Muslims Help Salvation Army
Donation protected
Hi,
My name is Hassan and I work as an Imam, something like a priest or a rabbi. I originally from Egypt, but moved to Cedar Rapids four years ago, and I have been living here ever since. I consider Cedar Rapids to be my hometown, and America is my country. I became a naturalized citizen few week ago.
With the rise of ISIS in the recent years and the tension against American Muslims caused by comments made by some politicians running for presidency, it has become essential that we work together to create a counter narrative. A narrative of peace, coexistence, tolerance, gratitude, and hope.
While we hear in media and social media about hate crimes against Muslims and sad comments that can be least described as islamophobic, I must say, that here in Cedar Rapids we have always been shown love and always felt welcome. That's because the people of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and the Midwest are genuine and hold the true American spirit.
I thought about many ways to express my sense of gratitude as an American Muslim who feels safe and welcome in this part of the country, until I watched a report on the news about the Salvation Army and the struggles they are having with funds this yera. They were $60,000 behind budget.
According to their website, the Salvation Armys' "messege is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination."
The "love of God" and "without discrimination" I think if anything, we all can agree on these two statements.
The goals of this campaign is to;
1-Raise $30,000 for the Salvation Army, hopefully before Christmas Eve.
2-Expressing the gratitude of the Cedar Rapids Muslims towards their fellow citizens.
3-Creating a positive narrative to counter all the negative news we all hear about and watch everyday.
Please join me to achieve these goals.
Peace, Salaam, and Shalom!
Imam Hassan Selim
My name is Hassan and I work as an Imam, something like a priest or a rabbi. I originally from Egypt, but moved to Cedar Rapids four years ago, and I have been living here ever since. I consider Cedar Rapids to be my hometown, and America is my country. I became a naturalized citizen few week ago.
With the rise of ISIS in the recent years and the tension against American Muslims caused by comments made by some politicians running for presidency, it has become essential that we work together to create a counter narrative. A narrative of peace, coexistence, tolerance, gratitude, and hope.
While we hear in media and social media about hate crimes against Muslims and sad comments that can be least described as islamophobic, I must say, that here in Cedar Rapids we have always been shown love and always felt welcome. That's because the people of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and the Midwest are genuine and hold the true American spirit.
I thought about many ways to express my sense of gratitude as an American Muslim who feels safe and welcome in this part of the country, until I watched a report on the news about the Salvation Army and the struggles they are having with funds this yera. They were $60,000 behind budget.
According to their website, the Salvation Armys' "messege is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination."
The "love of God" and "without discrimination" I think if anything, we all can agree on these two statements.
The goals of this campaign is to;
1-Raise $30,000 for the Salvation Army, hopefully before Christmas Eve.
2-Expressing the gratitude of the Cedar Rapids Muslims towards their fellow citizens.
3-Creating a positive narrative to counter all the negative news we all hear about and watch everyday.
Please join me to achieve these goals.
Peace, Salaam, and Shalom!
Imam Hassan Selim
Organizer
Imam Hassan Mahmoud
Organizer
Cedar Rapids, IA
