Virginia-Based Muslim American Explains How the Syrian Immigrant Crisis and Latest Terrorism Can Bring Christians and Muslims Together
FAIRFAX, Va., Nov. 24, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Like the rest of the world and most of the Islamic community worldwide, Sam Mak is appalled by the recent ISIS terrorist attacks in Paris. As a first generation Muslim American she is equally distressed by the talk of dealing with future threats of terrorism by creating a national database of Muslims and denying access to the U.S. by asylum-seeking Syrians fleeing their war-torn homeland.
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As upset as she is, however, Mak sees an opportunity in the crisis that has yet to be realized: the chance for Christians and Muslims to open a meaningful dialogue about their shared values. She wants to replace the fearful talk about ISIS and Islam with a discussion about the ways that diversity has led to new concepts and ideas that have given the U.S. the technological and intellectual edge that many homogenous countries lack—and how accepting Syrian refugees with love will enrich America with all the benefits and new perspectives they will bring.
Mak can talk about:
- Contributions Muslims have made to the everyday lives of Americans. Most people do not know, for example, that Steve Jobs' father was a Syrian immigrant.
- Building on the similarities between Islam, Christianity and Judaism.
- Women's rights in Islam and how Muslim women enjoy many privileges not known in the West.
- What Muslims who make up one quarter of our world really believe about freedom, diversity and everyday values.
ABOUT SAM MAK
Sam Mak is an experienced diversity and multicultural trainer and facilitator who has developed a video series that answers commonly asked questions about Islam. She also speaks to community groups and international organizations about the rights of Muslim women.
AVAILABILITY: Fairfax, Va., nationwide by arrangement and via telephone
CONTACT: Sam Mak, (303) 719-8656 (VA); Email
SOURCE Sam Mak
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