicpoetry.org. Besides the compe-
powerful evidence that Is- of Islamicpoetry.org told InFocus. tition, Islamic Poetry.org is also taking
rael had committed numerous A mock wall was erected by the Muslim students at UCI to submissions for poetry that the general au-
atrocities against the Pales- depecit the Israeli wall built around the West Bank
As clothing recycles old trends, so does dience can read. For those not into poetry,
tinians and violated multiple
poetry to the Muslim World. Poetry was a look out for the upcoming essay writing
international laws on critical
common trend and key form of entertain- competition.
fronts, and that in fact, the Palestinian-
Israeli conflict is quite simple. “We’re told
1948 Remembered ment in the early 600s, which is why the
it’s complicated but it’s not complicated at
all,” said Finkelstein.
By Anayat Durrani
A Night with Project26 and Dawud Wharnsby Ali
It is not often that the American public can ment and artistic creativity with
In his talk, Finkelstein laid out facts that
hear firsthand the experiences of Palestin- world renown nasheed artist
Israel ignored the World Court’s advisory,
which stated that West Bank, Gaza, and ians, particularly as told by the generation Dawud Wharnsby Ali on May 28
East Jerusalem were occupied Palestin- who painfully lived through Al-Nakba. at the Brea Civic Center. Per-
ian territories. The vote on the advisory Two Palestinians, one from Beitunia and forming in front of a filled Curtis
was 14 to 1, with the U.S. judge opposing. one from Jerusalem, spoke to a packed Theater, Project26, consisting
Even though the American judge voted audience of about 100 at the Women’s of Ali and Omair Qazi, Mudas-
against the advisory, he still agreed with Center at the University of California, San sir Ahmed, and Irfan Shoukat,
the other judges that the settlements, the Diego (UCSD), taking their audience back opened for Dawud Wharnsby
wall-building and other Israeli offenses to 1948 Palestine. Ali performing their hit tracks
are illegal. “Iraq,” “Burn,” and many popular
The event marked the 58th Anniversary Urdu songs as well.
Speakers criticized the mainstream me- of the Nakba Commemoration. Al-Nakba,
dia for their inaccurate coverage of the an Arabic word that means The Catas- Dawud Wharnsby Ali is
conflict, in which Palestinians are deemed trophe, refers to the mass expulsion and
dispossession of the Palestinian people (from left to right) Irfan Shoukat, Dawud viewed by many in the Muslim
terrorists. Wafa Shami, who worked
for the United Nations for eight years, from their own homeland, which began in Wharnsby Ali, Mudassir Ahmed, and Ali Qazi community as strictly a nasheed
artist, but those in attendance
stated boldly that “Palestinians practice 1948. More than 450 Palestinian villages performing “Prophet for Profit.”
got a chance to see him perform
nonviolence every single day” in that they were destroyed and about three-quarters some of his other works. This
By Salman Jafri
must helplessly witness shootings, home of a million Palestinians were forced from was Dawud Wharnsby Ali’s first trip to
demolitions, and other forms of injustices their homes and lands by their Zionist Southern California in many years.
Project26, Southern California’s first Mus-
on a daily basis. Amir Abdul Malik, Imam occupiers.
lim rock group, hosted a night of entertain-
of Masjid Al-Islam in Oakland, told the
audience to be wary of the terminology Samir Bazlami from Jerusalem was only
used in the media, giving the example of 7-years-old in 1948. He told the audience
“disputed” territory, which is an intention- he could not sleep the night before his pre-
ally misleading term for “occupied.” sentation because of all the bad memories
that had resurfaced. He said he realized
In an attempt to counter the distorted view how deeply it had affected him all these
of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict presented years and discussed what losing one’s
in the media, Directors Sufyan and Abdul- home and experiencing occupation does
lah Omeish premiered their documentary to a person. Zahiya Hasan of Beitunia
film Occupation 101. The film provides the addressed the proliferation of propaganda
basic history of the conflict using poignant and lies from the Israelis since 1948.
images and statements from distinguished
scholars such as Noam Chomsky. The “You know, they always say Palestine was
goal, Sufyan said, was to bring the issue a nomad’s land, and the Jews made the Islamic Society of Corona/Norco hosted carnival on Memorial Day weekend on May 29.
of Palestine closer to home. “In America, desert bloom,” said Hasan. “Our house and
we don’t feel their pain,” he said. everyone’s house in Beitunia and the sur-
rounding areas had fruit trees and green
Muslim Women Activists in the Making
Although many of the events were met everywhere. And my family was in Bei- By Radia Husain
with some opposition aimed at silencing tunia for 500 years, 1000 years. We were Assilmi conducted a workshop entitled
the Palestinian side, the program on the there. Who do they think they are fooling, Aminah Jandali asserts that a Muslim Back to Basics, which touched upon Mus-
campuses ran smoothly. Adam El Sayed, who are they trying to convince?” woman activist must have “love for lim characteristics and self evaluation.
Vice President of the Muslim Students people and the desire to serve them with She reminded attendees that the “best
Association at UCLA, said that he hoped The event was sponsored by Al-Awda a spirit of altruism and sacrifice.” Jan- way to teach is through example,” and to
these events would “encourage the rest of San Diego, The Palestine Right to Return dali, the co-founder and secretary of the “verify what people tell you by checking
the campus to denounce the oppression and Coalition, in conjunction with the Muslim Board of Directors of Islamic Networks the knowledge in Quran and Hadith.”
fight for the rights of the oppressed.” Asma Student Association at UCSD as part of Group, was one of several speakers at the
Men, a student at UCI and attendee, added their Justice in Palestine Week. Third Annual Muslim Women’s Confer- A few controversial issues about Muslim
that unity and the formation of coalitions ence entitled, The Strongest Fortress: A student protestors were addressed by
Righteous Women. Approximately 100 Jandali, who said that “the way we dress
women attended the day-long event held conveys a message and reality, so look-
at California State University, Long Beach ing merciful and compassionate makes a
on May 20.. difference and creates a positive image.”
She advised her audience to use wisdom
Annan Aboul-Nasr, event moderator, ex- in approach by shying away from wear-
plained that the aim of the conference was ing any stereotypical clothing such as all
to “inspire women to become active in the black ethnic outfits or chanting in Arabic
community.” She added that organizers during protests.
had brought “successful Muslim women
leaders” as speakers, including Aminah Merusha Nasoordeen, a college student,
Assilmi, an Emmy award winning radio felt that the conference fostered sisterhood
show producer and the director of the bonding and made for an enlightening ex-
International Union of Muslim Women, perience. “If only we knew our capabilities
and Ustadha Maha Hamoui, the founder as individuals and how we could contrib-
and president of the Islamic Outreach ute to society, our ummah would benefit
Foundation (IOF) and the director of the by our efforts and energy,” she said.
IOF Learning Center.

7. Southern California InFocus LOCAL June 2006 7
LOCAL NEWS BRIEFS
Southland Health Professionals perience for anyone, not the least for a Mayor of Irvine, Beth Krom, said, “We’ve white tents for the international perfor-
resident of Southern California. If you’re watched the school grow from scratch to mances from each grade level, including
Converse a practicing Muslim, chances are that turning into something that we can all traditional Indian Dandiya Dances, songs
you’ve discussed “renting forever” versus benefit from.” performed in various languages, and free-
By InFocus News Staff owning more than once with your family ing of the birds of peace. The lawn was
and friends. Krom was one of the speakers at a fund- host to a number of historical artifacts, and
In the spirit of cooperation and collabora- raising dinner for the school on May 7 at the conference room was converted into an
tion, local southern California healthcare Fortunate for the would-be home buyer is the Irvine Marriot, where $100,000 was international dining hall with an incred-
affiliated Muslims had an opportunity to the fact that the last quarter century has raised through auction of items rang- ible array of international dishes.
attend a networking luncheon on May 21 witnessed the development of a number ing from Qur’an lessons, to hand-made
in the city of Brea at the Amazing Kabob of shariah compliant Islamic financial paintings and jewelry, to a brand new The multi-cultural traditions of Muslims
House restaurant hosted by the Asso- products from Guidance Financial, Ameri- Mercedes. from all over the world gave colorful mean-
ciation of Muslim Health Professionals can Finance House LaRiba, Devon Bank, ing to the term “melting pot,” or as Dr.
(AMHP). HSBC Amanah, and the Samad Group. Muzzamil Siddiqi so eloquently stated, “I
These companies have offered a mix of think I would rather it be a salad, where
creative financing ideas, which include one can see and taste all the different
rent-to-ownership, home stock buy back things that Allah (swt) has created.”
plans, etc. They make ends meet through
rental/utility fees, service charges, and The day was organized by the Parent
indexes which they apply to monthly Teacher Organization (PTO) and coordi-
payments. nated by the 8th grade students.
On April 13, Guidance Financial held a Women’s Muslim Basketball
private dinner for Islamic leadership in
Southern California to introduce their League Allows Female Athletes
Declining Balance Co-Ownership Program to Shine
About 65 people attended the luncheon and to announce that Guidance now offers Other speakers included former Chair-
that nearly outgrew the capacity of the an Islamic product equivalent to the jumbo person of the school Magdy Eletreby, and By Ghalia Mohder
restaurant. Saba Siddiqui, an organizing loan. Because the median price of a single keynote speaker Edina Lekovic, Commu-
committee member, found the meeting family home in Orange County is upwards nications Director of the Muslim Public More than 80 players of various ages and
to be successful beyond her expectations. of $600,000, this was important news. Affairs Council (MPAC). backgrounds participated in the first an-
“People truly appreciated this opportu- nual Women’s Muslim Basketball League
nity,” she said. Dr. Rumi Cader, professor The Embassy Suites in Anaheim was “Just ten years ago, most Muslims would (WMBL) tournament, which took place on
of Internal Medicine at UCLA, was the packed with noteworthy representatives either be engineers or doctors, and those May 7 at the Anaheim Downtown Youth
keynote speaker who gave a motivational from all corners of the Southern California were the only choices. In the next gen- Center. Hosted by the Muslim Sports and
talk on volunteerism based on his personal Islamic landscape. The meeting was very eration, thanks to New Horizon and such, Entertainment Foundation, the tourna-
experiences. well attended, with well over two hundred we’re going to have Muslims in all fields,” ment offered an exclusive female facility
Islamic scholars and leaders in tow. Lekovic said. that gave Muslim women the opportunity
AMHP is a national organization that has to play basketball without compromising
succeeded in bringing together a diverse The highlight of the evening was the open Several awards were also presented to their values.
group of Muslims from professional back- forum during which guests asked sensitive school supporters and helpers including
grounds in health policy, administration, questions regarding the company’s model the Circle of Friends Award given to Sa- The games proved to be competitive as
clinical fields, and social work. As a result and methodology. brina Mowery, avid helper of the school each team battled aggressively for the win.
of this coordinated effort, AMHP members since 2002. Despite some heated disputes that arose
have held dialogue and networking events over referee calls, all players conducted
Health Fair at Hawthorne themselves properly, and sisterhood pre-
across the country. Such meetings have San Diegans Remember
sought to address the issues in the area Mosque vailed at the end of the day.
of public health and to propose solutions Pakistan with Giant
for existing problems. By Rumi Abdul Cader Rummage Sale “The tournament was awesome! There
were so many girls playing that I had
Visit www.amhp.us for further informa- More than 200 Muslims and non-Muslims By Zaid Shakur never seen or met before and I was very
tion. flocked to the Islamic Center of Hawthorne impressed by the level of basketball skills
on May 6 in a unique event hosted by the Muslim Community Services of San Diego present. I can’t wait to see what the league
UMMA Community Clinic to promote held its second annual Disaster Relief has to offer,” said Hina Chowdhry, 15.
Restoring Hope One Eye at health and well-being in the community. Rummage Sale on May 7 to raise funds
a Time for the massive reconstruction effort un- “The purpose of the event was to bring
Volunteer physicians and undergraduates derway in the earthquake ravaged areas sisters together to compete and have fun
Al-Shifa Foundation Fundraiser from UMMA Community Clinic and UCLA of Pakistan. The event was held in associa- in a Halal environment,” said Hisham
Dinner UMMA Volunteer Project (UVP) provided tion with the Islamic Center of San Diego Labanieh, co-founder of WMBL and one of
services such as blood pressure checks, dia- (ICSD) and sponsored by Islamic Relief. the organizers of the tournament
By Aidan Muhammad Qasim betes and cholesterol screenings, obesity
screenings, colon cancer education, and Community members generously donated WMBL will kick off its first season this
Fifty dedicated professionals from South- skin cancer screenings. hundreds of gently used items including summer from June 11 to August 13. For
ern California gathered at the Long furniture, appliances, clothing, toys, and more information about WMBL, visit: www.
Beach Marriot Hotel for the Al Shifa electronics which were then sorted and mbleague.com
Trust fundraiser on May 13. Raising more sold by volunteers.
than $100,000, the night was filled with Orange County Human Rela-
entertainment and education where Noor The ICSD Women’s Committee baked a tions Awards Maria Khani
Mohmad Jadmani, the Pakistani General number of tasty dishes and the Muslim
Consul, and retired General Jahandad Girl Scout Troop exhibited a hand-made By Aidan Muhammad Qasim
Khan, the president of Al Shifa Trust montage of Islamic art and architecture.
discussed the critical need for clinics in On May 4, Orange County Human Rela-
Pakistan. Carla Hernandez, one of the more than tions (OCHR) rolled out the red carpet for
600 bargain shoppers who showed up 500 influential Orange County figures at
Established in 1985, Al Shifa, an Arabic throughout the day commented on the the Grove of Anaheim. The Awards 35,
word that means ‘healing,’ has helped photos of the Pakistani earthquake victims “Building Bridges of Understanding,” is an
to build three eye clinics in Rawalpindi, which were provided by Islamic Relief annual awards ceremony recognizing those
Sukkur, and Khohat with plans to build Also, various health care lectures were and interspersed throughout the aisles, individuals and organizations assisting the
clinics in Quetta and Muzaffarabad, which provided throughout the day on subjects Hernandez by saying “Anybody who can community and enriching the lives of OC
was recently devastated by the Kashmir including women’s health, men’s health, look at those pictures and not be moved residents.
Earthquake in 2005. diabetes, heart disease, preventive medi- to help isn’t human.”
cine, childhood obesity, and smoking
Maria Khani, a Huntington Beach resident,
“Volunteers have traveled to Pakistan and cessation. The sale raised more than $3,800 and the was one of the individuals recognized. She
come back to the US with new ways to leftover items were gathered and donated has been active in educating people about Is-
raise awareness,” says Gen. Khan. “She- Kaiser Permanente collected blood from to AMVETS charity. lam through her work in community forums
lina Kurwa organized an ‘Eye for an Eye’ more than 40 donors. Volunteer Health- and the Huntington Beach Living Room
program asking eye patients in the US for care Providers included: Dr. Saeed Jaffer, For more information, please visit www. Dialogues, a project that brings together
donations to assist patients in Pakistan. Dr. Khaliq Siddiq, Dr. Rumi Abdul Cader, mcssd.org. people from different faiths and ethnicities
It raised only $750, but more importantly, Dr. Mansur Khan, Dr. Nilofer Kadri, Dr. to facilitate conversation and education
educated people about the condition of Rahmi Mowjood; Dr. Altaf Kazi; Dr. Mah-
moud Traina, Dr. Basim Abdelkarim, and
International Day at Orange about one another.
health in Pakistan and the dire need to
create access to such facilities.” Dr. Abdallah Itani. Crescent School Her efforts helped to clarify myths about
Islam and explain the tenets of her faith.
By Maureen Dadabhoy
Guidance Financial Makes $100,000 Raised for Islamic “I am very honored by this recognition,
but one person who has stood by me and
Home Ownership a Possibil- School More than 400 students representing encouraged me is my daughter,” acknowl-
ity almost 20 different countries celebrated edged Khani in her acceptance speech.
By Angie El Sherif their culture at the annual International She also serves on the Board of Directors
Sumair Mahmood Day at Orange Crescent School (OCS) on of Care “R” Us, an organization providing
Just five years ago, New Horizon Elemen- May 19. basic social services to recent immigrant
tary School in Irvine was nothing but a pile
Buying a home can be a daunting ex- women and families.
of rubble waiting to be built. But as the The basketball courts were covered with