Terror Mosque, Olympic Mosque or West Ham Mosque?

Date: Friday, September 7, 2007
Location: Stratford

debate with Abdul Khaliq Mian (Newham Respect Coalition) and Councillor Alan Craig (Newham Christian People's Alliance).

Far away from the oil fields of the Middle East, in the early 1990s, members of the Anjuman Welfare Trust (Tablighi Jamaat) through sheer sweat and hard work in the rag-tag factories of East London, managed to purchase a disused and contaminated area of land near Abbey Mills from Newham Council with an intention to serve the growing needs of the Muslim community in East London and beyond, by building a mosque and community centre.

If we now fast forward to 2007 - post 9/11, 7/7, Iraq and Afghanistan wars, and the announcement that the 2012 Olympic Games are to be held in London, we have a situation where this non-descript piece of land in East London has become the subject of intense controversy, capturing the attention of both local and international media.

Nearly 1 in 8 Londoners consider themselves to be Muslim. Up to half of those living near the area where the Olympic Games will be taking place are Muslim. Up to a third of the countries participating will be Muslim majority nations. So why is it that certain individuals supported by neo-con think tanks and Zionist inclined newspapers have decided to target this project, whose administrators are affiliated to Tablighi Jamaat, a worldwide movement known for being apolitical? Why is this mosque project being labelled as a potential source of terrorist activities just because some of the individuals involved happen to share similar theological roots as the Taliban?

Is it not ironic that this is happening now despite all the talk of diversity and multiculturalism - one of the principal reasons why London won. Note the hijab wearing children on the TV screens when London's victory was announced in contrast to the recent French experience of "Liberté, Egalité, Fraternité". What is all the fuss about? Will the area become an "Islamic Emirate of Stratford" or perhaps something more akin to a Cordoba of the past - a shining example of genuine tolerance, diversity and civilisation?

To debate the issue we have Abdul Khaliq Mian who has been an active member of the community in Newham over the last 30 years. He has contributed significantly towards the development of the West Ham mosque project and is currently a member of the Respect Party. His counterpart will be Alan Craig, councillor for the Canning Town South ward in Newham. He is leader of the Christian People's Alliance group and has actively campaigned against the mosque claiming that the Tablighi Jamaat are funded by the Saudis and have terrorist links, and that the project would damage community relations if it were to go ahead.

For more details and to attend please contact:
Tel: 07956 983 609
E-mail: info@islamiccircles.org

UK Muslims Suffer Growing Suspicion

Financial Times poll suggested that the 7/7 terrorist attack and the recent failed plots have hardened attitudes towards Muslims living in Britain. CLICK HERE for full article...

Black footballers exhibition

The rich history of black players in British football is documented in Kick It Out’s Pioneers, Past Masters and Future Challenges exhibition.

This visually stunning exhibition celebrates the achievements of pioneering sporting heroes setting their achievements against the sporting and historical backdrops.

Issues such as racism and under-representation in areas such as management and coaching and the need for more professional Asian players are explored.

Black footballers currently account for more than 25 per cent of professional players in the English football leagues and are familiar fixtures on the pitch.

From Wharton to the modern era
When the first black player in English football, Arthur Wharton, joined Preston North End as a goalkeeper in the 1880's, he faced many challenges. Though Wharton was talented and rumoured to be a good enough goalkeeper to play for England, he was never considered for the role, due in part to the racial prejudices of the time.

It took 90 years before a black football player represented England. Nottingham Forest defender Viv Anderson, played on 29th November 1978, against Czechoslovakia at Wembley Stadium.

The exhibition charts and celebrates the progression and achievements of black and Asian players in the game while exploring issues of equality and diversity facing the game today.

Size and suitability
The exhibition consists of 12 panels, each sized A2 (42cm x 59.4cm), and is suitable as an educational tool for libraries, schools, community and youth groups and workplace spaces.

HOW TO ORDER
Each exhibition costs £50 (inclusive of postage) and can be with you within a few days of your order.

Pay by credit card
Send an email to info@kickitout.org with your name, full address and details of your order, we will respond with details of how to pay securely and safely by credit or debit card.

By cheque or postal order
Send either to - Kick It Out, PO Box 29544, London, EC2A 4WR. Please make cheques payable to KICK IT OUT and include contact details, in case a problem arises with the order.

To be invoiced
Email your request and you will be invoiced once the goods are sent to you. Please note payment by invoice is only available to organisations.

From outside of the UK
Orders from outside the UK can be taken. Please note that there is an additional charge of £10 for post & packing.

FA Cup comes to the East End

Dear friends

It gives us great pleasure in inviting you to this mouth watering exhibition and showcase of local achievement on Sunday 19th August 2007, when your local team Sporting Bengal Utd F.C face London Apsa in the The FA Cup (sponsored by E.ON) extra preliminary round.

Make sure you turn up early and claim your seat, this is an event not to be missed. Enjoy a great day out with family and friends, details follow below:

Competition: The FA Cup (sponsored by E.ON) extra preliminary round

Match: Sporting Bengal Utd F.C vs London Apsa

Match Date: Sunday 19th August 2007
Kick-off Time: 3:00 pm
Venue: Mile End Stadium, Rhodeswell Road,
London E14 7TW
Tel: 020 8980 1885


For more information, please visit:

www.bfauk.com

Amani Foundation visit Parliament

Children from east London based Amani Foundation took advantage of the summer recession in Government as they were treated to a tour of the houses of parliament.

They were hosted by Poplar & Canning Town MP Jim Fitzpatrick, who also gave the youngsters a tour of the house of lords.

Ismael Rahman, aged 8 said; " When no one was looking I quietely sat where the Prime Minister sits. the room where MPs sit looks much smaller than it does on the tv."

Momtaz Farzana, aged 11 said; " We learnt so much from Mr Fitzpatrick today. He was very nice and although he was nervous to see us kids at first instead of the adults he is used to dealing with, he was an excellent tour guide. It was funny when he said he would try to not talk like a politician so that we could understand him."

Amani Foundation Chief Executive, Ashuk Hussain JP said; "Amani Foundation work with communities. Our team and service users have had an invaluable history lesson today. It was a delightful and thoroughly enjoyable learning experience and forthis we would like to say a big thank you to Mr Fitzpatrick."

Amani Foundation is a community organisation based in the heart of the London borough of Tower Hamlets. Members of the organisation work with local communities to offer support for families, recreation, heritage trips as well as facilitating activities for homework clubs for youngsters