Director’s Note
All of us at the Sisterhood of Salaam Shalom are outraged by yesterday’s Supreme Court decision upholding the discriminatory policy blocking immigrants and visitors to the United States from six Muslim-majority nations. This Muslim ban is is yet another heartbreaking development in this country.
Coupled with horrendous actions at US borders, this ruling is too close a reminder of a past when leaders in the United States turned their backs on those fleeing to U.S. shores with the goal of a better life–one with access to freedom, equality, and justice for all. inhumane and unjust policies are allowing blatant racial and religious discrimination to flourish.
We at the Sisterhood will continue to raise our voices and pray with our feet. We stand as one with our Muslim sisters and brothers, as well as with our immigrant brothers and sisters, to work towards change. Please check our Facebook page for updates on suggested peaceful actions taking place around the country. Raise your voice and show your presence. Contact your elected officials, sign petitions, and show up at rallies.
When one of us is hurt, we all hurt, and right now, we are all hurting. Our best hope is to join together and work toward change.
As always, thank you for your continued commitment to peace, to community building, and to one another! We welcome your feedback and hope you will send individual and chapter updates to Samantha, our amazing Director of Chapter Expansion, at samantha@sosspeace.org.
In Sisterhood,
Sheryl Olitzky, Co-Founder and Executive Director
Launch of National Voter Registration Drive
We’re excited to announce that in August and September, we will be holding a national drive to encourage voter registration. In particular, we will be focusing on new citizens for whom this may be their first opportunity to vote! We will provide a framework for chapters to follow and will have written materials to guide chapters in creating customized projects. Stay tuned for details on how you and your chapter can be involved!
Celebrating Ramadan in Sisterhood Style
This month, across the country, chapters gathered for iftar meals in honor of Ramadan. These celebrations took place in Jewish sisters’ homes, in Muslim sisters’ homes, in mosques, community centers, and interfaith organizations.
We’ve heard from chapters that came together in places as diverse as south Florida, northern New Jersey, San Francisco, Richmond, Wilmington, Delaware and other towns and cities. Several chapters also took the opportunity to donate meals, food baskets, and gift certificates to food banks and other communities in need. Please enjoy the photo collage we’ve put together of these festive celebrations!
Conference Registration Filling Up
Registration and hotel reservations are going quickly for our annual conference, which will take place on Sunday, November 4 from 9:30 amto 4 pm at Delaware Valley University in Doylestown, Pennsylvania. Please register today to reserve your place and #RaiseYourVoice against hate.
Spend the day with top peace and social justice advocates learning, connecting, and building the skills necessary to advance peaceful Muslim-Jewish relations. Keynote speakers will include Marianne Williamson, the internationally acclaimed author; Edina Lecovic, a leading voice on America Muslims and an interfaith advocate; and Joseph Levin, Jr., co-founder of the Southern Poverty Law Center.
For those coming from out of town, we have reserved a block of rooms at the Hampton Inn in Doylestown, Pennsylvania. To take advantage of the group rate, please make your reservation today.
Save the date for a pre-conference dessert reception and concert on Saturday evening, November 3. Details to follow!
Launch of New Videos: Dialogue vs. Debate and Sharing Personal Narratives
Now, more than ever, it’s critical that we understand the difference between having a respectful dialogue with someone and approaching every conversation as a debate. Our new videos and accompanying written materials will guide chapter members through the differences between dialogue and debate, as well as how to share and listen to a personal narrative.
Please take the time to review these materials and incorporate them into your interactions with chapter members. We’re sure you’ll find the content valuable!