"We’re all Americans and we’re fighting for the same cause"

The story of Colonel Young Oak Kim is inspiring. Born in Los Angeles, Kim, a second-generation Korean American, enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1941. After graduating from officer candidate school—the only Asian American in his class—he was assigned to the 100th Infantry Battalion, a segregated unit of Japanese American soldiers. His commanding officer was willing to arrange a transfer fearing ethnic tensions because Korea remained under Japanese control at that time. Kim turned it down, saying: “There is no Japanese nor Korean here. We’re all Americans and we’re fighting for the same cause.”

While American history is filled with these types of amazing individuals with inspiring stories, it is of significance for minorities in the United States- particularly because they are minority communities in the pre-dominantly European-Christian population (however, in California this group is exceedingly becoming a "minority")- because it adds a sense of cultural, racial affinity that affirms the minority communities contributions, advancements and history in the US.

Having now gone on the Manzanar Pilgrimage three years, I find that each time I go I learn something new from an former Internee, veteran and the generation that followed that generation and took up the redress banner and won. There are things in their stories that I, as a South Asian (Pakistani), American Muslim, immigrant appriciate.

For example, one time I was told about the shower situation. The army had constructed barracks and the showers and toilets were communal. There were no dividers between stalls or showers/tubs. This was very difficult for the Japanese internee's becuase the social/cultural norms on modesty, protecting one's body and deep sense of privacy were irrelevent in the given set-up. This made it hard for many to shower, to use the toilets. Often times internees went late in the night or early in the morning, avoided going to places nearby and "hiking" a mile or more to another part of the camp so as not to run into one's family, close friends. These sorts of considerations also lead to the break-up of the tight social construct of the family, erroding away of the patriarchal structure of the family due to the "need to accomadate to the new situation".

These sorts of changes were not temporary, and infact greatly changed Japanese American community. It created a greater level of mistrust amongst the community. It created "dysfunctional" families and further lead to the decentralization of family, society and culture.

I can relate to something that seems so insignifanct at "showering facilities", having a place in a much larger and greater social mechanism that makes up the values, society and culture of the community.

Thats why I was really excited to hear Colonel Young Oak Kim's story, and more importantly, see him honored in a very touching, personnel and moving way.

LAUSD moved to vote unanimously to rename the Central Los Angeles Area Middle School No. 3, the Young Oak Kim Academy. President Moníca García says

“The life of Col. Kim demonstrated his leadership, commitment and dedication to public service,” García said. “I am so very proud to be part of naming this new school for him. He is not only a Belmont High School graduate, a war hero and a community activist he is also a great role model for the students of the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD). As President of the Los Angeles Board of Education, I am committed to exposing our students to significant role models that will improve their self esteem, instill a greater sense of cultural pride and awareness, and motivate them to become socially responsible, lifelong learners.”

Young Oak Kim Academy will include classrooms for two small, single-gender learning
communities, a library, multipurpose room, cafeteria, gym, roof-top athletic facilities and
a grass playground. It is scheduled to open on September 9, 2009 for 800 students who
will focus on science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

You see, even after Colonel Kim's active duty with the military, he was passionate about education and perserving the history of ethnic minorities in the United States. He organized and founded several non-profits, including the Go For Broke Educational Foundation, its focus is on education. Go For Broke provides a place and means by which all people can share their stories and recognize how the legacy of their lives contributes to the great American ideals of freedom and equal opportunity for all.

Colonel Kim is truly an inspiration, had it not been for my friends at the Pacific Asian Counseling Services (PACS), I might have continued on without benefiting from his story.

Tariq Ramadan: Innocent Until Proven Guilty says the Court

Looks like the Court has decided Tariq Ramadan deserves some American justice- ie, not guilty until proven guilty!

If you don't know Tariq Ramadan is an eminent Muslim scholar, probably the FIRST EVER hailing from the West- Switzerland- and who writes predominantly about Muslims in the West.

He is seen as a intellectual force to contend with, and has consistently spoken against the ideologies that are now claiming to "represent Muslims" worldwide- the fanatical, extremist, stark raving mad al-Qaeda types, and also the ignorant, we-wanna-try-to-make-a-difference-but-are-to-stupid-to-think-for-ourselves Taliban types.

He's provided Muslims in the West the ability to intellectually challenge, but also engage with some realities of living in the west- dealing with post-colonization, Islam and post-modernity, this idea of "reformation in Islam".

When Ramadan got a visa to the US, it was with the idea he would take on a position at the University of Nortre Dame. American academia and American Muslims were very excited, and I believe Ramadan himself knew the critical nature of his position in the US where the intellectual challenge was taking shape, and where an American (Western) society was shaping an Islam that was stripping away the baggage of colonization, race, gender, sects and even nationalism- to create a Islam that was spiritual, individually motivated toward intellectual engagement as well as engaged with the challenges faced by Muslims and by humanity.

The Bush administration, in the face of "We are at war with terrorists, not Islam" outright rejected his visa. The irony of the situation still amazes me- Ramadan was the complete incarnation of the perfect ally against extremism, and mainstreaming the "moderate voices" the right and even the left in America were clamouring to hear from.

The current ruling, isn't anything too exciting. All it says is that America has this principle of being innocent until proven guilty and the Tariq Ramadan gets a chance to prove why he believes he was innocent of the claim the government made that he was donating to a "terrorist organization". Tariq Ramadan has consistently claimed that he had no knowledge of the terrorist links and that he was donating at a time well before the US ever moved to place the organization on the list. The argument being, until it got on the list, the US had no issues with it, and when it was on the list, Tariq Ramadan had long before that stopped donating to it (?).

There is no retroactive punishment for individuals who commit a crime before that thing is declared a crime, at least none to my knowledge.

You can read further here at the NY Times.

Right wingers- conservatofacist- label him a "soft-jihadi" who furthers "Stealth Jihad" and "sharia supremacism" with all sorts of other grand master plan- Elder of Zion sorta stuff- have created around him this idea that he is the GUY. But what I find difficult to comprehend is how is this sort of conspiratizing any different then the "Zionist rule the world" dribble.

In my mind, both of these mentalities are two sides of the same coin, and both need to be challenged and discredited.

Related Reads:
Tariq Ramadan: Why I'm Banned in the US
Tariq Ramadan: Muslims and Palestine
Visit Top Muslim Blogs!

Condi Has Some Sense of Humanity

I never was a fan of Condoleezza Rice. I didn't agree with many of my African American friends who saw her as an "Auntie Tom" (play on the "uncle tom" label), I was sorely pissed off by her nonchalant comments during Israel's invasion of Lebanon where she stated that "these were the birth pangs of democracy". I had all but decided that she had sold her soul to Bush and the Devil.

Then comes this news article where Rice is quoted saying:

She also took a moment to talk about how America is viewed in the world.

"Our national myth is the log cabin," Rice said. "That you can come from humble circumstances and do great things." That's what has brought immigrants to this country for years, she said.

"We've got to keep welcoming these people," Rice said.

What struck me was that Rice's father seemed to be a great guy, but she herself fell far from that apple tree.

There is a great discussion as to why the Republicans, and specifically the Bush adminstration do in regards to immigration reform at the Wonk Room.

-Hat Tip to Julio for sharing the article.

Be a Hero, Donate Blood

Jul 6, 2009, John McDonald, New Jersey
"Its [petition to stop Muslim immigration into the US] important because by its own oft stated intent and deadly displayed conduct "The Religion of Peace'' is niether a religion nor peaceful . Islams ultimate goal is the domination of the world under Islam and Sharia law. Islam is TOTATLY incompatible with Western Judeo-Christian society and values. Muslims belong in Westen countries like polar bears belong in the Amazon."

We Go Where Globalization Takes Us

NNIRR- National Network for Immigrant and Refugee Rights has an online art auction at Ebay to raise funds. The artwork is by this collaboration. Ya'all should check them out to support them.

My personal favorite, if anyone wants to buy it for me as a gift is the one above. Immigration Debate really isn't about "people" rather its about our economic model, something we wholeheartedly embraced and now Americans are experiencing the unintended consequences that come with the free movement of money- people, things, idea's and problems- in one word, life.

Support Immigration Reform because Americans are better then the current debate, call your congressional representative and tell them its time to have a comprehensive, just and humane immigration policy!

Imam Beaten By Immigration Customs Enforcment

The following is from NNIRR:

At least six Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents at the federal immigration detention center in Atlanta brutally beat Mr. Rebhy Abdel-Malak on November 20, 2008 and forced him to sign away his rights in order to deport him to Egypt. After the beating, ICE agents took Mr. Abdel-Malak to the airport where the airplane pilot refused to take off, fearing Mr. Abdel-Malak would die en route. ICE agents retrieved him and took him to an ICE jail in Alabama, where he was finally given medical care.

After pressure from NNIRR members, Mr. Abdel-Malak's deportation was temporarily halted. ICE retaliated by putting him in solitary confinement, even while the U.S. Attorney's Office opened an investigation into the complaints of ICE abuse.

On June 29, 2009, ICE agents took Abdel-Malak from his cell in Atlanta in the middle of the night, and put him on plane to New York. An ICE agent guarded him all the way to Egypt, where he was turned over to Egyptian police.

TELL U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE:
Ensure Safe Return of Rebhy Abdel-Malak
Investigate & Prosecute ICE Officials Responsible for Abuse

After being held for one day, Abdel-Malak was released by Egyptian security police. He is now staying in his in-law's home, but his family and supporters fear for his safety.

NNIRR, along with hundreds of supporters, are demanding that DHS ensure the immediate safe return of Rebhy Abdel-Malak to reunite him with his family in the U.S.

Send a fax and call the U.S. Attorney's Office to finish the investigation of the ICE officials and agents responsible for beating and violating the rights of Rebhy Abdel-Malak. Raise your voice and demand that they be held accountable. Click here to send a fax to the U.S. Attorney's Office.

DEMAND U.S. ENSURE SAFE RETURN OF
REBHY ABDEL-MALAK

Sign the petition demanding the safe return of Rebhy ABdel-Malak.

Please click here to read the full story and to support the humanitarian and safe return of Rebhy Abdel-Malak.

Also check out:

Pastor Beaten by Border Patrol

Hate Crime in Inland Empire?

Imam Dies in a "Suspicious" Fire

I wrote about the two cases of Mosque's being vandalized- Bakersfield and Cypress, and how Cypress was being investigated as a hate crime.

This is really sad news. Imam Ali Mohammed, formerly of Yermo, was found dead- burnt alive- at his house. His house was a lot that contained several buildings, one of them was used as the Yermo mosque. In 2007, that mosque was burnt down. The suspects were arrested, however, it was not considered a hate crime.

Imam Ali's family is well known in the High Desert- those of you not familiar, California has a high desert northeast of Los Angeles, the cities of Palmdale, Lancaster, Edwards Air Force Base, Rosmond, Barstow, Victerville, Apple Valley, and others make up this region- he was a regular khateeb (Friday Sermons) at the Palmdale Mosque. He was the father of nine kids, Jordanian immigrant, who had resided here for some 30 years ago.

Imam Ali's Mosque in Yermo served some 200 Muslims in that area and some 22 families were regular attendees. Imam Ali decided to close up and move his family to Victorville, some 30 minutes away. The family says they had had a difficult time dealing with the anti-Muslim harassment and prejudice by individuals in the area.

Imam Ali went back to his house in Yermo, after reports came to the family that the house had been vandalized. The picture above is just one of the hate messages left all over the house. CAIR was provided with other pictures- all of which are just as ugly and explicit- here.

Shortly after getting there, it seems there was a fire and explosion and Imam Ali now is dead, his body is with the coroners as it undergoes an autopsy. This Saturday it will be one week since the Imam passed away and the only news we got was from the Desert Dispatch, where it seems, very little is brought up about the harassment, anti-Muslim environment and hate messages.

I attached a picture of the Imam. It was forwarded to our office by the family, and while I personally did not know the Imam, I can say that the communities of the High Desert are really hurting and mourning the loss of some one who was warm, loving and an energizing force in an area that often times gets neglected by the Muslim leaders of Southern California. There are thousands of Muslims living out there and many of them were directly touched by the Imam's sermons, advice and charisma. His son says:

“My father was a deeply caring person who worked toward building peace, unity and harmony among residents of the High Desert,” said Hadie Mohammed, the imam’s son. “During this time of immense grief, my family is grateful for the condolences and community support and pray that those who committed this horrific crime will face justice.”

This news comes in the face of a Mosque in Florida (update)being targeted for vandalism. One wonders how horrible this deep seated hatred could be that it could possibly have been the cause of the death of a human being who stood against that very hatred and ignorance.

In this sort of time, it makes us wonder if we believe in our faith to the point to give up our lives for it? Maybe, even, if we don't, do we have control of the things that people hate us for- our race, our nationality, our gender, our immigration status (though we might be naturalized citizens, the way we talk, act, dress all these things)- things that are not in our control and yet are the essence of who we are. But then what is patriotism or even to be American?

These people seem to say that to be American one must only be white, speak English, and think narrowly and with vast swaths of exclusion.

What we are left with in the face of these circumstances, I believe, is our faith. Please keep Imam Ali and his family in your prayers. (I found this to be very useful in terms of Death, Burial and Supplications for Muslims)

UPDATE- FRIDAY, JUNE 3, 2009; ABC Local News:



Read about the Related Posts Here:

• Cypress Masjid Hate Crime
• Bakersfield Masjid Case
• Check out- Top Muslim Blogs

UPDATE: Jackson To Be Buried as Muslim

Go some reports from some obscure website- gossip site?- reporting a "close" family contact that says that Jackson's are considering a Muslim burial.

X17 Online reports:

"The family is considering following the Muslim burial traditions because they believe Michael would have wanted to be laid to rest in keeping with his new-found religious beliefs," says the source.

I guess, we have to wait and see if its actually going to be the case, as the report seems not to be real factual as of yet, nor is it being reported by a "credible" news source. What happens though, since Muslims bury the dead within 2 days, the body of Micheal now has been not buried for a week?

Related Article- Buried as a Muslim- Janazah Prayers for Micheal Jackson?

Check out- Top Muslim Blogs

UPDATE: Cypress Mosque Hate Crime

Related: Cypress Masjid Hate Crime

I had a follow up meeting with the Masjid officials and the Police Department. The meeting was a great example of something I call "CIVIC ENGAGEMENT".

This topic seems a bit "pie-in-the-air" stuff, but I can not emphasize it enough. A good example is the story of the Masjid in Bakersfield (picture on the left). The article "Southeast Mosque Vandalized" reports that:

(June 10, 2009) Three boys were arrested Wednesday for allegedly trespassing onto a mosque and desecrating several religious artifacts. But the investigation indicates the act was not a hate crime, police said Wednesday night....The boys were cited for trespassing and vandalizing a place of worship. The matter will be referred to the District Attorney's office, police said.

What hurts is that, no one just "jumps a fence and begins vandalizing", especially at a place that is "visibly" a mosque. Unfortunately, this is not the first time such an incident occurred at a Mosque in Bakersfield. During Ramadan of 2007 racial slurs were used in an attack on a Muslim sister during the last ten days.

Six days after the Cypress Masjid hate crime, Bakersfield experiences a "trespassing and vandalizing a place of worship" incident. While given the connection media has made to the Obama speech in Cairo, I dont think this created a general atmosphere of "anti-Muslim" behavior in the US.

The lesson to be learned though is from the Cypress Masjid, not even the fact that its a "hate crime" and sounds worse then a "trespassing and vandalism" incident". Rather, the Cypress community had developed a wonderful relationship.

At the follow up meeting Imam and President of the masjid shared with me the numerous cards and calls they had received since the incident, showing support for the Cypress Muslim community. How local churches reached out to extend a hand of support. The fact that the Police Chief and City elected officials sent a clear, immediate and unequivocal message that such crimes will not be accepted in the community comes from the very notion that people in Cypress get the Constitution. They understand that our rights and liberties are not special to one segment of the population, or another; that they need to be aggressively stood for in the face of the smallest amount of marginalization and intimidation for any segment of the community.

Muslim need to learn from the example that is set here. First a reminder through transference:

The Messenger of Allah (sallaAllahu 'alayhi wasallam) was sitting with a group of the sahabah (RAA) in the masjid and he said "A man will now enter [who is] from the people of Paradise." and a sahabi walked in. Later it happened again, and then a third time. 'Abdullah ibn 'Amr ibn al-'aas (RAA) wanted to find out what was so special about this man, so he asked the man if he can stay over his house for 3 days. (He made up an excuse). The man allowed him to stay. 'Abdullah noticed that the man didn't do anything out of the ordinary: He didn't fast all the time, he slept some of the night and prayed some of the night, and so on. So after the 3 days, 'Abdullah told him the real reason why he requested to stay with him, and he asked him what it was that could be the reason why he was from the people of Jannah.

The man (RA) couldn't think of anything, but after a bit he said "Every night, before I go to sleep, I forgive whoever has wronged me. I remove any bad feelings towards anyone from my heart." (Something similar to that)

I want to focus in on the fact that the lesson we can apply in this situation is about "best practices". I think if masjids as institutions can look at the Cypress Masjid Hate Crime incident as a way to take away "best practices" they can implement locally in their communities I believe its a worthwhile proactive step that can get results out of a horrible situation.

Why not learn from the situation, like this Sahabah, and work on ways that we can not only protect our community, institutions and religious rights, but also use this as a form of showing how Muslims are part of their communities?

While the Cypress PD had very few leads to go on, they are vigilant and will be providing extra patrols, especially as the month of Ramadan comes in. But this is a good time for communities to reach out, begin organizing Open houses and Ramadan iftars, not just for city officials but even for their neighbors and community friends. This is a great time to partner up with local faith based institutions to invite them to the masjid and to get to know each others community (please do not APPROACH THIS LIKE YOU ARE GOING TO CONVERT PEOPLE, just imagine your reaction if the basis of any relationship was focused in on converting you from Islam?)