PBS News Hour reports: The deadly California synagogue shooting on April 27th, at the Chabad of Poway, is the latest in a series of attacks that raise profound questions about keeping sacred spaces safe. Judy Woodruff talks to the Islamic Center of Greater Cincinnati’s Shakila Ahmad, Rabbi Devorah Marcus from Temple Emanu-El of San Diego, Ted Elmore of the Southern Baptists of Texas Convention and Bishop Eugene Sutton of the Episcopal Diocese of Maryland.
In the interview, Shakila Ahmad, who recently served as Chair and President of the Board at the Islamic Center of Greater Cincinnati (ICGC), was asked how the Muslim community was reacting to the horrific rise in attacks at places of worship. “You know, I think people are trying to be very strong,” replied Ms. Ahmad. “There should be really focusing on, you know, spiritually getting ready for the month of Ramadan, which begins next week. But the horrific incidents that have taken place in San Diego, in Sri Lanka, obviously Christchurch, New Zealand, have, you know, really been heavy on people’s hearts.”
“At the same time,” she continues, “We really have had to step back and reassess as to how it is that we can provide a safe community, and then how it is that we can, you know, be in prayer and in spirit with others who are hurting because of this profound and deep hatred, which is being manifested in outright acts of violence against innocent people.”
For the full interview, please CLICK.
Shakila T. Ahmad an enthusiastic community leader who has dedicated herself to numerous civic and community causes, building peace and understanding for 25 years. She most recently served 5 years as Chair and President of the Board at the Islamic Center of Greater Cincinnati (ICGC), being the first woman to serve in this capacity at such an institution across the country.
Ahmad is founding chair of ICGC’s Muslim Mothers Against Violence initiative. Along with other members, she brings people of all faiths together to explore peaceful and constructive means of conflict resolution. She and other members have led many sessions, created and distributed educational materials on bullying prevention, including a Bullying Prevention Guide that she helped to co-author.
She currently serves on the Muslim Jewish Advisory Council (MJAC) composed of national leaders focusing on strengthening hate crimes legislation and celebrating the contribution of Jewish and Muslim Americans while building understanding.
