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Thursday, December 30, 2010

IV Annual Reflections on Holocaust and Genocides

Stereotyping and cohesivness
Join us at 6:00 PM on Thursday night
at Unity Church, Forest Ln in Dallas, TX 75230
A casual gathering.
You are cordially invited, its free
-------------------------
Holocaust and Genocides
6:00 PM Thursday, January 27, 2011
Unity Church of Dallas
2625 Forest Lane, Dallas, TX 75230

The 4th Annual Reflections on Holocaust and Genocides is set for January 27, 2011.

This particular date was adopted by the sixtieth session of the United Nations on November 21, 2005, “Resolves that the United Nations will designate 27 January as an annual International Day of Commemoration in memory of the victims of the Holocaust.”

In the past, the events were scheduled on Sundays to accommodate Jewish community’s presence, however this year the date falls on Thursday, a non-Sabbath day and hence the event on Thursday evening.

We are deeply committed to education and relentlessly pursuing to build cohesive societies and we hope to create a model for the world to emulate.

There is a shameless cruelty in us, either we shy away from facing or refuse to acknowledge the sufferings of others, worrying that it will devalue our own or somehow it amounts to infidelity to our own cause. We cannot justify massacres arrogantly believing that the victims deserved it or asked for it.

We have to learn and to acknowledge and reflect upon the terrible things we have inflicted upon each other and have to commit to ourselves to resist the temptations to be prejudiced and stereotype others. We cannot demand peace unless we are peaceful ourselves.

Our safety hinges on the safety of others around us, and it behooves us to work for the safety and security of others on this little planet. We have to be continuously aware of the Holocaust and Genocides and prepare us to avert such tragedies.

SUMMARY
What: Reflections on Holocaust and Genocides
Theme: Stereotyping and its effects on Societies
Where: Unity Church of Dallas
Program: 6:000 - 8:30 PM,
When: Thursday, January 27, 2010
Address: 2625 Forest Lane, Dallas, TX. 75230
RSVP: ConfirmAttendance@gmail.com

Detail of Past events at: http://www.holocaustandgenocides.com/ 
Supporting Organizations:
Dallas Peace Center,
Universal Peace Federation


It is an initiative of American Muslims striving to build responsible civic societies, where justice and co-existence are our values.

To all those, who have endured holocaust, genocides, massacres, bombs, annihilation, land mines, hunger, rape, torture, occupation and inhuman brutality, we say we share your fears and apprehensions.

The least we can do in the process of healing is to acknowledge every one's pain in one voice. We have begun the process of coming together as one people, to stand with you, we are indeed one world and a single humanity, and caring for each other brings safety and peace to all of us. I cannot be safe if the people around me are not, and I will not have peace if people around me don't. It is in my interest to seek a peaceful world for one and all.

We are working on initiating a course on tolerance education, so one day; we all can learn to have a heart that opens to the pain of every human, yes, we can do that.

Bringing people to understand the suffering of people has been my personal drive, I must say that through this program, many a non-Jewish people have come to understand about Holocaust for the first time. You can see pictures people from Atheist to Zoroastrians and every one in between has been a part of this event. And every one has shared a prayer in the events. We have to create the awarness to get people to become activits and speak up and say Never again.

Mike Ghouse for a cohesive America
Chair, America Together Foundation 
(214) 325-1916
Conference on Holocaust and Genocides and
IV Annual Reflections on Holocaust and Genocides.
http://www.holocaustandgenocides.com/

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

4th Annual Reflections on Holocaust and Genocides

You are cordially invited to the 4th Annual Reflections on
Holocaust and Genocides


The 4th Annual Reflections on Holocaust and Genocides is set for Thursday, January 27, 2011.

This particular date was adopted by the sixtieth session of the United Nations on November 21, 2005, “Resolves that the United Nations will designate 27 January as an annual International Day of Commemoration in memory of the victims of the Holocaust.”

In the past, the events were scheduled on Sundays to accommodate Jewish community’s presence, however this year the date falls on Thursday, a non-Sabbath day and hence the event on Thursday evening.

We are deeply committed to education and relentlessly pursuing to build cohesive societies and we hope to create a model for the world to emulate.

There is a shameless cruelty in us, either we shy away from facing or refuse to acknowledge the sufferings of others, worrying that it will devalue our own or somehow it amounts to infidelity to our own cause. We cannot justify massacres arrogantly believing that the victims deserved it or asked for it.

We have to learn and to acknowledge and reflect upon the terrible things we have inflicted upon each other and have to commit to ourselves to resist the temptations to be prejudiced and stereotype others. We cannot demand peace unless we are peaceful ourselves.

Our safety hinges on the safety of others around us, and it behooves us to work for the safety and security of others on this little planet. We have to be continuously aware of the Holocaust and Genocides and prepare us to avert such tragedies.

SUMMARY
What: Reflections on Holocaust and Genocides
Where: Unity Church of Dallas
Meet & Greet: 6:00 - 6:30 - Refreshement
Program: 6:30 - 8:30 PM,
When: Thursday, January 27, 2010
Address: 2625 Forest Lane, Dallas, TX. 75230
RSVP email: ConfirmAttendance@gmail.com
Detail of Past events at: www.HolocaustandGenocides.com


We sincerely hope the attendees will walk out with the following understanding:

1. When we strip the politics out of a conflict, we see hope;

2. We can value others’ suffering without lessening our own;

3. We can respect other people’s suffering as legitimate as our own;

4. The desire to highlight our suffering blinds us from other’s suffering;

5. We can see ourselves as Victims without seeing the perpetrator in us;

6. A sense of responsibility for creating a better world is awakened;

7. Ultimately co-existence and every one's safety and peace should be the driving thought, peace and safety are always a two way street.

It is an initiative of American Muslims striving to build responsible civic societies, where justice and co-existence are our values.

To all those, who have endured holocaust, genocides, massacres, bombs, annihilation, land mines, hunger, rape, torture, occupation and inhuman brutality, we say you are not alone.

The least we can do in the process of healing is to acknowledge every one's pain in one voice. We have begun the process of coming together as one people, to stand with you, we are indeed one world and a single humanity, and caring for each other brings safety and peace to all of us. I cannot be safe if the people around me are not, and I will not have peace if people around me don't. It is in my interest to seek a peaceful world for one and all.

We are working on initiating a course on tolerance education, so one day; we all can learn to have a heart that opens to the pain of every human, yes, we can do that.

Every organization that is willing to subscribe to the idea of co-existence is invited to participate, sponsor, and volunteer. We invite you to submit a 250 word note on the issue that agonize you and offer your solutions with co-existence in mind.

Please send an email to: HolocaustandGenocides@gmail.com

OUR PROGRAMS

1. Unityday USA - 7th Annual Event

2. Thanksgiving Celebrations - 14th Annual Event

3. Reflections on Holocaust and Genocides - 4th Annual Event

4. Qur'aan Conference - 1st Year

5. Conference on Homosexuality issues in 2011

6. Conference on Anti-Semitism -- 2011

7. Conference on Stereotyping -- 2011

8. Conference on Peace and Justice - -- 2011

9. Similar programs in Louisville, Atlanta & Houston are being lined up.

Mike Ghouse for a cohesive America
Chair, America Together
(214) 325-1916
Conference on Holocaust and Genocides and
IV Annual Reflections on Holocaust and Genocides.
http://www.holocaustandgenocides.com/

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Conference on Holocaust and Genocides

A comprehensive conference on
Holocaust and GenocidesWednesday, January 24, 2010


A full day conference is planned for Wednesday, January 26, 2011 to include and discuss every human tragedy. Perhaps, this would be a 2nd public comprehensive event where all human failings, massacres, genocides and Holocaust will be addressed in one fashion or the other, the first such event was the III Annual Reflections on Holocaust and Genocides.


Education is the purpose; we have to learn, acknowledge and reflect upon the terrible things that we humans have inflicted upon each other, and to we have to understand that our safety hinges on the safety of all others around us.


There is a shameless cruelty in us, either we shy away or refuse to acknowledge the sufferings of others, worrying that it will devalue our own or some how it amounts to infidelity to our own cause. Shame on us that we justifying massacres by believing and propagating that the victims deserved it or asked for it.


We sincerely hope the attendees will walk out with the following understanding:


1. Other people’s suffering is as legitimate as mine;
2. It is easy to see ourselves as Victims, but we must also see the perpetrator in us;
3. When we strip the politics out of a conflict, we see hope;
4. We can value others suffering without lessening our own;
5. The overriding desire to highlight our own blinds us from other’s suffering.
6. A sense of responsibility for creating a better world is awakened
7. Ultimately co-existence and every one's safety and peace should be the driving thought.


We invite sponsors, facilitaors, speakers, writers from individuasl and organizations to make this happen. It is an initiative of American Muslims striving to build responsible civic societies, where justice and co-existence are our values.


To all those, who have endured holocaust, genocides, massacres, bombs, annihilation, land mines, hunger, rape, torture, occupation and inhuman brutality, we say you are not alone. The least we can do in the process of healing is to acknowledge every one's pain in one voice. We have begun the process of coming together as one people, to stand with you, we are indeed one world and a single humanity, and caring for each other brings safety and peace to all of us. I cannot be safe if the people around me are not, and I will not have peace if people around me don't. It is in my interest to seek a peaceful world for one and all.


We are working on initiating a course on tolerance education, so one day; we all can learn to have a heart that opens to the pain of every human, yes, we can do that.


Every organization that is willing to subscribe to the idea of co-existence is invited to participate, sponsor, and volunteer. We invite you to submit a 500 word abstract on the issue that agonize you, please offer your solutions with co-existence in mind in another 100 words. No one will be excluded.


Please send an email to: HolocaustandGenocides@gmail.com


Mike Ghouse, Chairperson
Conference on Holocaust and Genocides and
IV Annual Reflections on Holocaust and Genocides.
http://www.holocaustandgenocides.com/
~ ~~

SMU Program to explore Texas Holocaust and Genocide Commission

SMU Program to explore Texas Holocaust and Genocide Commission

Dallas Morning News 4:05 PM Thu, Feb 18, 2010
http://religionblog.dallasnews.com/archives/2010/02/program-at-smu-to-explore-texa.html
Details below the update

UPDATE ON THE EVENT AT SMU
Mike Ghouse

The panel at the program last night included Hon. Senator Shapiro, Hon. Peter Berkowitz, Dr. Amy Fisher-Smith, Dr. Elliott Dlin and a few other good hearted people.

I want to laud the effort of Senators Rodney Ellis and Florence Shapiro for getting the legislation to pass the Texas Holocaust and Genocides commission and thank every one involved to make this happen.

The panel at the program last night included Hon. Senator Shapiro, Hon. Peter Berkowitz, Dr. Amy Fisher-Smith, Dr. Elliott Dlin and a few other leaders of the community.

Senator Florence Shapiro is a rare politician who took the question of Mary Ann Thompson-Frenk head on; when asked about the investors and corporations who have a vested interest in the continuance of the conflicts; she responded by the divestment measures taken and that can be taken on the investment of public funds.

Peter Berkowitz addressed my question of Stereotyping squarely, and I admire him for that. When I mentioned to him that preventing Genocides and Holocaust is the responsibility of whole humanity and Muslims have not only taken part in human rights issues but are seriously involved in educating Dallas Public, across the board in general and Muslims in particular for years by reflecting on Holocaust and Genocides. They are in the forefront in criticizing Holocaust deniers and including every human tragedy in their presentations. As a commissioner, Mr. Berkowitz fulfilled his responsibility when he said, the Houston Holocaust Board is all inclusive and has members from many communities, and mentioned about the area in the Museum that displays how Muslims have gone out of their way in protecting Jews during the Holocaust. He said, removal of stereotyping is the way to go. Sir, I commend you for that and all the other good things you shared tonight. To me, a Pluralist who is committed to contributing his share towards inclusive societies, that one single statement of yours was powerful and I am thankful to the people who appointed you to be the commissioner. You have done justice to the job.

A school curriculum is in the making to be more inclusive and those who are concerned must be involved in the states education curriculum development. We are all humans and at times over look a different point of view. To have sustainable peace in societies, we must have inclusive education and you must be part of it. No stone should be left unturned.

I came out of the event with three things; as a human I can be a perpetrator, Victim, a bystander or a solution finder.

Since I have written about this month, a season of peace and non-violence, and have attended all the three events;

1) the III Annual Reflections on Holocaust and Genocides, Sunday, Jan 24, 2010
2) the Gay and Lesbian Holocaust March on Wednesday, Jan 27, 2010
3) the SMU/Holocaust Museum/ Memnosyne Foundation on Tuesday, Feb 23, 2010

I would just like to point out the wisdom in the inclusion; every one’s safety. As a Muslim my role is to mitigate conflicts and nurture goodwill and I will do my 1/7th billionth (World Population) of my share towards a safer world.

As an individual or as a nation, we need to be aware that we cannot be safe unless the people around us are not safe, we cannot have peace unless people around us don’t have it.

A full day conference is planned for Wednesday, January 26, 2011 to include and discuss every human tragedy, please submit a thoroughly researched 500 word abstract about the event you'd like to discuss to - HolocaustandGenocides@gmail.com.

Mike Ghouse, Chair
IV Annual Reflections on Holocaust and Genocides
http://www.holocaustandgenocides.com/

______________________________________________

On Tuesday evening (Feb. 23) at 7 p.m. at SMU's Hughes-Trigg Theater in the Hughes-Trigg Student Center, the Dallas Holocaust Museum Center for Education and Tolerance is hosting a special program exploring the role of the newly-established Texas Holocaust and Genocide Commission. The program is free and open to the public, and complimentary valet parking is provided.

Thank Goodness the awareness of Holocaust and Genocides is increasing; from one event in 2007 to three events this year;

1) the III Annual Reflections on Holocaust and Genocides, Sunday, Jan 24, 2010
2) the Gay and Lesbian Holocaust March on Wednesday, Jan 27, 2010
3) the SMU/Holocaust Museum/ Memnosyne Foundation on Tuesday, Feb 23, 2010

Please note that Yom Ha-Shoah, also known as Holocaust Remembrance Day, occurs on the 27th of Nissan of Jewish Calendar and has been commemorated by the Jewish community for nearly fifty years the world over.

However the first program on Holocaust and Genocides for the general public took place in 2007, an initiative of American Muslims, striving to build responsible civic societies. The event was prompted by the UN Declaration to commemorate the day.

We hope, more of us would attend these events and learn to reflect upon the terrible things we humans have inflicted upon each other, to bring about a positive change. No community should bear the suffering alone; we all have to stand up, and be there for each other.

A full day conference is planned for Wednesday, January 26, 2011 to include and discuss every human tragedy, please submit a thoroughly researched 500 word abstract about the event you'd like to discuss to - HolocaustandGenocides@gmail.com.

Mike Ghouse
www.HolocaustandGenocides.com

PRESS RELEASE AT DALLAS MORNING NEWS
http://religionblog.dallasnews.com/archives/2010/02/program-at-smu-to-explore-texa.html

Program at SMU to explore Texas Holocaust and Genocide Commission
4:05 PM Thu, Feb 18, 2010 Permalink Yahoo! Buzz
Sam Hodges/Reporter Bio E-mail News tips

The release below gives details on a fast-approaching program at Southern Methodist University:

On Tuesday evening (Feb. 23) at 7 p.m. at SMU's Hughes-Trigg Theater in the Hughes-Trigg Student Center (http://smu.edu/maps/flash/) , the Dallas Holocaust Museum/Center for Education and Tolerance (www.dallasholocaustmuseum.org) is hosting a special program exploring the role of the newly-established Texas Holocaust and Genocide Commission.

The program is free and open to the public, and complimentary valet parking is provided.

The Commission was established during the last session of the Legislature and signed into law last summer. State Sen. Florence Shapiro (R-Plano) and State Sen. Rodney Ellis (D-Houston) co-sponsored the bill creating the commission, which was passed unanimously.

Texas is the nation's 13th state to establish a commission or council devoted to Holocaust and genocide education. By law, the commission--considered the most important development in Holocaust education in Texas in years--is to help preserve information and experiences of the Holocaust and other genocide events. The commission will also work with organizations, agencies, museums, survivors and liberators to provide information and experiences and to coordinate memorial events in the state.

The SMU program will explore the commission's purpose in a Q&A format moderated by Texas Tribune Editor Evan Smith, formerly president and editor-in-chief of Texas Monthly. The panelists include Senator Shapiro; Peter Berkowitz, a Houston business executive who chairs the commission; Amy Fisher-Smith, an associate professor of psychology at University of Dallas, and a Holocaust educator; and Elliott Dlin, Museum Director of the Dallas Holocaust Museum/Center for Education and Tolerance.

Texas is home to several hundred Holocaust survivors, and a few are expected to attend the event, co-sponsored by the Memnosyne Foundation (http://memnosynefoundation.org/) and the SMU Human Rights Program (http://smu.edu/humanrights/)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
COMMENTS, COURTESY OF DALLAS NEWS

Posted by Mike Ghouse @ 2:57 PM Sun, Feb 21, 2010
I am glad to see our state passed the bill to recognize Holocaust and Genocides. I hope Dallasites will take the time to attend the program and learn and reflect upon the terrible things that we humans have inflicted upon each other.

The Jewish community has borne the suffering of the Holocaust for over sixty years; it is time for us to share it. No community should bear the suffering alone; we all have to stand up, and be there for each other.

Thank God the awareness is increasing; from one event in 2006 by the American Muslims, it has grown to three events this year; the III Annual Reflections on Holocaust and Genocides on 24th, the Gay and Lesbian commeration on 27th and now this event by the Holocaust Museusm in collobration with the Memnosyne Foundation.
Holocaust was a major human tragedy and a failure of humanity.

And perhaps the first time in our history that we acknowledged the genocides of the indigenous Americans and Native peoples of Americas in a public forum along with other tragedies.

I want to applaud the people of Dallas for attending the event. They were Atheists, Bahai, Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Jain, Jewish, Muslim, Sikh, Wicca, Zoroastrians and from sevral ethnicities and nationalities.

It was an educational program, where 7 speakers reflected on 7 topics for 7 minutes each. Then 7 commentators made comments about 7 different situations. The topics ranged from the Holocaust to Genocides, massacres and tragedies.

Among Genocides, Massacres and other tragedies we reflected upon the Indigenous American people such as the Mayans, the Toltecs and the massacres of the Native people right here in Dallas, we touched upon Darfur, Polpot, Congo, Armenia, Rwanda, Falun Dafa, Burma, Tibet, Bosnia, India, Gaza and the transatlantic slave trade. Through these representative events, our goal was to reflect upon every human tragedy. The words do not describe the sufferings of people in full, we have to work with the limited choice of words, but have a big heart to feel the pain and suffering of every human being, not just my people or my tribe, but every one. Let there be one negative energy of suffering that we are part of, together we can work on getting out of it.

There is a shameless cruelty in us, either we shy away or some times refuse to acknowledge the sufferings of others, worrying that it will devalue our own or some how it amounts to infidelity to our own cause, and shame on us for justifying massacres that the victims deserved it or they asked for it.

We learned a few simple things that we can do to prevent such tragedies. It was a purposeful event to learn, acknowledge and reflect upon the terrible things that we humans have inflicted upon each other. We also learned that our safety hinges on the safety of all others around us.

We learned to see each other with dignity, and honor the otherness of other. Gatherings such as this offer hope and opportunity for a secure and a safer world.

Of the several acknowledgements, a few notable ones are;

1. other peoples suffering is as legitimate as ours;
2. some one related to us through faith, ethnicity, land mass or race has been a butcher too,
3. it takes courage to see ourselves as perpetrators, while it is easy to ourselves as victims;
4. we can see the light at the end of the tunnel when politics is stripped;
5. we can value others suffering without lessening our own;
6. the overriding desire to highlight my own gets softened, when we value others pain;
7. the sense of responsibility for creating a better world was present in us.

It is an initiative of American Muslims striving to build responsible civic societies. The event was organized by the Foundation for Pluralism, where co-existence is our value. We appreciate the sponsorship by the Center for Spiritual Living, all the three are Dallas based Organizations.

And to every community that has endured holocaust, genocides, massacres, bombs, annihilation, land mines, hunger, rape, torture, occupation and inhuman brutality, the least we can do in the process of healing is to acknowledge every one's pain in one room, as one people. We have to teach tolerance and acceptance.

We have begun the process of coming together as one people, to stand with you, we are indeed one world and one humanity, and caring for each other brings safety and peace to all of us. I cannot be safe if the people around me are not, and I will not have peace if people around me don't. It is in my interest to seek a peaceful world for one and all.

A full day conference is planned for Wednesday, January 26, 2011 to discuss every human tragedy, please submit a thoroughly researched 500 word abstract about the event you'd like to discuss to -HolocaustandGenocides@gmail.com

Mike Ghouse, Chair
Holocaust and Genocides
www.holocaustandGenocides.com

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Posted by Matthew Cappiello @ 5:01 PM Sun, Feb 21, 2010
Good to hear about this fantastic initiative!

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Posted by Len Ellis @ 7:57 PM Sun, Feb 21, 2010
Indeed, more education and information about these tragedies is of utmost importance. Without such, the possibility that these horrific events can occur again is real. I hope that along with the history, a great deal of attention is placed on what allowed these events to occur, mainly, that people watched and did nothing. When we see people being persecuted, when we see people denied basic human rights, we must raise our voices and say "no!" The mantra associated with The Holocaust is "Never Again", yet to be true to the to the call, requires first that we even know about what happened, and second, that each of us take responsibility for our role.
I applaud these educational and participatory events, I encourage all to attend, and to speak out and speak up, for these atrocities still occur in our world today.
Len Ellis
Dallas Peace Center

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Posted by Harbans Lal @ 12:22 AM Mon, Feb 22, 2010
Yes, we will attend. Sikhs are those who suffered because of religious and ethnic hatred. They like to join all to make it sure that the hatred is transformed into understanding of the human suffering all over the world. The idea of sharing the suffering of the world is a powerful one to move the world where such atrocities are never inflicted on any human being, and if and when it ever happens again, it may be shared by all.
Harbans Lal,
DFW Sikhs for Interfaith Understanding
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Posted by Surinder Kaul @ 8:47 AM Mon, Feb 22, 2010
As a Kashmiri Hindu, I applaud the mention of our plight at the reflection program on January 24, no one cares about our issue, it was a relief to see them mention it.
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Posted by Mike Ghouse @ 9:58 AM Tue, Feb 23, 2010
It is our duty, a moral obligation to acknolwedge the pain and suffering of all people. There is a shameless cruelty in us, either we shy away or some times refuse to acknowledge the sufferings of others, worrying that it will devalue our own or some how it amounts to infidelity to our own cause.

We all have to learn to see eye to eye, face to face, some one related to us via land mass, faith or race was a butcher, it does not mean, you and I are. We have to bring about a change by simply being human - feeling the pain of other no matter who it is, that is what makes us human.

We are looking forward to All day conference in January 2011 to acknowlege every human suffering, whether they are technically genocide or not. LIfe is precious and must be valued.

Mike Ghouse, Chair
Holocaust and Genocides
Dallas, Texas
www.HolocaustandGenocides.com

----------------------------

Posted by CA Pramod Gupta @ 10:21 AM Tue, Feb 23, 2010

My heartiest wishes for the successful event ,of which I m assured when the mention of Mike Ghouse I see, as the chair,, and He is most update on the issues, and a crusader , and is persuasive in deliverance as I see him as a virtual friend,an epitome of unparalleled wisdom and heave in the betterment of humanity at large spiritedly .. GOd bless the event and the Mission , I m sure Hindus the world's most oppressed , would be able to raise their head with pride as they r the keeper of trait invaluable to the humanity ... "Tolerance" and the ancient believer and propounded "UNIVERSAL BROTHERHOOD" ,, with no riders.. but paying for it sadly .. the Order has to be reversed if humanity have to survive and espouse goodness.
report as abusive

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Posted by Barbara Thyab Ali @ 11:30 AM Tue, Feb 23, 2010
Dont forget how the Muslims were treated when the first fight for freedom was conducted... by Bahadur Shah!!! and his followers.... ever after that all Muslims where shun and doomed,,, not even given basic education or any signs of equality till date.... what a horrible fate they had ... even till today,.. many are being treated very badly.... all because some Muslims are "Terrorists" in todays world... yet all are looked upon and termed !!!!!!!! Yes !!! X or Y or Z.... for no crime or reason at all..... why should all the Muslims be branded as Terrorist today!!! Is there no one to stand up and question why??? Its high time we all jointly stop such form of persecution to the Indian Muslim of today...
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Posted by CA pramod Gupra @ 12:17 PM Tue, Feb 23, 2010
Barbara , U shirked to answer the empiric ,, evaporation of hindus almost total in other than India , and muslim exponential growth in India ,, is speaking loudly and the recent incidents of imposing jijiya and butchering beheading for refusing emabracing islam has caused the havoc .. and exposed why the evaporation occurred and thanx to Tasleema Nasreen for the expose in Banglaesh, sadly was dubbed criminally, coercively ..by progressibves, muslims, and pseudo secularist ( why there is no call whe tasleema exposed the mass raping and killing going on of hindus in Bangladesh ,a nd when M F husssin painted hindu goddesss, Mother India , in nude ,, and was dubbbed as objects of art , while cartoons make U cry and kill ppl indiscriminatey, the double standards , are exhorting Hindus to notice and rise, befittingly) .. and the leadership of ,Muslim had kept them alienated , and perpetuated their heinous designs, divisiveness on that foundation , while those who joined main stream has been able to decorate the highest offices at nation and apex courts beside others, a sign that only a predominantly hindu nation cud display with pride the mark f tolerance while the Muslim states , they purported to b secular played heinous in making hindus extinct, with terrorists attacking indian s , infiltrating and given local cover , by whom , U kbnow ! including the nationals of all muslim states wud put any muslim to shame, what to talk of seeing them elevated to the higher offices,a sham and shame exposed,, by all means .. a dark writing on the wall , the hindus r seeing as the recent paki- china - uS combine is also pushing the rot with vigor , against this tolerant clan ..
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Posted by Barbara Thyab Ali @ 3:12 AM Wed, Feb 24, 2010
Hello Dear,

I proudly declare that my entire family of Indian Muslims, are true followers of Islam, will never dare harm a single living creature of our creator.Many thousands of miles away from our Mother Land and yet getting rewards/ awards and certificates... decorated by the firms and companies they work at... best employee of the year, outstanding employee of the company, as asset to the firm, valuable employee of the company, best management head who has helped to keep the company afloat in this 100% recession, making heavy profits for the company...etc.,.. etc... all this in Australia today... Yes , I am a very proud mother of these four Indian Muslim Sons of mine, yet, they could not stay in India as there was nothing for them in India, being brought up in the Middle East , educated and earned their work experience outside India, 6 grand children -Indian Muslims too, and my three daughters in law are also doing so well in Australia in different fields of work, yet they too never wanted to remain in Inda all because of the differences shown to each one of them... all are highly educated too, like my family I wonder how many Indian Muslims have left our Mother land just because they too were being brushed with the same brush!!! that is still happening in India to all most 90% of decent, God Fearing Muslims....I am also getting ready to leave my mother land, with a heavy heart and much unwillingness, only because from Australia will I be able to meet each and every one who wishes to run down a Muslim in this world today... Australia has started to offer dual passports!!!!

Praying that all the Hindus will also re-unite and form one big united family soon... united we stand, divided we fall...

Bye

Barbara.
report as abusive

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Posted by Mike Ghouse @ 11:47 AM Wed, Feb 24, 2010
POST EVENT UPDATE

The panel at the program last night included Hon. Senator Shapiro, Hon. Peter Berkowitz, Dr. Amy Fisher-Smith, Dr. Elliott Dlin and a few other good hearted people.

I want to laud the effort of Senators Rodney Ellis and Florence Shapiro for getting the legislation to pass the Texas Holocaust and Genocides commission and thank every one involved to make this happen.

The panel at the program last night included Hon. Senator Shapiro, Hon. Peter Berkowitz, Dr. Amy Fisher-Smith, Dr. Elliott Dlin and a few other leaders of the community.

Senator Florence Shapiro is a rare politician who took the question of Mary Ann Thompson-Frenk head on; when asked about the investors and corporations who have a vested interest in the continuance of the conflicts; she responded by the divestment measures taken and that can be taken on the investment of public funds.

Peter Berkowitz addressed my question of Stereotyping squarely, and I admire him for that. When I mentioned to him that preventing Genocides and Holocaust is the responsibility of whole humanity and Muslims have not only taken part in human rights issues but are seriously involved in educating Dallas Public, across the board in general and Muslims in particular for years by reflecting on Holocaust and Genocides. They are in the forefront in criticizing Holocaust deniers and including every human tragedy in their presentations. As a commissioner, Mr. Berkowitz fulfilled his responsibility when he said, the Houston Holocaust Board is all inclusive and has members from many communities, and mentioned about the area in the Museum that displays how Muslims have gone out of their way in protecting Jews during the Holocaust. He said, removal of stereotyping is the way to go. Sir, I commend you for that and all the other good things you shared tonight. To me, a Pluralist who is committed to contributing his share towards inclusive societies, that one single statement of yours was powerful and I am thankful to the people who appointed you to be the commissioner. You have done justice to the job.

A school curriculum is in the making to be more inclusive and those who are concerned must be involved in the states education curriculum development. We are all humans and at times over look a different point of view. To have sustainable peace in societies, we must have inclusive education and you must be part of it. No stone should be left unturned.

I came out of the event with three things; as a human I can be a perpetrator, Victim, a bystander or a solution finder.

Since I have written about this month, a season of peace and non-violence, and have attended all the three events;

1) the III Annual Reflections on Holocaust and Genocides, Sunday, Jan 24, 2010
2) the Gay and Lesbian Holocaust March on Wednesday, Jan 27, 2010
3) the SMU/Holocaust Museum/ Memnosyne Foundation on Tuesday, Feb 23, 2010

I would just like to point out the wisdom in the inclusion; every one’s safety. As a Muslim my role is to mitigate conflicts and nurture goodwill and I will do my 1/7th billionth (World Population) of my share towards a safer world.

As an individual or as a nation, we need to be aware that we cannot be safe unless the people around us are not safe, we cannot have peace unless people around us don’t have it.

A full day conference is planned for Wednesday, January 26, 2011 to include and discuss every human tragedy, please submit a thoroughly researched 500 word abstract about the event you'd like to discuss to - HolocaustandGenocides@gmail.com.

Mike Ghouse, Chair
IV Annual Reflections on Holocaust and Genocides
www.HolocaustandGenocides.com

Thursday, February 18, 2010

Pictorial Report - Holocaust and Genocides

A report on the III Annual Reflections on
Holocaust and Genocides
Sunday, January 24, 2010

We applaud the people of North Texas for attending the event. They came from every religious, ethnic and race backgrounds; they were Indigenous Americans, Atheists, Bahai, Buddhists, Cherokee, Christians, Hindus, Hopi, Jains, Jews, Muslims, Sikhs, Toltec, Wicca, Zoroastrians and from several ethnicities and nationalities.

Our purpose was education to diverse population. It was a purposeful event to learn, acknowledge and reflect upon the terrible things that we humans have inflicted upon each other, and to understand that our safety hinges on the safety of all others around us.
The program featured 7 speakers who reflected on 7 topics for 7 minutes each followed by 7 commentators on 7 different types of atrocities. The range of topics included; the Holocaust, Genocides, Massacres, Atrocities and Tragedies.This is perhaps the for first time in our history, that we have acknowledged the genocides of the indigenous Americans and Native peoples of Americas in a public forum along with other tragedies.

The Jewish community has borne the suffering of the Holocaust for over sixty years; it is time for us to share it. No community should bear the suffering alone; we all have to stand up, and be there for each other. It is a Muslim initiative to build responsible civic societies. There is a shameless cruelty in us, either we shy away or some times refuse to acknowledge the sufferings of others, worrying that it will devalue our own or some how it amounts to infidelity to our own cause. Shame on us that we justifying massacres by believing and propagating that the victims deserved it or asked for it.

The Holocaust was a major human tragedy and a failure of humanity. The World stood by mercilessly when people were sent to Gas Chambers for their belief in the creator. The looks on the faces of the people, the resignation on their faces that the world silently stood by is horrifying and will haunt us for centuries to come.

Among Genocides, Massacres and other tragedies we reflected upon the Indigenous American people such as the Choctaw, Mayans, Toltecs and the massacres of the Native people right here in Dallas.

We touched upon Darfur and rolled the slides on Polpot, Congo, Armenia, Rwanda, Nanking, Falungong, Bosnia, India and other events to represent the Genocides and Massacres.

Among the ongoing tragedies, the tragedy of Gaza was highlighted with mentions of Burma, Tibet and other tragedies. The massive drowning and tragedy of the transatlantic slave trade was shared.

Through these representative events, our goal was to reflect upon every human failing. The technical definitions of the words do not describe the sufferings of the people in full, we have to work with the limited choice of words, but must have a big heart to feel the pain and suffering of every human being, not just my people or my tribe, but every one. Let us be a part of all human suffering, and together work on getting out of it.Gatherings such as this offer hope and opportunity for a secure and a safer world. At this event, we learned to see each other with dignity, and honor the otherness of other.Of the several acknowledgements, a few notable ones are;

1. Other people’s suffering is as legitimate as ours;
2. Through faith, ethnicity or land mass we are related with butchers of the past;
3. It takes courage to see ourselves as perpetrators;
4. It is easy to see ourselves as Victims
5. When we strip the politics out of these events, we see hope.
6. We can value others suffering without lessening our own;
7. The overriding desire to highlight our own blinds us from other’s suffering.

A sense of responsibility for creating a better world was present in us as witnessed by the people hanging out for an hour and a half after the program.

It is an initiative of American Muslims striving to build responsible civic societies. The event was organized by the Foundation for Pluralism, where co-existence is our value. We appreciate the sponsorship by the Center for Spiritual Living, all the three are Dallas based Organizations.

To the;
Jews, we say you are not alone;
Native people, we say you are not alone;
Homosexual community, we say you are not alone;
Darfurians, we say you are not alone;
Kashmiris Pundits, we say you are not alone;
Gujarati Muslims, we say you are not alone;
Gazans, we say you are not alone;
Ugandans, we say you are no alone;

To all those, who have endured holocaust, genocides, massacres, bombs, annihilation, land mines, hunger, rape, torture, occupation and inhuman brutality, we say you are not alone. The least we can do in the process of healing is to acknowledge every one's pain in one voice. We have begun the process of coming together as one people, to stand with you, we are indeed one world and a single humanity, and caring for each other brings safety and peace to all of us. I cannot be safe if the people around me are not, and I will not have peace if people around me don't. It is in my interest to seek a peaceful world for one and all.
A full day conference is planned for Wednesday, January 26, 2011 to discuss every human tragedy, please submit a thoroughly researched 500 word abstract about the event you'd like to discuss to HolocaustandGenocides@gmail.com.

We are working on initiating a course on tolerance education, so one day, we all can learn to have a heart that opens to the pain of every human. Initial report - http://holocaustandgenocides.blogspot.com/2010/01/initial-report-on-holocaust-and.html

A full report with Speakers information and their talks will be available on the websites soon. Pictures for all the three events are available at the website, for 2010: http://www.flickr.com/photos/mikeghouse/sets/72157623333495277
Mike Ghouse, Chairperson
Annual reflections on Holocaust and Genocides

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Holocaust and Genocides - Crescent

My Crescent News magazine
January 25, 2010

http://www.mycrescent.com/profiles/blogs/holocaust-amp-genocides

I am not sure to what to say about the "2nd Annual Reflections on Holocaust & Genocides" program organized by Mike Ghouse Learning about the darkest episodes of "humanity" was not a great experience. Hearing stories about how far people would go to destroy another human being or an entire community was extremely distressful. I came to the program to see the good that humanity has to offer, but it seemed like evil and injustice always prevail -- years after years and decades after decades. We keep jumping from one atrocity to another.

The program started just before Maghrib, so few minutes into the speeches I headed out for prayers. I kept thinking about what would motivate people to commit such horrific crimes? What kind of ignorance inspires a person to kill innocent victims? So many un-Godly acts in the name of God?

Maghrib prayers helped me get some perspective on all this chaos. I re-remembered our purpose on this earth and duty to mankind. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) once said that when you see injustice and evil, try and stop it with your hands, if you are unable to do so then speak out against it and if you are unable to speak out then in your heart condemn it, but that's weakest sign of faith. I began thinking about the panel of speakers and the attendees. They are trying to stop evil from spreading, aren't they? Some have even dedicated their entire lives to bring an end to these atrocities. They organize protests, work with aid groups, they are going out raising funds for various causes and not only speaking out against genocides but empowering the victims to take action as well.

Suddenly, I was not feeling as hopeless. Actually, I felt pretty dandy, if I may say so. I thanked God for allowing me to spend some time in the company of those who care and and are stepping up to the challenge. I had the opportunity to socialize with real role models. They came together regardless of their ethnicity, faith or nationality to acknowledge crimes against humanity. They came together to do every thing in their power to help the victims stand up in the face of injustice against fellow humans. And I think that's pretty cool.

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Center for Spiritual Living hosts discussion of genocide and war

Center for Spiritual Living hosts discussion of genocide and war
By KATHERINE LEAL UNMUTH
The Dallas Morning News,kunmuth@dallasnews.com

People of many religious and ethnic backgrounds gathered Sunday to exchange stories of genocide and war. The event was held at the Center for Spiritual Living and sponsored by the Foundation for Pluralism and the World Muslim Congress.

"We are obsessed with our own tragedies, and sometimes it's hard to acknowledge others' tragedies," said Mike Ghouse, chairman of the event.

Panelists discussed the Holocaust, the impact of colonization on North American and Toltec Indians and the war in Darfur.

The event also touched on the situation in the Gaza Strip, and Ghouse, who is Muslim, acknowledged that people had contacted him to say they were upset that he included Palestinians in the discussion.

The Rev. Petra Weldes, a minister at the center, told the audience that people often respond more quickly to tragedies such as the earthquake in Haiti. "If we can respond to a natural tragedy, then why can't we respond to a manmade tragedy?" she asked.

The presentations were not academic. Instead, they focused on people sharing their feelings about the events in order to raise awareness that there is much suffering in the world and to promote peaceful coexistence.

"Genocide is still going on," said Rick Halperin, director of the human rights education program at Southern Methodist University. "For many people, it happened 'back there.' "

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Courtesy of Dallas Morning News http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/news/localnews/stories/DN-worldpeace_25met.ART.State.Edition1.4bca07e.html#slcgm_comments_anchor

Comments (7)
Posted by Rev. Petra 23 hours ago

It was such a powerful evening, I was greatly moved as part of this event, and pleased for our Community to sponsor it.

What became noticeable clear to me as the evening progressed is that as we continue to remember and reflect on these unspeakable tragedies, it does not further healing to approach them with anger, hate or the need for vengeance. We have learned that violence only begets more violence. the silence must be broken, truth and hope spoken, and a new understanding that we must respond swiftly and positively to the slaughter of humans by humans. Realizing that no one group is always responsible and no one group is always the victim helps us stop the "us vs them" perspective, and begins to move us into the "we must work together".

It is truly astounding that our media continues to spend its time showing the extreme sides and positions all over the world, rather than focusing on the moderate, reconciliatory voices that seek peace, justice and understanding. Thank you, Ms Unmuth and the Dallas Morning News, for being willing to cover this event and this story!

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Posted by Kamran Cheikh

Katherine, I would like to thank you very much for covering this event. There were alot of insightful speeches by the speakers at the event and each one of them brought their own unique perspective to these very dire tragedies that have occured throughout history. To solve these issues we as human beings must continue to come together to witness the signs of these tragedies and find solutions to prevent them from occuring. I thank all of the guest speakers,volunteers and attendants for their support and participation in this event. We are looking forward to next years event as we hope to have a full day conference with discussion about many different genocides, holocausts and tragedies that have been occuring throughout human history. Please also give support to the next upcoming initiative of the World Muslim Congress, Project Soam, which should be occuring in the next few months,some information about the project can be found at www.holocaustandgenocides.com

Kamran Cheikh is a Board Member for the World Muslim Congress and the Foudation for Pluralism. He is also on the steering board for the organization Muslims for Peace, Justice and Progress(MPJP). Additionaly, he is a researcher for the think tank organization the Deen Research center(DRC).

Kamran Cheikh, Assistant Chairperson
III Annual Reflections on Holocaust and Genocides
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Posted by RElghonimi

Katherine, thank you for this article. We are grateful for your presence with us and in conveying its significance. We truly appreciate Mike Ghouse's dedication to human dignity and the Center for Spiritual Living's hosting of the event.

You noted that it was not an academic program yet I just wanted to mention we did have an academic talk during the program. I am a graduate student at UTD in history, and I presented a historical analysis of Jerusalem. It is interesting you chose not to mention it in your article as many audience members were powerfully impacted by it. I am grateful to Mike Ghouse for letting me know of the neglect of this area in the article. Many attendees thanked me in reminding all of us that Jerusalem was notable for 1219 years of coexistence and openness to travel and pilgrimage under Islamic rule. They expressed amazement that they had never before heard this type of academic proof that inspired such faith, hope, and love. Muslims, Christians, and Jews lived together, coming and going. It is a precedent of hope and optimism that should be emphasized and appreciated rather than covered up - and of course, instead of the ad nauseum ideas of inevitable conflict or cultural clashes that usually surface.

Reem Elghonimi
Steering Board Member,
Muslims for Peace, Justice, and Progress (MPJP)
www.mpjp.org

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Posted by LeonardEllis

Indeed, a very sincere, informative and heartbreaking event, as we were awakened to the atrocities committed by our fellow human beings on our brothers and sisters. A sense of oneness was present, and one of sadness as I learned about horrific events until now unbeknownst to me.
Asking why and how of these past events will perhaps awaken our humanity, preventing future tragedies. Perhaps, but each and every one of us must hold the vision of a just and peaceful world. Each of us must do our part, to speak up when we see injustice, to truly be our brother's keeper. Yes, we can hold the vision, and we can be proactive about it, because a vision without action is just a hallucination.
Len Ellis
Dallas Peace Center

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Posted by MikeGhouse

Thanks for the report, indeed, we were able to acknowledge the tough issues and face them squarely, we also learned that we can find the way out of the quagmires without compromising the truth. I cannot thank enough the contribution each speaker and participant made towards the success of tonight’s program.

Humility was flowing in every one’s veins tonight, there was no acknowledgment of all the great things each speaker and commentator has made, and instead they were simply introduced by their first names. It did not bother them at all, they did not even pay attention to it, because it was not important to them, it was their message that was important to them. They listened to others, without ever lessening others. I am proud to be a part of this group for your humility and being good communicators and listeners. They had long crossed the threshold of "me, me and me alone person", to "we, we and us", and I salute them all for the same.

Of the several accomplishments tonight, a few are as follows;

1. that other peoples suffering is as legitimate as ours,

2. that some one related to us through faith, ethnicity or race has been a butcher too,

3. that it takes courage to see ourselves as perpetrators and accomplices as well,

4. that we can see the light at the end of the tunnel when politics is stripped,

5. that we can value others suffering without lessening our own or theirs,

6. that the overriding desire to highlight my own gets softened, easing our own pain

7. the sense of responsibility for creating a better world was present in us.

We could have done a full hour session with the theme and presentation of each speaker, and God willing we will have a full day conference on the subject.

I hope to gather every one’s speech and include in the upcoming issue of the Journal of Pluralism. I will be compiling a full report and publish on the websites and Blogs

Mike Ghouse is a Dallas based Speaker, Writer, Thinker and a Moderator. He is a frequent guest on talk radio and television networks offering pluralistic perspectives on issues of the day including Pluralism, Interfaith, Islam, Peace, India and Civic issues.

Mike Ghouse, Chairperson
III Annual Reflections on Holocaust and Genocides
http://www.holocaustandgenocides.com/

~~~~

Monday, January 25, 2010

Initial report on Holocaust and Genocides event

We were able to acknowledge the tough issues and together and face them squarely, we also learned that we can find the way out of the quagmires without compromising the truth. I cannot thank enough for the contribution each speaker and participant made towards success of tonight’s program.

Dallas, Texas
Sunday, January 24, 2010
5:00 to 8:00 PM

CONTENTS

1. Initial report
2. Program Schedule
3. Readers comments at Dallas News
4. Press Releases

Humility was flowing in every one’s veins tonight, there was no acknowledgment of all the great things each speaker and commentator has made, and instead they were simply introduced by their first names. It did not bother them at all, they did not even pay attention to it, because it was not important to them, it was their message that was important to them. They listened to others, without ever lessening others. I am proud to be a part of this group for your humility and being good communicators and listeners. They had long crossed the threshold of "me, me and me alone person", to "we, we and us", and I salute them all for the same.

I hope to gather every one’s speech and include in the upcoming issue of the Journal of Pluralism. I will be compiling a full report and publish on the websites and Blogs.

Of the several accomplishments tonight, a few were;

1. that other peoples suffering is as legitimate as ours,
2. that some one related to us through faith, ethnicity or race has been a butcher too,
3. that it takes courage to see ourselves as perpetrators and accomplices as well,
4. that we can see the light at the end of the tunnel when politics is stripped,
5. that we can value others suffering without lessening our own or theirs,
6. that the overriding desire to highlight my own gets softened, easing our own pain
7. the sense of responsibility for creating a better world was present in us.

We could have done a full hour session with the theme and presentation of each speaker, and God willing we will have a full day conference on the subject.

Again, thank you.

Mike Ghouse is a Dallas based Speaker, Writer, Thinker and a Moderator. He is a frequent guest on talk radio and television networks offering pluralistic perspectives on issues of the day including Pluralism, Interfaith, Islam, Peace, India and Civic issues.

The Journal of Pluralism reaches 25000 individuals across the world. His comments, news analysis, opinions and Blogs are listed on his personal web site www.MikeGhouse.net
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III Annual Reflections on Holocaust & Genocides
An initiative of American Muslims; striving to build civil societies

Sunday, January 24, 2010 – 5:00 PM - 7: 30 PM
4801 Spring Valley Road, Dallas, TX 75244

Sponsored by
The Center for Spiritual Living

Refreshments by
FunAsia, Richardson, Texas

Kulfi Ice Cream and additional snacks by
Dr. Harbans Lal & Sabzi Mandi

Organized by:
The Foundation for Pluralism &
World Muslim Congress

Volunteers:
Casey Ohanja, Rita Clarke, Members of the Ismaili Muslim Community, Staff of the Center for Spiritual Living and several on spot volunteers.

This is an educational program, where 7 speakers will reflect on 7 topics for 7 minutes each. The topics range from the Holocaust to Genocides, massacres and tragedies. We will learn about a few simple things that you and I can do to prevent such tragedies. It is a purposeful event to learn, acknowledge and reflect upon the terrible things that we humans have inflicted upon each other.

PROGRAM

PROGRAM HOST: Mike Ghouse

WELCOME – Rev. Petra Weldes

HAITI - A moment of silence for the people of Haiti

OPENING PRAYER – Sabeeha Kazimi

7/7 PRESENTATION (7 Minutes each)

1. Indigenous people of America - Peggy Larney
2. Holocaust - Rev. Dr. Petra Weldes, Dr. Rick Halperin and Mike Ghouse
3. Maya and Toltec - Ricardo Cervantes
4. Human tragedies - Reem Elghonimi
5. Darfur - Paulette Cooper
6. Gaza - Joshua Smith
7. Mary Ann Thompson-Frenk - Solutions

SILENT RECITATIONS

Through these representative events, our goal is to reflect upon every human tragedy. We plan to have a full day conference to remember every tragedy, and we hope you will attend the full day next year.

COMMENTATORS

Harinder Singh,
Kelly Seals Obazee,
Dr. Shirley Wu,
Fred Jones
John Halsey
Jeff Andonian

PROJECT SOAM – Kamran Cheikh

RECOGNITIONS – Len Ellis
Rev. Diane Baker
Roger Kallenberg
Joshua Smith
Paulette Cooper

REFLECTIONS - Tatiana Androsov

CLOSING PRAYERS – Rev. Bill Matthews

REFRESHMENTS
This is a humanitarian event.

CENTER FOR SPIRITUAL LIVING

New Thought combines the teachings of Jesus, Hindu cosmology, mental healing, platonic philosophy, science and psychology. New Thought includes Centers for Spiritual Living teaching the Science of Mind, Unity Church of Christianity, Divine Science, and many independent communities worldwide. New Thought teaches God as the Source from which creation springs which is inherently good; and recognizes Universal Spiritual Principles govern all life. That which God is, we are. Embracing ancient traditions and modern wisdom, Science of Mind teaches practical spiritual tools for personal and global healing and transformation. What we know is all paths lead to God, and all life is sacred. http://www.csldallas.org

THE FOUNDATION FOR PLURALISM

Pluralism is an attitude. If we can learn to respect the otherness of other, and accept the God given uniqueness of each one of the Seven billion of us, then conflicts fade and solutions emerge.

When applied to religion, it should sound like this, “I love my faith as you love yours, and your devotion to the creator is as sincere as mine. My values will not diminish an ounce by giving full value to your faith, and given that I hereby proclaim that my faith works for me as yours works for you. Furthermore, I do not claim my faith to be superior to yours as it amounts to arrogance. Our faiths teach us humility and not arrogance.”

The change is coming, the paradigm is moving from exclusive to inclusive societies. In our life time collective blame on religions will become a thing of the past and individuals will be held responsible for their acts and not their family, neighborhood, community, nation or their religion. It is a sure way to find justice, as religions are intangibles that cannot be punished or hung and justice never happens and societal balance is seldom achieved.
www.FoundationforPluralism.com

YEAR 2010

• Seminars and Lectures
• Workshops – Wisdom of Religion, all the beautiful religions
• The Journal of Pluralism – Monitoring the trends in Pluralism
• 4th Annual reflections on Holocaust and Genocides - all day
• 14th Annual Thanksgiving Celebrations; a multi-cultural event
• 6th Annual Unity Day USA; Americans coming together

WORLD MUSLIM CONGRESS

To be a Muslim is to be a peace maker, one who constantly seeks to mitigate conflicts and nurtures goodwill for peaceful co-existence of humanity. God wants us to live in peace and harmony with his creation; Life and Matter.

Our Mission is to work for a world of co-existence through inclusiveness and participation. As a member of diverse family of faiths, our efforts will be directed towards justice and equity to attain peace for the humankind with a firm grounding in commonly held values. We cannot have advantages at the cost of others. Such benefits are temporary and deleterious to lasting peace. We believe what is good for Muslims has got to be good for the world, and vice versa, to sustain it.

PROJECT SOAM

This is a collaborative societal project effort in the DFW Metroplex to promote social awareness, solidarity, development and co-existence amongst humanity. The word Soam comes from an Arabic word that has been widely used in the Quran meaning "to abstain from actions in order to be dedicated towards a noble duty or cause", thus in Project SOAM individuals, institutions and organizations are all called upon to sacrifice their welfare, effort and time to provide sustenance and development towards the most vital causes of humanity and environment around us.

As a global community whose wounds and entanglements are felt by all nations and people, let us join together in order to dedicate ourselves towards this great cause for the future security and welfare of all mankind. The Project is an initiative the World Muslim Congress.

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READERS COMMENTS AT DALLAS NEWS
http://religionblog.dallasnews.com/archives/2010/01/center-for-spiritual-living-ho.html

Posted by Matthew Cappiello @ 4:32 PM Fri, Jan 22, 2010
Sounds like a fantastic event. Regardless of faith, ethnicity, or political views, injustice is still injustice to all.
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Posted by Rizwan Sheikh @ 4:41 PM Fri, Jan 22, 2010
Excellent initiative. We as a human race need to recognize the sufferings before we can expect them to never happen again. I appluad the organizers..
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Posted by Tatiana Androsov @ 4:45 PM Fri, Jan 22, 2010
It is very important that we consider how cruel we have been, are and can be to each other. We should not forget that we are all prone to reacting badly when outside our 'comfort zones' and forgetting about the Golden Rule that we all refer to. Come and stretch your comfort zones.
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Posted by Khawaja N. Anwar @ 5:29 PM Fri, Jan 22, 2010
It never ceases to amaze me how we humans are able to snuff out another human life without feeling any pangs of conscience.We all need to continue to reflect upon this question unceasingly till we,God willing, can find a lasting answer to this persistent, recurring phenomenon.
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Posted by Hind Jarrah @ 5:57 PM Fri, Jan 22, 2010
I am so hopeful to see that ALL atrocities are being remembered and acknowledged "The Holocaust was a major human tragedy and a failure of humanity. Among Genocides, Massacres and other tragedies we will reflect upon the Indigenous American people, the Mayans, the Toltecs, Darfur, Polpot, Congo, Armenia, Rwanda, Falun Dafa, Burma, Tibet, Bosnia, India, Gaza and the transatlantic slave trade". ; It is great that people from all faiths and background are starting to acknowledge and admit that these tragedies were and are still being inflicted by human beings on each other. I do pray -though- that admitting and acknowledging will be only the first step towards a sincere and persistent effort to stop these tragedies and prevent any new ones and to compensate those who had to endure the suffering; I pray that our creator bless this effort with success.
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Posted by Rev. Dennis Hamilton @ 6:19 PM Fri, Jan 22, 2010
I just finished reading Greg Mortenson's Three Cups of Tea, which tells the story of an American building schools in Pakistan and Afghanistan. What a wonderful alternative scenario to military solutions. We know that humanity is capable of genocide. But we have seen that we are also capable of great generosity, love, forgiveness and peace. I want to say never again to war, to genocide. I want humanity to see the enormity of the Holocaust, and all the holocausts of history. I want us to see that the victims are our own brother and sisters, though they speak another language and have different customs. Maybe then we will all say, together, Never again.
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Posted by Rev. Angie Buchanan @ 7:35 PM Fri, Jan 22, 2010
We cannot dwell in the house of suffering and resentment for it will poison our souls but, we can express our sorrow and our grief with one another, and determine that we will be ever vigilant in our efforts to not repeat the offending behavior.

We cannot change what has happened in the past but, we can certainly use it to shape how we go forward.

Simply saying "I'm sorry" as the Australian government has done with the Aboriginals is an honest beginning. To acknowledge that harm has been wrought and that harmful practices will be stopped goes a long way to promote healing of wounds that have gone unattended to for so long.

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Posted by dr.b.m.sharma @ 7:55 PM Fri, Jan 22, 2010
O Lord.!! This Existential System is yours. And we are also yours. Total aggregated wish of the Existence flowers. And genocides and holocausts event...as part of this system and as part of this system Science is attempting to know the reasons and what could be preventive measures to avoid and save life too. And in these systems, human lives have lost and people have suffered.. and people do get filled in with fear. So as part of the Existential system, another sub system is there to assemble and calibrate the self: heart, soul, mind, thoughts and their flows.. to pay homage and regards.. and prayers for the peace of the Departed Souls.. and at the same time prayers are the applications to prevent such further holocausts with almost zero losses..I in front of You kneel down and bow down and pray that Grant Your Heart to Those Departed Souls and give energies and courage to those people so they rise again and live their life joyfully. And fill of us with your Love... and bless that we forget the fear of such genocides and holocausts and get associated with construction, reconstruction and cultivation of love in All Human Hearts and Souls.. In your prayers.. In Your Love.. drbmsharma.
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Posted by Amina Rab @ 8:18 PM Fri, Jan 22, 2010
Why have we not learned anything from history? Why do we still continue to inflict pain and suffering on each other? Programs like these serve to remind us of our folly and give us a wakeup call. I sincerely hope we do not continue to add to the list of Genocides, Massacres and other tragedies in the world.
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Posted by Razi Raziuddin @ 9:27 PM Fri, Jan 22, 2010
The best form of learing will come only through interaction and engagements with those who are unlike you and think and act differently.

The miseries of this world is mostly due to two prime reasons; temptation to dominate others, and resistence not to acknowledge others.

Arranging this kind of ggatherings, seminars and cultural events will certainly help heal the wounds and pains, as well as create space for others to exist.

Good luck.

Razi Raziuddin
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Posted by Razi Raziuddin @ 9:29 PM Fri, Jan 22, 2010
The best form of learing will come only through interaction and engagements with those who are unlike you and think and act differently.

The miseries of this world is mostly due to two prime reasons; temptation to dominate others, and resistence not to acknowledge others.

Arranging this kind of ggatherings, seminars and cultural events will certainly help heal the wounds and pains, as well as create space for others to exist.

Good luck.

Razi Raziuddin
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Posted by Mirza A. Beg @ 10:57 PM Fri, Jan 22, 2010
The only indisputable lesson of human history from very long ago is all of our ancestors were nomadic and immigrated from place to place. At the beginning of this millennium it is very important that we appreciate this truth and learn that we are part of an extended human family and Earth is our common home.

Depriving others of what we want for ourselves by claiming exclusive rights should be passé. Let us join and outlaw by consensus, ethnic cleansing, genocide and wars for land. That is the only way to reach universal peace. Best wishes,

Mirza A. Beg

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Posted by Anand Krishna/Anand Ashram Foundation, Indonesia (www.anandkrishna.org) @ 11:22 PM Fri, Jan 22, 2010
Wonderful, more awareness, more of such initiatives, and we shall have a better world. On behalf of my foundation, and the peace loving people of Indonesia, i congratulate all of you involved in this program.
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Posted by KC Ohanaja @ 11:26 PM Fri, Jan 22, 2010
I am very delighted that an event such as this one is occuring on an annual basis. genocides,massacres and tragedies such as the ones that will be discussed during the event have been constantly occuring throughout human existence, and although history is not repeating itself, todays event are displaying that it is rhyming. For the sake and welfare of mankind, we as human beings really need to address these issues and find constructive ways to mitigate injustices against all people and learn to accept the sanctity and dignity of each and every human being. I know that there will be some people who have their own personal biases or apprehensiveness against the event or some of the issues that will be discussed which in itself shows a critical point of the problem and is very disappointing as they do not see the value and potential that this type of work can have to affect the relations amongst different communities. Once we learn to uphold the justice and speak up against the wrongs of ALL people, we will begin to see peace and repsect amongst each other, there will be no need for a sense of fear or insecurity amongst different groups and people if we are all uphold the rights and treat each other justly. It is only when societies stray from these values or remain silent to the inhumainity around them, that there occurs injustice,fear and breeding of prejudice.

I am very proud of the novel and unprecendented work that Mike Ghouse has done in and outside the Muslim Community to build bridges between different communities and defend their rights of belief and practice. I hope that these types of events receive the much need attention and exposure that they deserve and in return will encourage other communities and religious leaders to do similar work to promote peace and co-existence.
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Posted by Edip Yuksel @ 12:46 AM Sat, Jan 23, 2010
I command Mike Ghouse and his friends for organizing such an event.

Remembering past tragedies should not remain as mere remembrance of evils of the past, but should be remembered to guide us not to repeat those tragedies. The Nazis, Hitler, Mussolini may not be alive but their ditto-heads were/are in action among us, in Bosnia, Rwanda, Sudan, Palestine...

As the children of Adam, we should promote peace and justice without discriminating because of religious affiliation or ethnic background.

Peacemakers of the World, Unite!

Peace,
Edip Yuksel
islamicreform.org
19.org
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Posted by Mary Ann Thompson-Frenk @ 5:19 AM Sat, Jan 23, 2010
Looking forward to speaking and to hearing all the other speakers and meeting with the various community people in attendence! Way to go, Mike Ghouse! Dallas is so grateful for all the work you do!
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Posted by Nayyara Bukhari @ 9:41 AM Sat, Jan 23, 2010
Join Respect all religions no Fanaticism-No Extremism No terrorism
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Posted by Larry Larney @ 9:54 AM Sat, Jan 23, 2010
On September 13th, 2007 the UN General Assembly adopted The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples with over whelming majority. (Canada, Australia, New Zealand, United States) 4 Negative votes. The combine views and Interests sets the framework of the future. It is a tool for Peace and Justice, based upon mutual recognition and mutual respect. Quoted; Article, IWGIA
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Posted by Matthew @ 10:42 AM Sat, Jan 23, 2010
Peace for all of the individuals in the world created by God. Fight injustice in all forms!
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Posted by Peter Plantec @ 10:51 AM Sat, Jan 23, 2010
In my experience most people around the world are descent and warm individuals. As an American I also find that people in countries where America is hated, I'm am often welcomed by families. The problem seems to be religion and governments. As we have seen it is not the basic tennents of religion that are at fault, but the people practicing religion and running governments that cause the problem. So it is my opinion that humans are basically good until greed or hatred sets in. Both religion and Government are vehicles for expressing greed and hatred. So my conclusion is that humans in general would be better off with core ethincs but without religion and with governments that have little power. It would have to be universal or the governments with power would dominate and kill the whole plan.
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Posted by Aliza Hava @ 11:28 AM Sat, Jan 23, 2010
Thank you for organizing such an important and timely event. The world desperately needs to unite around such issues to ensure that these atrocities never occur again. Kol Hakavod (Hebrew for 'Great Respect') to Mike Ghouse and all involved.
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Posted by iftekhar Hai @ 12:14 PM Sat, Jan 23, 2010
I have been consistently watching Mike Ghouse for his work on bringing communities together in acknowledging their pain and suffering. This event is one such that will help plant seeds of peaceful living for years to come.
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Posted by Mike Ghouse @ 12:32 PM Sat, Jan 23, 2010
Ya'lls comments indicate the human desire to see each other face to face, eye to eye and resolve the conflicts for each others good.

Our goodness has to transform from "good for nothing" to good for everyone. Peace, safety and security comes to each one of us, when we ensure it is there for every one. I cannot be safe, when people around me are not, I or my nation cannot have peace, when others around aren't. It is in my selfish interest to ensure every one is treated fairly and justly. To do that, we have to speak and stand up for those in need.

On that note, I want to share several more events taking place in Dallas on Holocaust including this one:

The first annual Holocaust candlelight march will happen on Wednesday, January 27th at 7:00 PM, the march will start at the Fountain at Oak Lawn/ Armstrong to the Oak Lawn/Cedar Spring's Memorial and move up to Melrose Hotel in Dallas, Texas. It is to make one aware of the targeting and massacring of the Gay community.

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Posted by ben boothe Sr @ 6:19 PM Sat, Jan 23, 2010
It is important for all enlightened people, the "connected" generation, to stand, walk, and talk for love, tolerance and find our spiritual areas in "common" so that we can build a world of peace. Ben B. Boothe Sr. Global Businessman. www.benboothe.com
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Posted by Veronica Valles, RScP @ 8:52 PM Sat, Jan 23, 2010
In the fundamental belief of the ONENESS of LIFE expressing as and through the many,the underlying value of all is LOVE. Without this essential, soul nutrient, one is blinded in radical beliefs of separation which is the seed of war, ignorance and violence. There can never be such atrocities when living from a place of LOVE--when we look directly into someone's eyes...meeting heart to heart, soul to soul.

To reflect upon the tragedies of the Holocaust and Genocides is to unroot the belief of "other" as we begin to see clearly our brothers, sister, mothers, fathers throughout this world. Interconnected, we begin to creatively come together to provide food, water, jobs, education, safety, opportunities so all may experience a full and glorious life.

The shift is from pain and suffering to positive possibilities, infinite potentialites when we align in the highest common denominator which is LOVE. Serving side by side, guided from an inner compass of the UNITY and CREATIVITY of life, we can transform the world.

I bow in deep gratitude for Mike Ghouse...he is a gentle, powerful presence of TRUTH in the community. He is grounded in his beliefs while honoring the variety of expressions and finds common ground to expand and experience life in peace.

How beautiful when we can see clearly from this place of ONENESS while honoring the individualized expressions of life. When we reach this level of awakening we will no longer have to gather to remember the tragedies but gather to celebrate our inherent GOOD. We will then be able to say, as in "Avatar" -- I SEE YOU. This then becomes poetry in action.
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Posted by Rodwaan Saleh @ 10:32 AM Sun, Jan 24, 2010
What is it that makes a man speak ill of another, for no reason except their own formulated preconceived ill notions; and what is it that makes a man look at another with gazing eyes of disgust and belittlement for no reason except, bigotry, hate, and ignorance.



7 Minutes, 7 Topics and 7 Reflections

When: Sunday, January 24th at 5:00 PM
Where: Center for Spiritual Living,
Address: 4801 Spring Valley Road, Dallas, TX 75244
Website - http://www.holocaustandgenocides.com/
Email – HolocuastandGenocides@gmail.com
(214) 325-1916

This is an educational program, where 7 speakers will reflect on 7 topics for 7 minutes each along with contributing a few simple things that you and I can do to prevent such tragedies. The topics range from the Holocaust to Genocides, massacres and tragedies. It is a purposeful event to learn, acknowledge and reflect upon the terrible things that we humans have inflicted upon each other.

The Holocaust was a major human tragedy and a failure of humanity. Among Genocides, Massacres and other tragedies we will reflect upon the Indigenous American people, the Mayans, the Toltecs, Darfur, Polpot, Congo, Armenia, Rwanda, Falun Dafa, Burma, Tibet, Bosnia, India, Gaza and the transatlantic slave trade. Through these representative events, our goal is to reflect upon every human tragedy. We plan to have a full day conference to remember every tragedy and we hope you will attend the full day next year.

Sponsored by the Center for Spiritual living and organized by the Foundation for Pluralism, where co-existence is our value. An initiative of American Muslims; striving to contribute towards building civil societies.
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Press Release on Holocaust and Genocides

PRESS RELEASE
Contact: Mike Ghouse (214) 325-1916,
email: MikeGhouse@aol.com
event email: HolocaustandGenocides@gmail.com
Website: http://www.holocaustandgenocides.com/

III ANNUAL REFELCTIONS ON THE HOLOCAUST AND GENOCIDES

DALLAS – (January 14, 2010) –The Foundation for Pluralism announces the 7/7 speakers Panel to reflect upon the Holocaust and Genocides event at 5:00 PM on Sunday, January 24, 2010 at the Center for Spiritual Center, 4801 Spring Valley Road, Dallas, TX. 75244.

Each individual in the seven member panel would acknowledge the inhumanity in each one of us and reflect upon the solutions for co-existence. It is a purposeful event to learn, acknowledge and reflect upon the terrible things, that we humans have inflicted upon each other.

What can you do as individual?

Join us with individuals and leaders from different faiths, races, ethnicities and cultural backgrounds to express your solidarity and commitment to co-existence. It is a tribute to those who stood up, raised their voices and risked their lives to save the life of others.

The seven-minute topics would range from the Holocaust to Genocides and massacres, such as Genocides and massacres of Indigenous American people, the Maya, Toltec, Darfur, Polpot, Congo, Nanking, Armenia, Rwanda, Falun Dafa, Burma, Tibet, Bosnia and others. They will also speak about the tragedy in Gaza and other places, and the effects of cultural massacres through the transatlantic slave trade.

Mike Ghouse, Chairperson of the event adds, “We mean to include all genocides, but due to time limitations and funding, we will limit to the few as representations of all other, if you would like to include a specific event, we will include the event name at this time.”

The Jewish and other communities have borne the suffering of the Holocaust for over sixty years; it is time for us to share it. No community should bear the suffering alone; we all have to stand up, and be there for each other.

We have to learn to see each other with dignity and honor the otherness of other. Gatherings such as this offer hope and opportunity for a more secure and safer world. I would appreciate your attendance. Please bring your friends.

The event is sponsored by the Center for Spiritual Living and World Muslim Congress.
It is a Muslim initiative, an effort towards creating peaceful civil societies.

Thursday, January 21, 2010

You are invited

7 Minutes, 7 Topics and 7 Reflections

When: Sunday, January 24th at 5:00 PM
Where: Center for Spiritual Living,
Address: 4801 Spring Valley Road, Dallas, TX 75244
Website -
http://www.holocaustandgenocides.com/
Email –
HolocuastandGenocides@gmail.com
(214) 325-1916


This is an educational program, where 7 speakers will reflect on 7 topics for 7 minutes each along with contributing a few simple things that you and I can do to prevent such tragedies. The topics range from the Holocaust to Genocides, massacres and tragedies. It is a purposeful event to learn, acknowledge and reflect upon the terrible things that we humans have inflicted upon each other.

The Holocaust was a major human tragedy and a failure of humanity. Among Genocides, Massacres and other tragedies we will reflect upon the Indigenous American people, the Mayans, the Toltecs, Darfur, Polpot, Congo, Armenia, Rwanda, Falun Dafa, Burma, Tibet, Bosnia, India, Gaza and the transatlantic slave trade. Through these representative events, our goal is to reflect upon every human tragedy. We plan to have a full day conference to remember every tragedy and we hope you will attend the full day next year.

Sponsored by the Center for Spiritual living and organized by the Foundation for Pluralism, where co-existence is our value. An initiative of American Muslims; striving to contribute towards building civil societies.