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ANATOLIAN CULTURE & ARTS
FESTIVAL
Music, Folk Dancing, Art Exhibition and Food
27/02/2010
Melbourne will be hosting
another magnificent cultural
event at Docklands
Waterfront City on 14 March
2010.
The Sunday event consists of
a rich program that includes
concerts by popular Turkish
celebrity singers, Ottoman
art exhibitions, traditional
folk dancing, march of a
historical military band,
Turkish and Kurdish music
performances, whirling
dervishes, traditional
Turkish wrestling exhibition
and many, many stalls of
Turkish food. The event is
organized by Australian
Istanbul Cultural & Arts
Centre and Melbourne Young
Businessmen Association. The
organizers are expecting
over five thousand people
and welcome all
Melbournians.
Date: 14 March 2010
Time: 12.00pm till
11.00pm
Venue: Docklands
Waterfront City, Melbourne
Australia
Click for more
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EXHIBITION AT THE JEWISH
MUSEUM OF AUSTRALIA
Women in Bible: Tricksters, Victors & Mothers
7/10/2009
At the Jewish Museum of Australia women are
revisiting the Bible. Juxtaposing old artworks (incl.
Chagall, Rembrandt) with new works by a range of female
artists (incl. Julie Dowling, Sue Saxon and Anne Zahalka),
curator Rebecca Forgasz examines representations of
women in the Bible and questions traditional notions of
femininity.
Throughout history biblical women have been portrayed
in art as embodiments of both virtue and vice. These
representations have often had didactic and moral
purposes as well as aesthetic ones; praising women for
loyalty, courage, empathy and sacrifice, and condemning
or cautioning against deceit, sexual impropriety,
treachery and disobedience. Collectively, these can be
seen as a catalogue of womanly traits as perceived by
male artists. In more recent times, female artists have
chosen biblical women as their subjects in order to
expand, re-vision or subvert traditional representations
of these iconic figures.
In what is likely to cause some discomfort for
traditionalists this exhibition examines female
characters from the Bible including the first and
archetypal woman Eve, the quietly courageous Esther and
the boldly assertive Queen of Sheba. In addition to some
of these better known characters, the exhibition also
examines the status and daily lives of ordinary women in
biblical society, and contemporary examples of women’s
reclamation of and engagement with the Bible.
Forgasz anticipates a myriad of reactions to the
exhibition, suggesting, "despite the predominant
secularism of modern society, the religious, political
and cultural impact of the Bible endures; biblical
narratives retain their resonance in popular culture and
biblical characters still figure in our consciousness."
Dates: 15 October 2009 - 14 March 2010
Bookings essential Ph: 8534 3600
Visit the Museum’s website to confirm dates, times and
prices
www.jewishmuseum.com.au
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CULTURAL DIVERSITY
5/10/2009
As members of a culturally
diverse society, Australians interact with fellow
citizens and residents from many different
backgrounds. This rich engagement also presents
challenges. The Australian Human Rights
Commission, in partnership with the newly formed
Institute for Cultural Diversity, has created a
human rights e-forum. Located on the Institute’s
website, the human rights e-forum provides a meeting
place to discuss, learn and partner with other
Australians interested in building an inclusive and
diverse society. As a visitor, you can read and use
the site. As a registered user, you can add content,
contribute comments on pages and posts to forums,
add events and list your organisation. You can build
‘communities’ with other members around topics or
projects your share.
Online at:
www.culturaldiversity.net.au
In person at: The launch of the human rights and
cultural diversity e-forum
Where: Customs House,
31 Alfred Street, Circular Quay
When: Friday 16
October 2009, 4pm – 6pm
Speakers:
·
The Hon. Bruce
Baird, Chair, Institute for Cultural Diversity
·
The Hon. Laurie Ferguson MP,
Parliamentary Secretary for Multicultural Affairs
and Settlement Services
·
Mr Graeme Innes AM, Race
Discrimination Commissioner, Australian Human Rights
Commission
·
Ms Lisa Harvey, Community
representative on the Government Web 2.0 taskforce
·
Ms Samah Hadid, Young Muslim
Australian
Performance: Beyond Empathy – Hip
Hop group
RSVP: By email:
humanrights@culturaldiversity.net.au
Phone: Krista
Lee-Jones on (02) 9284 9812
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AUSTRALIAN INTERCULTURAL
SOCIETY FAREWELLS EMRE CELIK
5/8/2009
Australian Intercultural Society
organized a farewell program to Emre Celik, former General
Coordinator of the AIS. Emre Celik has moved to a new position
in the US.
In his farewell speech Celik said, "I
would like to thank
the Governor and all the guests for honouring me and attending
this evening. The work I have been involved in is a team effort
and I thank all at the AIS for their enthusiasm and hard work. I
also want to thank the many people who have opened their homes,
attended our activities and have shown great interest and
supported me. I look forward to the opportunity in meeting you
all again.
Please remember me in your good wishes and prayers".
The AIS appreciates the valuable work done by Emre Celik over
the years and acknowledges that he will be dearly missed.
Celik's enthusiasm and bubbly character will also be missed by
many other people from the dialogue community, academia and
government bodies. Many prominent figures including the Governor
of Victoria, Prof David de Kretser, Members of the Parliament,
community leaders and academics attended Mr. Celik's farewell
program.
During the program, the AIS also introduced its newly appointed
General Coordinator, Mr. Ahmet O. Polat.
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MEDIA RELEASE –
Australian Intercultural Society
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
4/8/2009
“A Muslim cannot be a
terrorist; a terrorist cannot be a Muslim: Islamic
Scholar Fethullah Gulen”
This morning we commenced
our day with anxiety and distress due to the news we
heard in the media. Just like all Australians, we were
concerned about the unpleasant developments, only our
concern as Australian Muslims were doubled in comparison
to the rest of the Australian society. Once again, we
were listening to news regarding a devious plot where
the name of Islam was used. First of all, as Australian
Muslims we would like to state that we condemn and
denounce these type of actions that cannot be justified
by any religious teaching or common ethics, no matter
what the aim or objective they serve. In the name of
Islam, we feel ashamed and afraid of these people who
claim to be Muslims.
As an Australian Muslim
and a social activist we feel threatened by these
allegations of terror plots conveyed by the media. No
one can justify the act of harming innocent citizens of
this wonderful nation by arguing that it was retaliation
for the war crimes and genocides committed in various
regions of the world. Moreover, no Muslim, who has a
basic knowledge about the doctrines of Islam would
support such an act.
Currently, nations that
are battling with constant conflicts and wars are the
victims of a global fight for interests. There is no
place for Islam in these bloody and dirty conflicts that
aim to serve only the interests of certain ideologies
that wish to use Islam as a tool of propaganda. These
devious minds who had previously used anarchist
movements such as the Leninist, Marxist and
right-extremist sects for their filthy plans, are now
using ignorant Muslim individuals and minorities - who
are weakened with prejudgments - to achieve their evil
goals.
We would like to thank the
Prime Minister and in particular Simon Overlander, Chief
Commissioner of Victoria for their sagacious statements.
An entire community cannot be held accountable for a
crime committed by one or a few of its so called
members. Also a crime cannot be associated with the
individual’s faith or racial identity. The best analogy
in this case would be that the entire police force
cannot be condemn due to a few police officers who take
bribes or it would be great injustice to denounce the
science of medicine because some of its members are
charged with malpractice. It is evident that all
societies have certain individuals that possess various
obsessions, extreme views and obnoxious ideologies.
These types of people also exist in Muslim communities.
Without doubt, this is a serious problem that occurs due
to lack of proper education and ignorance.
War and humanitarian
crimes committed in nations like Somalia and Afghanistan
are handled and investigated by international
authorities and judiciary systems. Those who commit
crimes against humanity and violate human rights or
commit an act of terror will be punished accordingly by
laws and the judiciary system. Therefore, no individual
or group has the right to declare themselves as the
Judge, jury and executioner to pass judgment on others.
Those that claim to act in the name of Islam should
study the judicial system of Islam. They will see that
these rules also apply to them.
A few additional words for
some individuals who are employed by the Australian
media and other organizations: It is imperative that
certain individuals who are obsessed with Muslims to
preserve their objectivity. Creating chaos by adding
personal views and ideologies into the news will not
solve the problem and it will threaten the many educated
Muslims who are trying to adapt to the conditions and
who work for the benefit of this nation. The problem of
terror and crime concerns the whole of humanity and it
is an issue that the mainstream Muslim society strongly
opposes. This repugnant problem can only be solved by
working together to abolish ignorance, and establish
mutual understanding and respect. These are the days
where all of us need to gather around the table of
universal ethics and morals.
We say, come on Australia!
Let us support all forms of positive social and
educational activities and events that will help
Australian Muslims to integrate more rapidly.
In the Quran, the holy
book of Islam there is a verse which states:
“Oh Lord! Will You punish us for the
foolishness of those amongst us”. We would
like to answer this question with the following prayer:
“Oh Lord! Give us wisdom and compassion. Turn
us away from the ignorant and do not test us with them”.
Our role model is the Prophet of Islam the religion of
peace and humanity. On one occasion, Muhammad stood up
out of respect as a group of people were carrying a
coffin. One person in the crowd said, “He is a Jew”. The
Prophet answered, “He is a human being”.
Another important message
that the Quran states is:
“Killing an innocent human being is like killing the
entire humanity”. True Muslims who possess
knowledge of the Islamic references should not allow
these people to stain the pure name of Islam with their
filthy hands filled with political doctrines that serve
other interests. Correcting the wrongs and distributing
good and peace is an advice conveyed to us by the
Prophet, hence this noble duty stands before the Muslims
of today.
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MEDIA
RELEASE – Australian Intercultural Society
11/07/2009
ISLAMOPHOBIA: Fear of the Other & Vision of
Gulen and Muslim-Christian Relations
ACU National and
Monash Universities will be holding two major international
conferences in July
The first
of the international conferences, The
Vision of Gulen and Muslim-Christian Relations
– will take place on
Wednesday the 15th and Thursday the 16th
of July 2009 at the ACU National. This conference "From Dialogue
to Collaboration: The Vision of Fethullah Gulen and
Muslim-Christian Relations" aims to explore, through the prism
of Fethullah Gülen’s personal and theological profile, his
worldwide contribution to Islamic studies, education,
philanthropy, and interreligious dialogue. Gülen’s vision of
dialogue and Muslim-Christian relations will be brought into
relation with developments in the Catholic Church and other
Christian Churches since Vatican II’s Nostra Aetate
(1965)
The
second international conference titled, Islamophobia will
be held at Monash University on Saturday the 18th and
Sunday the 19th July 2009. The conference rationale is as
follows: In 2003, Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission
(HREOC) commenced a project called Isma: National consultations
on eliminating prejudice against Arab and Muslim Australians.
During this project the Commission consulted with over 1400 Arab
and Muslim Australians around Australia. Participants described
their experiences of racial and religious discrimination,
vilification and abuse since the September 11 attacks in 2001
and the Bali bombings in 2002. Consultation participants
throughout the Isma Project expressed strong views about the
need for more effective community action as well as government
action to tackle anti-Arab and anti-Muslim prejudice and
discrimination. Isma identified several strategies for
addressing these issues, including improved networking between
diverse community groups, stronger community leadership, and
better education within communities as well as the broader
public about issues affecting Arab and Muslim Australians, as
well as providing greater support for individuals who were seen
to be particularly at risk of discrimination and vilification
(such as women, young people and newly arrived migrants and
refugees).
There is
a need to bring these issues to academic discourse and critical
enquiry so that meaningful discussion can take place and real
progress can be made. Although the public debate will not or
should not end, this conference will make a significant positive
and progressive contribution to the discourse. At the same time,
this conference will provide an opportunity for the humanities
and social sciences departments in our universities to enquire
into real issues impacting on our society. This conference will
also create a platform for the research already done in the
field as well as spark new research.
Prominent
figures from the Australian Society and international/local
academics will be participating in both events. Special
addresses will also be delivered by Sir James Gobbo, former
Governor of Victoria – George Lekakis, Chair, Victorian
Multicultural Commission – James Merlino, MP,
Minister for Sport, Recreation, Youth Affairs and
Minister Assisting the Premier on Multicultural Affairs - Paul
Ramadge, Chief Editor of The Age.
More Info and registrations
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MEDIA RELEASE – Australian
Intercultural Society
22
May 2009
La Trobe University School of Economics
& Finance: Islamic Banking and Finance Symposium
La Trobe University School of Economics and Finance invites
Legal advisers, Islamic
finance professionals, International bankers and financiers,
Asset and fund managers, Venture capitalists, Investment
advisers and managers, Corporate treasurers, Government
officials, and anyone seeking a basic understanding of the
nature and form of Islamic banking to an important symposium
which will be held at Intercontinental Melbourne, The Rialto
Hotel on the 6th of July 2009. The symposium will explore
opportunities and challenges in the area of Islamic banking
and finance, particularly in Australia. The first ever
Master in Islamic Banking and Finance in the Australasian
region will also be launched at this event.
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MEDIA RELEASE – Australian
Intercultural Society
22
May 2009
Racial attacks on Indian International
Students Condemned
Recently there has been an increase in violence against
Indian international students in Melbourne. Last week,
concerned by the increasing racial attacks, the Islamic
Council of Victoria issued a media release urging Victoria
Police to take drastic action. There is no doubt that this
is a serious matter that needs to be addressed by both
government officials and community leaders. In recent years
Australia has made significant progress in developing a
harmonious multicultural society in which different cultures
are beginning to understand each other more and more through
social interaction and social inclusiveness. Unfortunately,
the recent racial attacks show that we have a long way to go
and much work need to be done. However, there is a critical
point that we must all remember, social peace and justice
can only be achieved through communities and the government
bodies working together. The Australian Intercultural
Society condemns all forms of racial violence and religious
vilification, and supports all government and NGO programs
that aim to develop multiculturalism in Australia.
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MEDIA RELEASE – Australian
Intercultural Society
26 March 2009
Visit to Sunshine Mosque
Students from Our Lady of Sion College visited the Sunshine
Mosque on Wednesday the 25 of March 2009. The students
displayed great enthusiasm and interest from an engaging and
moving presentation that the AIS representative Ertuze
Metehan demonstrated during the program.
John Beekhof, Religious Education Domain Leader from Our
Lady of Sion said, "The students have given us
overwhelmingly positive feedback about their experience
and many of them discussed the day with their families
when they went home that evening. Many students said
that their highlight was watching Mr Mete's
demonstration of the call to prayer and the Muslim daily
prayer. The excursion fits in with the “Religions of
Abraham” unit. Additionally, we also conduct interfaith
sessions with Isik College and St Kevin's College
throughout the year for a small group of students. We
are very glad that we can offer this experience to all
of our students."
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MEDIA RELEASE – Australian
Intercultural Society
02 March 2009
Who am I?
Religion, identity and public life
A public conversation between
Stephen Crittenden, religious affairs journalist, ABC, and
Waleed Aly, lecturer in the School of Political and Social
Inquiry, Monash University.Monday 16 March 6.00pm-7.30pm,
Village Roadshow Theatrette, State Library of Victoria, 328
Swanston St.
This is the first in a monthly
free public conversation series leading up to the Parliament
of the World's Religions. This series of ten monthly
conversations will create public dialogue between people of
different backgrounds and religious traditions. Moderated by
Penny Mulvey of Positive Media, they explore questions
relevant to the upcoming Melbourne Parliament of the World's
Religions and to our multifaith society.
Co-sponsored by the Centre for
Studies in Religion and Theology, Monash University and the
State Library of Victoria. Admission free. Bookings
recommended: email
Susan.Grist@arts.monash.edu.au The conversation
scheduled for Monday 20 April 6.00-7.30pm is Who am I as a
citizen of Earth? Ecology, spirituality and the future, to
be held at the Treacy Conference Centre, 126 The Avenue,
Parkville. For further details on this and subsequent
conversations, visit
http://www.parliamentofreligions.org/index.cfm?n=6&sn=9
Early-Bird registration for
the Parliament is now extended to
28 March 2009.
Visit
www.parliamentofreligions.org
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MEDIA RELEASE – Australian
Intercultural Society
16 February 2009
Muslims to pray for rain
On Sunday 14 February
Muslims gathered at newly established Serenity Foundation
facilities to pray for rain. Internationally renowned Islamic
scholar Mehmet Ali Sengul who recently arrived to Australia lead
the prayer for Victorian bushfire victims and rain. Large crowd
of local Muslims gathered with their families and young children
to offer their prayers for the bushfire victims. The event was
co-organized by the AIS and Serenity Foundation. Support from
local Muslims for the bushfire victims have been immense. Many
people and companies from the Broadmeadows area rushed to
Whittlesea with money, clothing and food. Isik College Students
also joined the rush for help by fasting one day to save their
daily allowance so that they could donate the money to the
bushfire appeal.
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MEDIA RELEASE – Australian
Intercultural Society
11 February 2009
Muslims to pray for Victorian Bushfire Victims
The mosque
open day, organised by the Australian Intercultural to
be held at Sunshine
Mosque on Sunday 22 February from 2-4pm (618 Ballarat
Rd, Sunshine), will allow people from across
Melbourne will travel to meet Muslims, learn about the
structural and spiritual elements of a Muslim place of
worship while having the opportunity to ask plenty of
questions.
The two hour
program will encompass guided tours, which will allow
people who have never been in a Mosque before, or
perhaps never met a Muslim before, to learn and overcome
the misconceptions and dispel the myths that all too
often characterise Islam and Muslims. Traditional finger
food will also be served. Participants will get to see
Muslims in worship as well as have chance to share in
food, drink and different company.
“Such events
are important as they allow individuals making up the
culturally diverse backdrop of Australian society to
learn about and understand each other,” says Emre Celik,
General Coordinator of the Australian Intercultural
Society. “The Mosque Open Day presents a forum to
effectively educate the wider community about the
teachings of Islam in the hope that misunderstanding and
prejudice is overcome. Participants will have the
opportunity to learn through interaction and personal
engagement with members of the Muslim community.
It will also provide a
means for the whole community to come together
spiritually as we have set aside some time for prayer
for the victims of the Victorian Bushfires”
The program
runs from 2-4 pm. Mosque Open Days are held throughout
the year at various points throughout Melbourne.
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MEDIA RELEASE – Australian
Intercultural Society
9 February 2009
Condolences to those that are suffering in Victoria and Queensland
The AIS
sends its condolences during this difficult time to all
Victorians, in particular those that have suffered from loss of
life and property during the recent devastating fires in
regional Victoria. Our heartfelt
sympathies are with all those that are suffering. We pray for
mercy upon those that have passed away, and hope for patience
and perseverance for all of us.
The AIS
encourages all Australians to show their support through the
various means available be it financial, food, clothing or blood
donations.
We also
remember those in Queensland that are suffering during the
current floods and similarly hope they will succeed through this
difficult period. Orhan Cicek, AIS Executive Advisor said
“During such difficult times it is important for people from all
communities to come together to do what they can to help those
that are less fortunate than us – may I encourage everyone to do
what they can.”
Prof Ismail Albayrak said, "Islam regards those that lose
their lives through a fire disaster or drowning, as martyrs. In
a Prophetic tradition, Prophet Muhammad states,
“Those that die from fire, flood,
earthquake and contagious diseases are martyrs” (Muwatta,
II.215). We invite Australians of all cultures and religions to
pray for those who have lost their lives in the bushfire and
flood disasters. We pray that the Almighty bestows his
compassion and mercy upon those who have lost their family
members and friends. We pray to Lord for urgent relief. Islam
commands its members to help the victims of all types of
disasters, both financially and morally. Assisting disaster
victims, regarded as giving life to humanity. The holy Quran
states, “Saving the life of a human
being is like saving the entire humanity” (Quran, 5:32)
For this reason, we invite everyone to lend a helping
hand to those who have lost their relatives, families and homes
in the recent disasters."
The AIS
will together with other Muslim based organisations will be
organising an aid campaign to encourage members of the Muslim
community to contribute to the relief services. The AIS will
also be contributing to a multifaith service at St. John’s
Uniting Church, Essendon this Thursday 12 February 2009 at
730pm.
Those
that want to assist please visit the web sites below:
http://www.abc.net.au/local/stories/2009/02/06/2484632.htm
http://www.disasterassist.gov.au/
Selimiye
Foundation Bushfire Appeal
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The Parliament of World's Religions pre-parliament event
08
February 2009
The
Parliament of World's Religions, held its pre-parliament event on
Sunday 8 February 2009, at the Melbourne Town Hall. The theme of the
event was "Making a Difference". The event commenced with opening
remarks by Aunty Dianne Kerr, who spoke on behalf of the Aboriginal
people. She said, "Religions and Cultures need to listen and
understand each other in order to achieve genuine reconciliation."
The event continued with a special prayer for the bushfire victims,
offered by religious representatives of Islam, Christianity, Judaism
and Buddhism. Following the prayer, Aboriginal dancers from the
Wagga Wagga Clan performed a traditional dance. Tom Calma from the
Human Rights Commission spoke about the importance of reconciliation
and how all faiths and cultures can have an input. The event
continued with Indian music and a panel. Mr Laurie Ferguson MP,
Parliamentary Secretary for Multicultural Affairs and Settlement
Services also spoke during the program. The Parliament's main
program will commence 3 December 2009.
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Victims of war and ethnic cleansing are turning a blind eye to a
humanitarian tragedy
19
January 2009
Bloodshed, conflicts and wars have existed on earth since
Cain
the son of
Adam
slaughtered his brother
Abel
in the beginning of history. In particular, the deaths of 50 million
human beings during the World War II, is a great shame for humanity.
Some of the witnesses of this terrible tragedy are still amongst us,
yet atrocities and genocides continued to occur in the twentieth
century. It seems that those who had been subjected to such horrific
treatments have not learned their lesson hence the shame continues
to cast its dark shadow over humanity.
In an age where high-tech weapons, smart bombs, push-button
destruction mechanisms have taken control of our greed for power, we
sit in our comfortable lounges and watch shamelessly as thousands of
our fellow human beings perish under merciless bombs, weapons,
famine and poverty. The horrific scenes we watch on our TV only
touches the hearts of those who still have a little mercy and
compassion left in them. With empathy we remember and understand the
suffering and pain that Jews had gone through in the heart of Europe
not long ago. It is quite important to note that all nations have
the right to protect themselves from terrorist attacks, and by the
same token nations that have been invaded by others also have the
right to protect themselves.
Double standards, injustice and power are a bad combination
The tragedies taking place in Gaza, Lebanon, Africa and recently in
Bosnia are all our shame. The barbaric murders of women, children
and the elderly, and the fruitless resolutions of the UN Security
Council should seriously be taken into consideration by
non-government organisations. All organisations, no matter which
faith, race or culture they belong to, must take responsibility and
act with non-bias, non-prejudice manner and make a stand in the name
of humanity.
Prime Minister Rudd and Julia Gillard
We thank our Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and Julia Gillard for their
sensitive approach to the humanitarian crisis taking place in Gaza
and for their attempts to find a solution. The people of Australia
have conscience and our society is sensitive to humanitarian crisis
no matter which part of the world it occurs in. We urge religious
organisations such as St Vincents and Brotherhood of St Laurence to
reflect the conscience of the Australian people by organising
humanitarian aid campaigns to Gaza.
A
caution to Muslim Communities of Australia
The Australian Muslim Communities should take extreme care in
refraining from provocations and abstain from bringing the conflicts
of the Middle-East into this beautiful nation. Muslims should work
with government officials, leaders of the other faiths and support
the positive approach of the Prime Minister and Julia Gillard in
finding a quick solution. We must not establish a connection between
the tragedies in Gaza and a particular faith. This would seriously
damage the social harmony of our society. We must remember that this
is a moral issue not a religious one. No religion would permit the
killing of innocent women and children. The guilty parties should be
kept separate from religion, race or nationality. It is a tyranny to
blame a faith or a race for the crime its members are committing.
The Quran states: “Killing an innocent human being is like killing
the whole of humanity”. Muslims should be just and fair in their
behaviour. Islam does not permit its members to act in an unlawful
manner using the name of Islam.
It is time to take joint action and launch aid campaigns
We live in a time where humanity is threatened by global economic
crisis, social unrest, and global terrorism and wars. Each day, the
media floods our homes with negative messages. These days the need
for social interaction, joint response, partnered aid campaigns and
dialogue projects is more than ever. It is imperative that as part
of the Australian society, we act in unity. The AIS have always been
on the side of dialogue, mutual understanding, respect, and social
harmony. We have proven this by initiating the only 9/11
commemoration event in a Mosque for the past 8 years. We condemn all
forms of terror and atrocities no matter who commits them or in the
name of which ideology or faith they are committed. We pray so
that the common conscience of humanity prevails and puts an end to
sufferings endured by our fellow human beings. We invite the members
of all faiths, religions and cultures to join our prayer for
humanity. International laws apply to all nations of the world. All
nations must obey and act by international law because they too may
need its justice one day.
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Parliament of the World's Religions

07
January 2009
YEAR OF INTERFAITH ACTION KICKS OFF IN MELBOURNE
Hundreds of people from different cultural backgrounds will gather
at Melbourne Town Hall on Sunday February 8th for an
afternoon of colourful and inspirational entertainment, from a
variety of religious and spiritual communities.
“Melbourne:
Making a Difference” will feature culturally diverse music,
dance, ritual and cuisine, as well as highlighting the issues of
reconciliation and climate change.
Tom
Calma, Aboriginal Elder and Australian Human Rights Commissioner,
will be one of several Indigenous speakers and performers, from
Australia, New Zealand and the United States.
Australian Conservation Foundation CEO Don Henry will discuss the
challenge of climate change with a panel made up of members of the
Jewish, Buddhist and Catholic communities including, Wilfred Muller
from Pacific Island nation, Kiribati and Sister Geraldine Kearney,
who spent four years working in Kiribati, which is being threatened
by rising sea levels.
Melbourne’s Sikh community will serve a traditional Indian
vegetarian meal as an act of community service. Sikh community
representative Gurdarshan Singh says, “Eating together is central to
the Sikh religion, because it symbolises our equality as human
beings regardless of religion, colour, gender or social status.”
Azmeena and Hazeem Hussain of “Salam Cafe” fame will host a range of
Indigenous and world music performers including local Indigenous
dance group Wunsyaluv, native American singer Joanne Shenandoah,
world Indigenous musician Pero, classical Indian flautist Vinod
Prasanna and Yiddish folk band Klezmania.
“Melbourne:
Making a Difference” is a preparatory event for the Parliament
of the World’s Religions, the world’s largest global interfaith
gathering, to be held in Melbourne at the Melbourne Convention and
Exhibition Centre from 3 - 9 December, 2009.
The Australian Intercultural Society is a board member of the
Parliament if the World's Religions 2009 Melbourne - Australia.
View Flyer
Date:
Sunday 8 February, 2009
Time:
4.00pm – 8.30pm
Location: Melbourne Town Hall
Swantson St, Melbourne
For
further details and registrations contact 1300 852 156 or
info@parliamentofreligions2009.org, alternatively you can visit
www.parliamentofreligions.org.
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AIS New
Year's Message

03
January 2009
Peace amongst the nations of the
world and between different cultures can only be achieved through
empathy and justice. The AIS whishes that the year 2009 brings
peace, serenity, harmony and joy to Australians and people all
around the globe. Throughout the last year, AIS have worked
vigorously to strengthen the bonds of friendship between different
cultures and religions. Our only objective was to enhance social
cohesion and harmony in Australia, through social interactions and
dialogue activities. The financial crises towards the end of 2008,
humanitarian drama and the tragic developments in the Middle East
has deeply affected and saddened everyone who possesses a
conscience. The lives of all human beings are equally important,
noble and precious no matter which race, culture or religion they
belong to, hence no excuse can be presented as valid argument to
take a human life. Respecting human life is respecting God.
Religion, ideology or system cannot be used as valid reasons to take
the lives of human beings. It is an act of injustice and tyranny to
punish the family members of a criminal for the crimes they have not
committed. With the same token, it is unjust to punish a race,
culture or religion for the crimes that have been committed by a
small, ignorant minority of its members.
Humanity have suffered enough
at the hands of wars, genocides, racial, religious and ideological
conflicts. Fighting evil and challenging injustice starts within our
own soul and mind. It is about time that we question ourselves, what
has been taught to us and what the media has led us to believe. Am I
being pushed into senseless phobias? Are my phobias pushing me into
unjust behaviour? How much empathy do I have towards my fellow human
beings? As a human being, what are my responsibilities towards other
human beings and what role do I have in bringing peace to the world?
It is imperative that the
dialogue between religions and cultures move into a new phase where
cultures and faiths work cooperatively and produce partnered,
long-lasting projects. We must establish mutual platforms to fight
famine, poverty, injustice, ignorance and vilification. Hatred
between cultures should transform into understanding and empathy. In
order to achieve this we need to give great importance to social and
humanitarian projects.
Once Again, we would like to
wish that 2009 brings peace, tranquility, prosperity and joy to the
people of all cultures, faiths and traditions in Australia and in
the world.
AIS Board of Directors
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AIS
Visits Consul General of Indonesia
14
December 2008
Orhan Cicek,
Executive Advisor of AIS and Emre Celik, General Coordinator visited
the Consul general of Indonesia. The Indonesian Consul General was
briefed on the activities and future projects of the Australian
Intercultural Society. The AIS Directors were warmly welcomed by the
Consul General. Mr Cicek presented the Consul General a traditional
Turkish hand painted plate signifying the bonds of friendship.
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Mumbai
Terror Attacks
5
December 2008
Muslims can not be Terrorists, Terrorists cannot
be a Muslim or even human
The AIS strongly condemns the recent planned
terrorist attacks in India . As global
citizens, we face challenging circumstances; however, perhaps more
than ever the evil forces of terror are feeding of the blood and
violence
directed at innocent victims by displaying acts of terror in an
attempt to achieve personal gains. Since 9/11, the anti-terror
stance of the AIS has been witnessed widely by the Australian
public. The 9/11 tributes and collective prayer sessions organised
by the AIS for four years following the New York attacks is
testament to the anti-terror lobbying conducted by the AIS. We have
strived to educate Muslims and the wider population about terrorism
and collectively work towards the elimination of the common enemy.
We, as the AIS again declare our stance of absolute condemnation of
terrorism in light of the Mumbai attacks. Terrorism cannot be
isolated to any single religion or race. The Mumbai attacks targeted
westerners and has been thought to have been executed by Muslim
terrorists. It is important to note that amongst the victims are a
number of Turkish Muslim tourists. These attacks should not be
viewed as being fuelled and stimulated by religion. Followers of all
faiths must make it known that religion will never be permitted to
be used as a tool to cover the evil intentions of terrorist
activity. We again declare that Islam does not, under any
circumstances permit terrorist activity.
The AIS sincerely sends its condolences to all
the victims of terrorism.
We as Australians offer our condolences to all,
in particular fellow Australians who have been touched by these
cowardly attacks. As conscientious world societies, we must be able
to see through the superfluous religious motivations put forward as
motives and understand the true driving force behind these ruthless
attacks. Different religions have been used to shroud terrorist
attacks in history and it seems that Islam in recent times has been
targeted. Labelling terrorist attacks as work of a religious group
has the undesirable affect of marginalisation. To soften the blow of
the attacks on communities, we must break the barriers of ignorance
and prejudice through increased social interaction and work towards
the common good of mankind as a unified global society. This is the
leading principle of the Australian Intercultural Society. The
objective commentary by the Australian media and government offices
and mature evaluation of events by the wider community to isolate
Islam from the Mumbai attacks has been extremely well received as a
symbol of strengthened social cohesion by Australian Muslims. We
commend all Australians for their intelligent analysis of this
disaster and invite Muslim and non Muslim religious groups to join
us in denouncing all forms of terrorism.
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Whirling
Dervishes - Sheb Arus Sema Performance
28
November 2008
Each year, on the 17th of December,
the Australian Intercultural Society organizes a special Sema
ceremony offered by the Mevlevi Order of Australia to celebrate
Hazreti Mevlana Jalaluddin Rumi’s ‘Sheb-i Arus’ or ‘Wedding Night’.
It is the traditional night in the modern era when the Mevlevi Order
of Sufis, the whirling dervishes, and the many lovers of Mevlana
celebrate and remember his union with his Beloved, ‘Wedding with
Eternity’.
Date: 17 December 2008
Time: 7:00pm-9:00pm Venue: Malvern Town
Hall, Corner Glenferrie Rd & High St, Malvern - Melbourne
All those interested are welcomed to
the event. Please register online through the link provided below:
Registrations
Previous
Gallery
Watch
Video
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Freedom
of Religion & Belief in the 21st Century
21
October 2008
In 2006 the Ministerial Council on Immigration and
Multicultural Affairs endorsed the National Action Plan
to Build on Social Cohesion, Harmony and Security (NAP).
As part of the NAP, the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity
Commission (HREOC), Australia’s national, independent
statutory authority which administers Commonwealth human
rights laws, has been funded to undertake a range of
projects. One of these projects is Freedom of Religion
and Belief in the 21st Century. HREOC has
commissioned the Australian Multicultural Foundation, (AMF)
in association with RMIT University and Monash University,
to prepare a report on Freedom of Religion and Belief in
the 21st Century. This team will consult with
the Australian Partnership of Religious Organisations (APRO)
in preparing its report. This project builds on HREOC’s
earlier report Article 18: Freedom of Religion and Belief
released in 1998 and the 2004 report Religion,
Cultural Diversity and Safeguarding Australia, by the
(then) Department of Immigration and Multicultural and
Indigenous Affairs and the Australian Multicultural
Foundation, in association with the World Conference of
Religions for Peace, RMIT University and Monash University.
The federal government has indicated in its policy
platform that it will publicly consult with the Australian
population about how best to recognise and protect the human
rights and freedoms enjoyed by all Australians. It is also
pursuing the development of a national social inclusion
policy and program agenda. Within this agenda, counter-radicalisation,
human rights promotion and protection, and community harmony
within a multicultural social reality are likely to be
strong and complementary areas of action. This report,
therefore, will be conducted during a period that may offer
many important opportunities to define and influence the
future of religious freedoms and belief within Australia.
(Australian Human Rights Commission)
Click here
for detailed information
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The Imam
& the Pastor: from mortal enemies to Peace Partners
17
October 2008
Initiatives
of Change (IOFC), which are an international interfaith and peace
group and have a local 'chapter' based in Toorak, have arranged for
Imam Ashafa and Pastor James, both from Nigeria who have been
involved in the inter-religious conflict and subsequent
reconciliation. They have established the Youth Christian
Association of Nigeria. This association has been formed after many
years of bitter fighting between the Christians and the Muslims in
Nigeria. During the fighting, Imam Ashafa's spiritual mentor and his
two cousins were killed. Pastor Wuye lost his hand and increased his
hatred for Muslims in general, and Ashafa in particular, during this
difficult time. The two men were brought together in 1995, and after
months of soul searching, decided to work together to end the
violence. Their story has engaged large audiences in many parts of
the world. The film of their work together, The Imam and the Pastor,
was premiered at the United Nations in
New York and subsequently shown in the British House of Commons.
The NCEIS invites those interested to attend the following upcoming
event.
Click to view flyer (pdf)
Speakers:
Imam Ashafa and Pastor James
Venue:
Melbourne University, Royal Parade - Theatre A, Old Arts
Building, near Gate 12
Date/Time:
Friday 31 October, 6:00pm – 7:30pm
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Public
Lectures by Professor Joseph Camilleri
8
October 2008
On Wednesday the
8th of October, Professor Joseph Camilleri will deliver a public
lecture on the topic "Climate Change and the Dialogue Of Cultures".
Camilleri's lecture will address two important questions, "Is
culture destined to be part of the problem or part of the solution"
and "how well prepared are we to bring the 'Dialogue of Cultures' to
bear on the Great debate. The lecture will commence 6:30 pm at
Copland Theatre, Economics and Commerce Building, Melbourne
University. See flyer for details.
Click here to view flyer |

UN
International Day of Peace in Bacchus Marsh
30
September 2008
AIS
representatives Emine and Arzu visited Bacchus Marsh on Sunday the
14th of September to participate in the UN international day of
peace event. The
program commenced at the Moorabool Peace Pole and continued at
Bacchus marsh public hall supper room. There were several speakers
including two young women who
spoke of their experiences at the World Youth Day . Four girls from
Bacchus Marsh Grammar School described their perspectives of peace.
Emine and Arzu spoke about 'the
contribution young people can make to understanding of peace',
'peace in Islam' and 'how the AIS contributes to overcoming
prejudice through social cohesion'.
It was a pleasant day for the guests who had the
opportunity to socialize in a warm, friendly atmosphere. One
participant said, "it was an inspiring event and speeches were quite
informing."
The event concluded with the serving of refreshments assisted by
soothing music.
View gallery
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Students
from Melbourne Girls Grammar visits Mosque
14 September 2008
Students from Melbourne Girls Grammar visited Sunshine Mosque on
the 5th of September, 2008. Mr. Ibrahim Dellal, hosted the visit
providing significant information for the visitors. The girls were
very eager to learn about various features of the mosque and Islam
in general. The visit falling into the first week of Ramadan (month
of fasting for the Muslim community), extra emphasis was placed on
the self-discipline and submission required to perform such an act
of worship. The five pillars of Islam and the six principles
of faith were the main topic after the detailed explanation
regarding the features of a Mosque. The girls then left for Isik
College for some interaction with their own peers, and shared an
Iftar Dinner (breaking of fast) with them.
The visits are
organised
as part of the AIS's dialogue between schools program which bring
various schools together throughout Melbourne.
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Ramadan : a chance
to overcome barriers and build friendships
08 September 2008
As Muslims the world over began the fasting month of Ramadan last
week, the Australian Intercultural Society began Ramadan in what has
become an accepted tradition in Melbourne by hosting various
community and private home Iftar dinners. Ramadan for Muslims is a
month of self-restraint and discipline, increase in personal
spirituality and community worship, a means for developing empathy
with those that are less fortunate and a means to share the blessed
Iftar dinner with family, friends and neighbours. As in previous
years, the Australian Intercultural Society (AIS) has taken the lead
role by bringing people together around shared Iftar meal in the
hope of increasing social cohesion and community harmony. Orhan
Cicek, the Executive Advisor of the AIS said 'Sharing an Iftar meal
is a tradition within the Muslim community. It is considered both an
honour and a blessing to sit with others and 'break bread' together.
It comes to us from Prophet Abraham who is well known for his
hospitality. According to the Islamic tradition it is said that
Abraham never sat for a meal on his own - even if it were a stranger
he would always share his meals with others".
Following in this tradition the
AIS this year is helping to organise various community Ramadan Iftar
Dinners- including: Government House, Victoria Police, Turkish
Consulate, Mildura Sunraysia Tafe, Anglican community, Hindu
community, Melbourne Catholic Archdiocese, Council for Christians
and Jews, Freemasons Victoria amongst numerous other organisations
and community groups. Along side these larger gatherings the AIS is
hosting numerous VIP guests in Muslim family homes. Guests include
Diplomats, heads of Government Departments and public servants,
academics, civic and community leaders, clergy and religious
leaders, businessmen and others. The AIS believes just gatherings
are very important means for people to overcome misunderstanding and
prejudice and helps to increase relations and community harmony.
"Such opportunities for social interaction may be rare and entering
a Muslim's home to experience the personal contact is an important
way for people to learn from one another and also benefits Muslims
who sometimes can feel isolated from the wider community" said Orhan
Cicek.
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Government House
Iftar Dinner
05 September 2008
The Governor of Victoria, Professor David de Kretser AC will host a
Ramadan Iftar Dinner at the Government House on
17 September 2008. Since the year 2000, the Australian Intercultural
Society has been organizing formal Ramadan Iftar Dinners in
partnership with various Government departments, religious
organizations and community groups. The Iftar programs include
Victorian Police, Federal and State Parliaments of Australia,
Jewish, Christian, Hindu and Buddhist organizations. This year for
the first time Governor of Victoria will host an Iftar Dinner. The
Ramadan Iftar Dinner at the Government House is organized by the
Australian Intercultural Society and sponsored by the Victorian
Multicultural Commission. Ramadan Iftar Dinners play an important
role in achieving social cohesion.
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Visit to
Consulate-General of the Republic of Turkey
25 July 2008
Mr Orhan Cicek, Executive Advisor of the
Australian Intercultural Society recently visited the newly
appointed Consul-General of the Republic of Turkey. Mr Aydin Nurhan,
the new Consul-General welcomed Orhan Cicek and congratulated the
AIS members for their achievements in Australia. Mr Cicek briefed
the new Consul-General about the future projects and the upcoming
events organised by the AIS. Mr Aydin Nurhan said that
important issues such as dialogue, social cohesion and education
should be supported by all, including government departments. Mr
Cicek then presented the new Consul-General, a gift of appreciation
from the Australian Intercultural Society.
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AIS Receives
Community Grant
22 July 2008
Australian Intercultural Society recently
received a Community Grant for its ongoing projects. The Community
Grant was handed over to Mr Emre Celik, General Coordinator of the
Australian Intercultural Society by Hon. James Merlino, the Minister
for Sports, Recreation and Youth Affairs. The AIS has a number of
ongoing projects in the fields of education, interfaith dialogue,
social cohesion and youth affairs. The AIS believes that
Australian diverse cultural and pluralistic democratic society would
be enriched with social interaction and educational awareness
projects. Since its establishment, the AIS has built community
partnership projects to achieve those goals in cooperating with
faith communities as well as government and community organizations
and institutions.
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Monash
University Launch a new department
04 July 2008
Monash University last Monday held the launch
of its 'Islam in the Modern
World' Department. VIP guests included the Parliamentary Secretary
for
Multicultural Affairs Laurie Ferguson MP who also officially
launched the
centre. Richard Larkins, Rae Frances, Greg Barton and Salih Yucel
from
Monash and AIS Executive Advisor Orhan Cicek all spoke at launch.
The AIS
sponsors an Islamic Studies lectureship at Monash University.
View Gallery |
Visit
from International theologians
24 July 2008
The AIS and the Fethullah Gulen Chair hosted
two VIP theologians from
Turkey. Mehmet Emin Ay and Mustafa Demirci are esteemed theologians
and are
also famous Sufi 'ilahi' singers. Stewart Sharlow from APCID and
Emre Celik,
AIS General Coordinator gave a briefing on various interfaith
activities and
projects.
Guests were welcomed at APCID office, Australian Catholic
University. The group then socialized over lunch at a local
restaurant.
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Dinner with
Imams
22 July 2008
The Australian
Intercultural Society organized an Imam's Dinner program last
Tuesday at the head office of the AIS.
The main objective of the event was to interact with the Imams of
the Islamic community to share our projects and to benefit from
their experiences. The Imam's were briefed with the previous
activities and projects of the Australian Intercultural Society. The
Imam's then shared their experiences within their communities, over
a friendly dinner. New plans and projects were discussed and
suggestions on ways of reaching the wider Muslim community were
presented. It was a warm, friendly atmosphere that produced many
ideas on various projects.
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Interfaith Youth Pilgrimage
13 July 2008
The Ecumenical and Interfaith Commission of
Melbourne organized the Interfaith Youth Pilgrimage on Sunday at
Federation Square in Melbourne. The event was part of the Days in
the Diocese program. There were many enthusiastic participants,
including youth from Hindu, Buddhist, Bahai, Muslim, Jewish, other
Christian, Indigenous, Brahma Kamari, Sathya Sai, and Sikh
communities. The event was a commitment to unity, forgiveness,
reconciliation and love for one another for the sake of peace on
behalf of the youth of the different faiths. Cardinal
Rodriguez was excellent as the main speaker of the event. The
pilgrims really got into the spirit of the thing and added joy and
life to the event.
View
Gallery
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