September 11, 2012

Today, MPAC and the Islamic Center of Southern California (ICSC) commemorated the 11^th anniversary on 9/11 with the final of three community events – an interfaith prayer service. This morning, leaders from six faiths came together to offer prayers for the victims of 9/11. See video below.

“May the names of those who died stay in the hearts of their loved ones and communities and fill our hearts today with our gratitude for their sacrifices. We will not forget them,” said Rabbi Judith HaLevy of the Malibu Jewish Center and Synagogue.

SEE: Photos from the Three Community Events (Facebook.com)

That day will forever be marked with tragedy, sadness and loss; however through that day, we as Americans proved that immediately after the attacks, regardless of religious background, race or ethnicity, that under trying times, we will remain a unified and resilient nation.

On Saturday, Sept. 8, MPAC and ICSC participated in the 2^nd annual national “Muslims for Life” blood drive. The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community USA started the blood drive nationally last year in commemoration of the 10th anniversary of 9/11 with the goal of collecting more than 10,000 pints of blood. One pint of blood has the ability to save up to three lives.

On Sunday, Sept. 9, MPAC and ICSC honored the Japanese American community for their continued support of the American Muslim community following 9/11 to this day. Japanese Americans were first to defend Muslims against any backlash, as they knew too well the rage and hysteria that can fuel the most heinous crimes against any minority in a country as powerful as the United States.

For the past decade, Kathy Masoka, of the Nikkei for Civil Rights and Redress, said she has been trying to bring Muslims and Japanese Americans together to get to know one another.

“We have been working on this relationship for more than a decade,” she said. “We have worked with the Muslim community to stop the chipping away of our Constitutional rights, such as due process.”

It is an important opportunity for us to convey our support, remembrance and togetherness in a time where, more than ever, we need to revisit our nation’s enduring spirit and overcome the divisiveness of our current climate.

Dr. Maher Hathout, MPAC and ICSC’s senior adviser, reminded those gathered that 9/11 should not be forgotten.

“The option that America is leaning toward is that 9/11 is gone and is becoming a memory,” he said. “The difference between memory and experience is that experience makes you grow and memories fade away. We are living in the era of fading away. It is up to the faith community of America to take our hands to salvation, to save us from our basic instincts and to bring the voice of God back to the consciences and hearts and minds of people.”