June 2020 Newsletter

A Press Conference to Call for Action: 

​On May 24, 2020, Masjid E Noor, a local mosque serving Northwest Indianapolis Hoosiers since 2013, was attacked by a drive-by shooting. Given that the mosque was following state guidelines to limit the spread of coronavirus, only a few members were gathered in prayer to mark Eid-Ul-Fitr, when bullets penetrated the windows and nearly struck some of the congregants in an act of attempted murder against those inside. Fortunately, there were no casualties. Masjid E Noor leadership reported the attack to the IMPD, and provided them with a surveillance video that captured what appears to be a red sports car from which the shots were fired. 

On Thursday, May 27, 2020, IMAN Associates and Masjid E Noor held a press conference and called on IMPD to investigate a possible hate crime motive for the shooting, to increase patrols directly in front of Masjid E Noor and other local mosques, and called on elected officials to publicly condemn this abhorrent act of violence. You can learn more about the press conference in the IndyStar, the Indy Channel, and Channel 13. Minutes prior to the press conference, CAIR brought national attention to the incident by issuing a press release. 

Muslim Hoosiers have received an outpouring of love and support from other faith communities. Pastor Jerry Zehr with Carmel Christian Church spoke at the press conference in a strong showing of support to the Muslim community. Other faith-based organizations issued statements condemning bigotry and hatred and standing in solidarity with the Muslim community, including the Center of Interfaith Cooperation, the JCRC of Indianapolis, and the Carmel Interfaith Alliance. Also, a number of legislators called for action following the shooting incident, including U.S. Congressman Andre´ Carson, State Rep. Greg Porter, State Rep. Cherrish Pryor and State Senator Greg Taylor. 

IMAN Associates and Masjid E Noor will continue working with the FBI and the IMPD, who are are currently co-investigating the attack. 

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Speaking out against hate and racism:

​On the heels of the shooting incident at Masjid E Noor, IMAN Associates held "Unsilenced. Giving a Voice to Disenfranchised People of Faith and Color," a virtual Town hall meeting with elected officials on June 3, 2020.

U.S. Congressman Andre´ Carson, State Rep. Cherrish Pryor, State Senator Greg Taylor and Indianapolis Deputy Mayor David Hampton participated in the candid discussion on hate crimes against religious minorities and racial injustice, and took questions from the audience.  Pastor Jerry Zehr with Carmel Christian Church, Rabbi Brett Krichiver with Indianapolis Hebrew Congregation and Imam Shamaas Nyazee with Masjid-E-Noor closed the event with an interfaith prayer. 

Moderated by Rima Shahid, the Executive Director of Women 4 Change Indiana, it was a well-received event, with over 200 attendees joining via Zoom and Facebook live streaming. 

Missed the event? You can watch it on our Facebook page. 

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PAC News: Primary Election results are in!

​Senate District 30 is hungry for change and turned out to support Fady Qaddoura's campaign by nearly a 2 to 1 margin against his republican opponent. He is sincerely grateful to everyone who voted for him and supported his campaign. 

Interested to learn about his political priorities?
Join this upcoming event and show your support to the first Muslim American to run for the Indiana State Senate. 

Register Here

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