Each chapter of the Sisterhood of Salaam Shalom is unique in their composition. Yet, all the chapters achieve the same building bridges results. Each chapter takes on the commitment of women waging peace. The Westchester/Hudson Valley, New York Chapter has a very unique composition. In this chapter there are two moms, one Jewish and one […]
We Hosted The First Regional Event Representing Eight Chapters
You asked and we responded! After each annual conference, we receive several requests for us to organize regional meetings. We were finally able to host a regional meeting last Thursday in New Jersey. It was a wonderful opportunity for the women from eight New Jersey chapters to meet each other. It was also an opportunity […]
Presentation For the Ahmadiyya Muslim Women’s Association Conference
I am so honored to have been asked to speak to you from a Jewish perspective on the topic of “ How Women of Faith can Contribute to Building Peaceful Societies.” There are many ways that Jews practice our religion, but the basis of our tradition stands on three things- on Torah (which is our […]
Learning From the Past, Living For the Future
I just returned from a trip to the Balkans. This Building Bridges Journey brought Muslim and Jewish women from the Sisterhood of Salaam Shalom to Bosnia and Albania. The trip had two goals. First, we went to witness the results of the attempted genocide against the Bosniaks (Bosnian Muslims) in the early 1990s. Next we […]
Largest Gathering of Muslim & Jewish Women for Peace
Our December 2015 Muslim Jewish Women’s Leadership Conference was an unbelievable success. Over 350 women came together for two days in Princeton, New Jersey for workshops, panels, and relationship building — the largest-ever gathering of Jewish and Muslim women coming together for peace. Women came from across the United States and around the world, including from […]
A Real Blessing: Baking For Peace
Baking at Sarah House in Santa Barbara September 20, 2015 “When women put their minds to peace and healing, great good can be accomplished.” — Kathy Rayburn, a member of the Santa Barbara Sisterhood of Salaam Shalom Chapter On Sunday, September 20, our Sisterhood volunteered to bake for the residents and staff of Sarah House. Sarah House […]
Sisterhood Interview Featured on US Arab Radio
In late July, the Sisterhood of Salaam Shalom was featured on US Arab Radio as part of their program highlighting women peacebuilders. The program featured Sheryl Olitzky, Symi Rom-Rymer, and Ambereen Shaffie and helps to educate others on the change in attitudes and behaviors that the Sisterhood of Salaam Shalom has on women, their family and their […]
Thoughts on Elections: Insights from Dr. Amaney Jamal
Sisterhood of Salaam Shalom member Dr. Amaney Jamal shares her insight in this article by Julie Poucher Harbin of Religion News Service, “Are Americans Ready For a Muslim President? Here’s What a New Gallup Poll Suggests.” (RNS) A recently released Gallup poll found “tidal shifts” over the past 60 years in Americans’ willingness to support a […]
The 26th Night of Ramadan
Last night was such a powerful and beautiful night that I just want a part of it to be etched somewhere forever. I think that all of us who came to the iftar felt the same way. There was something special, something powerful, and something so deep about it subhanAllah. Last night I invited my […]
Responding to EEOC v. Abercrombie: The Ruling and Its Implications for Religious Freedom
The US Supreme Court’s recent decision in EEOC v. Abercrombie & Fitch —supporting a Muslim woman’s civil right to observe hijab at work and prohibiting employers from considering a job applicant’s religion or belief practices in hiring decisions—reinforces America’s commitment to religious freedom. Additionally, one might draw a number of broader insights. First, the case […]