{jcomments on} MABDA Report 1/5/2011

Interfaith Tracking goes online

Last week the interfaith tracking website was launched. It is designed to be a one-stop site for anyone looking to get in touch with an interfaith or intercultural organization, or to find out the details of an interfaith or intercultural event. It will help interfaith organizations and advocates to become aware of one another and ease the way for those who are interested in any interfaith activity.

www.interfaithtracking.com

Al-Qaeda leader Osama Bin Laden dead – Barack Obama

Al-Qaeda leader Osama Bin Laden has been killed by US forces in Pakistan, President Barack Obama has said. Bin Laden was killed in a ground operation outside Islamabad based on US intelligence, the first lead for which emerged last August. Mr Obama said after “a firefight”, US forces took possession of his body.

Bin Laden was accused of being behind a number of atrocities, including the attacks on New York and Washington on 11 September 2001.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-13256676

Schools’ backers say Islamic ties pose no threat

Four Oklahoma charter schools founded by Turkish nationals 11 years ago have ties to an international Islamic movement that promotes peace and interfaith communication. Experts say the connection is nothing to fear, while others are stirring controversy

Al Mikell heard the accusations about the elementary school where he sends his two young children.  He did his own research, talked to teachers and students, and decided to stay.

“I was so impressed with the administrators, who happen to be Turkish, who happen to be Muslim, that I don’t worry,” said Mikell, an associate professor of biology at Oklahoma Christian University. “I feel very comfortable. I have never had any fragment of an idea that they were trying to convert anyone to anything.”

http://newsok.com/schools-backers-say-islamic-ties-pose-no-threat/article/3563627#ixzz1LBPHSiME

Muslim waiter had to change name from Mohamed because Waldorf hotel ‘did not want to scare guests’

An Arab banquet waiter at the legendary Waldorf-Astoria hotel says he was forced to wear different name tags at work to prevent guests from being frightened by being served by someone named Mohamed.

Mohamed Kotbi said the first time he was asked to do so was on Sept. 13, 2001 – two days after the attacks on the Twin Towers. Kotbi, who has worked for the hotel since December 1984, said he was given a name tag that said, “John”.

http://www.nypost.com/p/news/local/manhattan/the_game_of_name_mFyV0MF07t2g1nGF8H8R8O