Community News 16-53

Faith leaders unite for homeless in New Orleans.  Picture supplied by the Archdiocese of New Orleans

Faith leaders unite for homeless in New Orleans

NEW ORLEANS,LA–Religious leaders from all faith communities joined together on Dec.14, 2014 for remember the homeless who have died on the streets of New Orleans in 2014. Imam Refeeq Nu’man, Masjidur Rahim, New Orleans joined dozens of others in the prayer service, according to a press release from the Archdiocese of New Orleans.

UNITY of Greater New Orleans reports that about 1,981 individuals live on the streets of New Orleans on any given night. In 2014, an estimated 12 individuals died on the streets of New Orleans due to lack of shelter in 2014.

Islamic studies director at GW raises money for recruits

In an era of universal cutbacks it is tough to be a student. The problem becomes even more acute if a student is enrolled in non-STEM courses. But Mohammad Faghfoory, director of George Washington University’s Islamic Studies program is doing all he can to recruit top talent.

Using his own friends and professional networks he has raised $500,000 to help fund the students. This is welcome news for the students where the tuition is as high as the $1,490-per-credit-hour, according to the GW Hatchet.

Halal Guys Coming to D.C.

WASHINGTON D.C.–The Halal Guys, the food street cart which enjoys a cult status in New York, will be arriving in Washington D.C. in the spring of next year. The business, which was until now limited to street carts in New York City, recently opened its first brick and mortar store and now is rapidly expanding through franchises, the Washington Business Journal reports.

It plans to open 100 stores in the next five years. The business originally started in 1990 when three Egyptian hot dog vendors opted to experiment with the ethnic fare.

Bangladeshi-American Democratic Council Hold Reception

NEW YORK,NY– The Bangladeshi-American Democratic Council held a reception in honor of Congressmen Hakeem Jeffries (D-Brooklyn) at the Al-Madina Party Hall on December 1, according to a press release.

The reception was attended by many elected officials and prominent members of the community.

Bangladeshi American Democratic Council of New York City (BADC) founder Md Abu Yusuf was recognized by Hakeem Jeffries  for the outstanding services to Bangladeshi Community.

According to media reports there are an estimated 57,000 Bangladeshi Americans in New York City alone.

Canada

Amro Mohammad and Mohammad Karimi named Vanier Scholars

Montreal–McGill University doctoral students Amro Mohammad and Mohammad Karimi have been named as the recipients of the prestigious Vanier Scholarship. The scholarship is worth $50,000 each year for three years of study and research.

Amro Mohammad is a Phd. student in Biochemistry. Karimi’s doctoral dissertation looks at the intersection of Islam and modernity in Afghanistan.

Zohair Syed Receives Teaching Excellence Award

TORONTO–Dr. Zohair Syed of Trillium Associates received the Excellence in Medical Teaching Award from the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Medicine. The award is administered by the Department of Family and Community Medicine.

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