Oldest annual Muslim conference draws public officials to confront extremism
July 29,2016
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Harrisburg PA, Martin O’Malley, former Governor of Maryland and U.S. Presidential Candidate, is one of many political leaders who will be speaking at the longest running annual Muslim convention in America. Ahmadiyya Muslim Community USA, the nation’s largest and oldest Muslim organization, is hosting its 68th annual Jalsa Salana (Annual Convention) from July 29 to 31 in Harrisburg, PA. Speakers include representatives of the White House, the U.S. Commission for International Religious Freedom, country Ambassadors, as well as other political, religious, academic and interfaith leaders from around the nation.
This convention seeks to unite leaders and American Muslims in fighting against extremist ideologies and radicalization for a safer nation and world. With the official designated theme “True Islam: A Campaign Against Extremism,” speakers will discuss how to combat the growing scourge of violent extremism and the problem of Islamophobia in the wake of rising violence towards American Muslims.
“Extremism and Islamophobia are very real and concerning issues, not only for the Muslim community but for all Americans,” said Dr. Nasim Rehmatullah, Senior Vice President of Ahmadiyya Muslim Community USA. “If we want to achieve common peace, we must come together as leaders and American citizens to root out intolerant thinking and behaviors.”
Guest speakers include:
- Martin O’Malley, Former Governor of Maryland and U.S. Presidential Candidate
- Ambassador Jackie Wolcott, Commissioner, US Commission on International Religious Freedom
- Brian Levin, Professor and Director of Center for Study of Hate and Extremism, California State University San Bernardino
- Nick Miccarelli, Member, Pennsylvania House of Representatives
- Zaki Barzinji, Associate Director of Public Engagement, The White House
- Dr. Milton Boniuk, Founder, Boniuk Institute for Religious Tolerance, Rice University — receiving the 2016 Ahmadiyya Muslim Humanitarian Award
- Dr. Craig Considine, Lecturer, Sociology, Rice University
- His Excellency Bockari Kortu Stevens, Ambassador of Sierra Leone to the United States
- His Excellency Tiena Coulibaly, Ambassador of Mali to the United States
- Sergio Celis, Member of Congress, Republic of Guatemala
- Carlo Sanchez, Member, Maryland House of Delegates
- Carol Bianchi, Mayor of Bernards Township, New Jersey
- George Halcovage, Schuylkill County Commissioner, Pennsylvania
- Rev. Mark Tonnesen, St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church, Florida
- Rev. Harold Eugene Thompson, Miami Beach Community Church, Florida
With special messages from:
- U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL)
- U.S. Senator Jeanne Sheehan (D-NH)
- U.S. Senator Pat Toomey (R-PA)
- Tom Wolf, Governor of Pennsylvania
- Charlie Baker, Governor of Massachusetts
- Eric Papenfuse, Mayor of Harrisburg
- Other federal and state lawmakers
When: Guest session: July 30th, 2016, 4pm – 6pm
Where: Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex & Expo Center, 2300 N Cameron St, Harrisburg, PA 17110
Media Opportunity: Interviews with above guests and with American Muslim leadership.
More Information:
https://convention.ahmadiyya.
About Ahmadiyya Muslim Community:
The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community is a dynamic, reformist and fast-growing international movement within Islam. Founded in 1889, the Community spans over 200 countries with membership exceeding tens of millions. The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community USA, established in 1920, is among the first American-Muslim organizations.
The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community is the only Islamic organization to believe that the long- awaited messiah has come in the person of Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (1835-1908) of Qadian, India. Ahmad claimed to be the metaphorical second coming of Jesus of Nazareth and the divine guide, whose advent was foretold by the Prophet of Islam, Muhammad. The Community believes that God sent Ahmad, like Jesus, to end religious wars, condemn bloodshed and reinstitute morality, justice and peace. Ahmad’s advent has brought about an unprecedented era of Islamic revival and moderation. He divested Muslims of fanatical beliefs and practices by vigorously championing Islam’s true and essential teachings.