It seems that every generation experiences at least one tragic, monumental event that goes on to define the coming era. This past week, we remembered the deadly terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 which fundamentally changed the political, cultural and social landscape in the United States and abroad. This week on State of Belief, Interfaith Alliance’s weekly radio show and podcast, we’ll consider how different responses to that kind of upheaval can be.
In the aftermath of 9/11, Americans often recall the feelings of shared loss and of patriotism that united the country. However, from the attacks also came rationale for endless war, civilian surveillance and Islamophobia. Colleen Kelly, co-founder of 9/11 Families for Peaceful Tomorrows, will join Welton to discuss the organization’s pro-peace activism that defends human rights at home and abroad.
Just a few weeks ago, Muslims from around the country gathered in Houston, Texas to play host to presidential candidates Senator Bernie Sanders and Mayor Julián Castro, as part of the 56th annual Islamic Society of North America Convention. This year, the event had a unique theme: What’s Your Superpower for Social Good? Welton will sit down with Nida Saleem, Acting Executive Director of ISNA, to discuss this year’s ISNAcon and Muslim engagement in the 2020 election.
The Trump administration’s war on immigrants continues, this time with the Supreme Court refusing to oppose unprecedented new restrictions on asylum seekers at our nation’s southern border. Dr. Jay Michaelson, a rabbi, attorney, activist and author, will join State of Belief to discuss the recent ruling that will almost surely cost innocent lives, and what steps are being taken to defend the most vulnerable among us.