Islamic Society of Akron and Kent Community Outreach News

CONVERT CONNECTION

Muslim Convert Meet & Greet

On August 4th, the ISAK PR team launched our convert program with a Meet & Greet event. Alhamdulillah, we had 20 people attend, with some traveling significant distances to join us.

The event began with everyone introducing themselves and participating in an icebreaker question to help build connections and community. Converts/reverts had the opportunity to meet and get to know one another, share their faith journeys, and bond over lunch. Alhamdulillah, the event was a success, bringing the convert/revert community closer together. InshaAllah, we plan to have more programming for our convert/revert community. Stay tuned!

VOICES OF FAITH

ISAK Public Relations Directors Published Article

ISAK Public Relations Director, Br. Yaseen Shaikh, recently had his article featured in the Record Couriers Voices of Faith columnMasha Allah. In his article, he expresses concern about global injustices and the U.S. governments support and involvement in the ongoing crisis in Gaza.

Br. Yaseen highlights the importance of advocating for humanity and justice, demonstrating how acts of unity can offer hope and optimism during challenging times. He finds a silver lining in moments of solidarity and interfaith support, where people come together across religious and cultural divides, recognizing and valuing the humanity in one another. These acts of unity show that even in the face of systemic injustice, compassion and understanding can prevail.

Read Br. Yaseen Shaikhs Article: https://www.aol.com/voices-faith-seeing-humanity-divisive-100239211.html

EFFORTS & INITIATIVES

Vote for Justice! Register to Vote at ISAK!

Date: Friday, August 7th, after Jumuah prayer (Khutbah starts at 1:30 pm)

Location: Islamic Society of Akron and Kent, 152 E Steels Corners Rd, Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44224

Join CAIR-Ohio at ISAK to ensure you're registered for the upcoming elections. Exercise your right to vote and make your voice heard. CAIR-Ohio staff will be on-site to assist you with registering to vote and updating your voter information. Lets stand up for justice and make a difference with our votes!

61st Annual ISNA Convention

Dates: August 30th - September 2nd

Location: Hilton Anatole, 2201 N Stemmons Fwy, Dallas, TX 75207

Registration Link: https://isna.net/convention/

Contact with Questions: 317-839-1812 or email [email protected]

Join the 61st Annual ISNA Convention centered around the theme of "Forging Faith and Action." Attendees can anticipate a diverse range of activities including engaging speakers, a bazaar, matrimonial banquet, and a youth program. Other highlights include an entertainment session, special events, and inspirational sessions, along with opportunities for interfaith dialogue and community service recognition. Sponsorship opportunities, MSA sessions, and volunteer roles will also be available InshaAllah. Dont miss the opportunity to connect and learn from esteemed scholars of Islam.

CAIR-Ohio Seeking to Hire a Staff Attorney

The Cleveland Chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Ohio) is seeking a full-time or part-time Staff Attorney. Visit https://www.cair.com/careers/ohio/staff-attorney-cleveland-office/ for more information.

NEW SOCIAL MEDIA CONTENT!

Good intentions are as important as good deeds. Click to watch the video!

Follow ISAK on social media so you can stay in touch with the latest updates:

ISAK Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ISAKOhio/

ISAK Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/isak_community_center/

ISAK YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5C318Qnz7VYK5iZnn-HDsw

COMMUNITY PROGRAMMING & INITIATIVES

Palestine Film Festival Calls for Submissions

Send Film Submissions to: https://forms.office.com/r/hxuqLTe5bT

Submission Deadline: Sunday, August 11th, 11:59 PM

The Palestinian American Heritage Society (PAHS) is organizing Cleveland's first-ever Palestine Film Festival. This event is open to both local and international independent Palestinian filmmakers, and submissions are invited for both short and feature films. Interested filmmakers are encouraged to submit their works for formal consideration.

Tell Cuyahoga County Council - No More Israel Bonds!

Sign the Petition: tinyurl.com/NEO-palestine

Cuyahoga County is one of the largest investors in Israel Bonds in the United States, with a $16 million portfolio. This investment stands out as it is the only instance where local tax dollars are directly allocated to a foreign government. These funds could otherwise be utilized for significant local improvements, such as health, education, housing, food security, and environmental initiatives in Greater Cleveland. If you live in Cuyahoga County, sign this petition!

Help Evacuate Sabrin Alsheikhs Family from Gaza!

Sabrin Alsheikh works with HEAL Palestine; a humanitarian organization committed to holistic healing Palestinian communities. Currently, her family resides in Gaza and is unable to leave. Tragically, Sabrin has also recently lost her brother, Ahmed. Inna Lillahi wa inna ilayhi rajiun. She urgently seeks support to evacuate her family from Gaza. Please consider donating to help her family during this critical time.

Donate: https://bit.ly/sabrinalsheikh

All out for Palestine!

Dates: Every Friday at 5 PM

Location: White Gazebo in Downtown Kent, 100 Franklin Ave, Kent, OH 44240

Join the Friends for Palestine Collective every Friday at 5 PM in Downtown Kent by the white gazebo to stand in solidarity for Palestinian liberation. Show your support by wearing kuffiyehs and bringing signs, Palestinian flags, and water. Lets raise awareness and advocate for Palestinian justice and freedom.

Muslim Day at Cedar Point

Date: Saturday, August 10th

Location: Cedar Point, 1 Cedar Point Dr, Sandusky, OH 44870

Registration: cedarpoint.com/save

User Name: CPICC

Password: icc (case sensitive)

Pakistani Cultural Gardens One World Day

Date: Sunday, August 25th, 11 AM - 6 PM

Location: Cleveland Cultural Gardens in Rockefeller Park & Greenhouse, 750 E 88th St, Cleveland, OH 44108

Parking: Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center, 10701 East Blvd, Cleveland, OH 44106. Take the shuttle to the Cleveland Cultural Gardens.

AMENA Heritage Youth Research Study

Interest Form: https://bit.ly/3Rv2qY4

Participation Reward: $20 gift card

Contact Information:

Dr. Shereen Naser: [email protected]

Care Lab: [email protected]

Eligibility:

• Students of Arab, Middle Eastern, or North African heritage.

• Attending public high school in Northeast Ohio.

• Students under 18 will need parental consent to participate.

Akron Masjid Quran-Hifz Program

Time: 5 Days a Week, 5 PM - 7 PM

Age Range: Children 5-17 Years Old

Registration: Contact Amadou Diallo at (646) 812-7683

Transportation Services: Suspended until further notice. Car-pooling is encouraged for those requiring transportation.

Join Akron Masjid's Quran-Hifz Program offering an excellent opportunity for children to engage with the Quran. Led by qualified Hafiz, both male and female, the classes ensure a supportive and conducive learning environment. There will be separate classes for boys and girls. Families requiring transportation can fill out the request form via the provided link or QR code.

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