Sister Aishah's Islamic Journey

Aishah Schwartz's Bitmoji Trump News | March 2017 Edition

noreply@blogger.com (~Aishah Schwartz) — Thu, 02 Mar 2017 01:08:00 +0000

Bookmark and check back for updates! 😄

February Edition Here

https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/837989835818287106

via @NBCNightlyNews http://bit.ly/NoYemenIntel

http://huff.to/2mb8Kqg

Copyright © 2017 Aishah Schwartz

Permission is granted to circulate among private individuals and groups, to post on Internet sites and to publish in full text and subject title in not-for-profit publications. Contact author for all other rights, which are reserved.

Get the App! Spend 5 Minutes, Make 5 calls! #Resist

noreply@blogger.com (~Aishah Schwartz) — Thu, 23 Feb 2017 02:57:00 +0000

Spend 5 minutes, make 5 calls. Available at Google Play and the App Store! Brought to you by Michael Moore - on Twitter: @MMFlint

Turn your passive participation into active resistance. Facebook likes and Twitter retweets can’t create the change you want to see. Calling your Government on the phone can.

Calling is the most effective way to influence your representatives. 5 Calls does the research for each issue, determining out which representatives are most influential for which topic, collecting phone numbers for those offices and writing scripts that clearly articulate a progressive position. You just have to call.

Learn more about the project at 5calls.org.

Aishah Schwartz Listed Among 217 Muslims to Follow in 2017

noreply@blogger.com (~Aishah Schwartz) — Thu, 23 Feb 2017 02:00:00 +0000

On Twitter @AishahSchwartz

https://twitter.com/MelodyMoezzi/lists/muslims2follow/members

Permission is granted to circulate among private individuals and groups, to post on Internet sites and to publish in full text and subject title in not-for-profit publications. Contact author for all other rights, which are reserved.

Mohamed Mahmoud Street Wall - Cairo, Egypt 2012 | Two of My Favorite Photos

noreply@blogger.com (~Aishah Schwartz) — Sun, 19 Feb 2017 00:11:00 +0000

Mohamed Mahmoud Street Wall - Cairo, Egypt (2012)
Featured in BauNetz Magazine, Germany.
(click to view larger size)

Mohamed Mahmoud St. Wall - Cairo, Egypt (2002) as the sun was setting.
(click to view larger size)

Copyright © 2012-17 Aishah Schwartz
Permission is granted to circulate among private individuals and groups, to post on Internet sites and to publish in full text and subject title in not-for-profit publications. Contact author for all other rights, which are reserved.

Aishah Schwartz's Bitmoji Trump News | February 2017 Edition

noreply@blogger.com (~Aishah Schwartz) — Sat, 18 Feb 2017 20:31:00 +0000

Bookmark and check back for updates! 😄

March Edition Here

28 Feb 17 #JointCongress #CongressionalAddress

JointCongress #CongressionalAddress @realDonaldTrump @EricTrump bit.ly/hireamerican

@realDonaldTrump: "Nobody knew that healthcare could be so complicated." Video: https://t.co/PN5urh0wxw @ABC

@realDonaldTrump budget calls for gov't accountability #taxreturns wapo.st/2lYevHd

@realDonaldTrump Double-standard? #FakeNews #NotTheEnemy https://t.co/xMkV3wG8ub More: https://t.co/mYh06azqUB https://t.co/UNxS8smylR

Muhammad Ali Jr. Detained at Airport, Asked About Being #Muslim http://nbcnews.to/2mikrMf

#StandingRock Sioux Chairman Counters @PressSec Claims of Communicating with Tribe @indiancountry #NODAPL http://bit.ly/2mv4SNs

Chicago PD hits back at @realDonaldTrump: asked WH for help and never heard back https://tinyurl.com/j3xhuoq @Chicago_Police

“Good luck to our new and brilliant leader at DHS, General John Kelly.” @realDonaldTrump http://trib.in/2kVAsaO Quote: http://cnn.it/2muL1xG

@usairforce Stumped by @realDonaldTrump Claim of $1 Billion Savings on Jet http://bit.ly/2muy3jm

https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/835104946034991106?s=03

https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/834916167177371648?s=03

Via The Rachel Maddow Show 23FEB17 - MSNBC

23FEB17 Daily Press Briefing

February 22-23, 2017

@realDonaldTrump Ellison: Impeachment investigations must begin for Trump https://t.co/jcgvZ4WWDe @EllisonCampaign

@realDonaldTrump rages on Twitter, accuses Democrats of planning anti-GOP protests https://tinyurl.com/TrumpTwitRageFeb22

@PressSec @realDonaldTrump response about Islamophobia nauseating...
https://t.co/KRJu2Ih020

@PressSec Sean Spicer & @realDonaldTrump on Anti-Semitism
http://dailykos.com/stories/1636298

Sweden has no idea what Trump meant when he said, ‘You look at what’s happening … in Sweden’
https://tinyurl.com/lastnightinsweden-wpo

The full context of what Thomas Jefferson wrote to in 1787, to Edward Carrington:“The basis of our governments being the opinion of the people, the very first object should be to keep that right. And were it left to me to decide whether we should have a government without newspapers, or newspapers without a government, I should not hesitate a moment to prefer the latter. But I should mean that every man should receive those papers and be capable of reading them.”

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-39020962

Pakistan, where a suicide bombing on a Sufi shrine killed at least 80 people on Friday, (17 Feb. 17). http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-39020962

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2017_Oroville_Dam_crisis

https://twitter.com/realdonaldtrump/status/126660163775115265

https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/832708293516632065

February 16, 2017 Press Conference

Trump Deals with Foreign Crises and Lies About Voter Fraud: Seth Meyers — A Closer Look
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hTt5SSLOuCQ

https://tinyurl.com/cbcletter

February 16, 2017 Press Conference

https://action.trump2016.com/trump-mms-survey/

February 16, 2016 Press Conference

February 16, 2017 Press Conference

Aishah Schwartz - Listed: 217 Muslims to Follow on Twitter in 2017 https://twitter.com/MelodyMoezzi/lists/muslims2follow/members

Donald Trump: I'm Complaining #NoDAPL

noreply@blogger.com (~Aishah Schwartz) — Sun, 12 Feb 2017 18:33:00 +0000

#AlternativeFacts

Birthday of Abraham Lincoln: Let Us Not Forget...

noreply@blogger.com (~Aishah Schwartz) — Sun, 12 Feb 2017 18:09:00 +0000

I note that the American Civil Liberties Union is recognizing Feb. 12 as the birthday of Abraham Lincoln. Let us not also forget that under the order of Abraham Lincoln, on December 26, 1862, thirty-eight Santee Sioux Indians dangled lifeless in the air. A spectator boasted that this was "America's greatest" public execution."

What brought about the hanging of the 38 Sioux Indians in Minnesota December 26, 1862 was the failure "again" of the U.S. Government to honor its treaties with Indian Nations. Indians were not given the money or food set forth to them for signing a treaty to turn over more than a million acres of their land and be forced to live on a reservation. #NoDAPL #StandingRock

A memorial to the memory of the dead now stands in downtown Mankato in Reconciliation Park.

Abraham Lincoln - DOB: February 12, 1809.

Copyright © 2017 Aishah Schwartz

Permission is granted to circulate among private individuals and groups, to post on Internet sites and to publish in full text and subject title in not-for-profit publications. Contact author for all other rights, which are reserved.

#MuslimBan: What to Expect Now and How to Prepare for Travel

noreply@blogger.com (~Aishah Schwartz) — Thu, 09 Feb 2017 21:32:00 +0000

ABOUT YUNUS LAW P.C.

Yunus Law is a full service law firm focusing on Immigration and Nationality law. We also have expertise in family law issues, particularly as they relate to Immigration, such as international adoption, obtaining special immigrant juvenile status in state domestic relations court, and domestic and international divorce.

With expertise in employment-based immigration, family-based immigration, and removal/deportation defense, Yunus Law is able to provide clients with a comprehensive immigration solution with foresight into all potential immigration consequences.

We treat each client as the firm’s only client and believe in providing true advocacy. Navigating through the waters of immigration and its various governmental entities can be both confusing and difficult. With Yunus Law, you will not only have an experienced Attorney draw a map to reach your immigration goals, but we will guide you through the journey every step of the way.

We are committed to providing an honest and thorough assessment of each client’s particular situation. We have seen too many clients led down an often dead-end path in the interest of money making or time saving. Here at Yunus Law, we first define our client’s immigration goal and then determine the path that will achieve that goal most efficiently and with the most likelihood of success. We present all options in a clear, understandable manner such that our client’s can make an informed decision about their future.

ABOUT ICNA COUNCIL FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE

ICNA Council for Social Justice (CSJ) is a social justice/human rights organization that strives to systematically facilitate assertive Muslim involvement in the field of human struggle for the rights of the poor and oppressed in the United States.

Established by the Islamic Circle of North America, Council for Social Justice enters the social justice/human rights arena in America to cooperate with existing social justice efforts, and organize new initiatives when appropriate, to eliminate barriers to full citizenship rights and privileges, work to restore civil liberties required for a democratic society, and raise public awareness and work to remove the gross inequities of the US criminal justice system.

The mission of all of the Prophets, including the Prophet Muhammad ibn Abdullah (peace be upon him), was to elevate human existence and establish unparalleled just societies through submission to the Creator.

“Oh you who believe! Be standard bearers for Justice, as witnesses to Allah, even as against yourselves, or your parents, Or your kin, whether it be rich or poor; For Allah can best protect both. Follow not the lusts, lest you Swerve, and if you Distort Justice or decline To do Justice, verily Allah is well-Acquainted with all that you do.” Qur’an 4:135

Cii Radio Interview - The Intellectual Challenge: Post 9/11 and Reversion to Islam | Aishah Schwartz (2005)

noreply@blogger.com (~Aishah Schwartz) — Thu, 09 Feb 2017 17:09:00 +0000

Assalamu Alaikum.

For the first time in 12-years, a radio interview I did with another revert sister in 2005 is now available online, Al-hamdulillah.

Listen to Aishah Schwartz (via Egypt) and Sumayah Fayed's (via USA) 2005 interview on the Cii Broadcasting–South Africa radio program, The Intellectual Challenge: Post 9/11 and Reversion to Islam on #SoundCloud

[Part 1] - (Begins at minute 1:11) https://soundcloud.com/aishah-schwartz/cii-radio-interview-2005-part1-aishah-schwartz

[Part 2] https://soundcloud.com/aishah-schwartz/cii-radio-south-africa-interview-part-2-aishah-schwartz

It was nostalgic listening again to the interview, but Subhan'Allah, here we are – 12-years later – and Islamophobia is worse than ever. لا حَوْلَ وَ لا قُوَّةَ اِلَّا بِاللّهِ
La Hawla wa la Quwatta illa Billah (There is no Might or Power except with Allah)

Please feel free to listen and share, insha'Allah.

Ma'Salaama.
Aishah

Copyright ©Aishah Schwartz 2017 Permission is granted to circulate among private individuals and groups, to post on Internet sites and to publish in full text and subject title in not-for-profit publications. Contact author for all other rights, which are reserved.

Biography of Aishah Schwartz 2002-2017

noreply@blogger.com (~Aishah Schwartz) — Tue, 31 Jan 2017 17:39:00 +0000

Aishah Schwartz, an American Muslim revert to Islam, is founder and director of the 2006 established Muslimah Writers Alliance (MWA), an internationally-based collaboration of Muslim women writers and advocates working together to counter negative and inaccurate perceptions regarding members of the Muslim community and the Islamic faith.

She is also a retired career litigation legal secretary, published freelance writer, Demotix/Corbis photojournalist, humanitarian and internationally renowned human rights activist with a focus on the rights of Muslim women, and the plight of the Palestinian people affected by the Israeli imposed illegal embargo on Gaza.

In addition to activism, writing, reading, and photography, Aishah enjoys traveling and has visited Egypt (where she has resided since 2007), Saudi Arabia, where she lived for a year (2004-5), Morocco, Pakistan, Jordan, Tunisia, Cyprus and Hong Kong; bucket list includes Indonesia, Malaysia and Oman. Her favorite things are family, snorkeling in the Red Sea and posting photos of her cats, Jessica and Sakinah on social media.

Achievements and activities since since Aishah Schwartz became Muslim in Washington, D.C. (2002):

2017 – Included in Huffington Post list of #Muslims2Follow; Established Private Citizen Obama Network; Supported campaign againstTrump Administration Muslim/Travel Ban and the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe campaign against the Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL); Published Author: About Islam and Medium.

2016 – Listed at Women's Activism NYC; Listed among 100 Favorite American Muslims to Follow on Twitter; Campaigned in support of Presidential Nominee, Hillary Rodham Clinton; Campaigned against the Dakota Access Pipeline; Published Author: Muslims in Calgary - Canada and About Islam; Author at Medium; Campaigned in support of World Hijab Day; Campaigned for and Petitioned the White House against the Dakota Access Pipeline in Support of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe; Photography included in article at Mashable.

2015 – Photojournalist: Demotix/Corbis Images; Published Author: OnIslam; Interview: Cii Broadcasting, South Africa – A global Islamic Radio Station; Listed: Top Muslim Women Twitterati – Storyteller; Copyeditor for OnIslam; Selected to represent the My Face for Peace campaign, an independent peace initiative launched in 2012 in Hamburg/Germany; Quoted at OnIslam: ["The BISCA event establishes that there are worthy scholars much greater in number than what is represented by the existing short-list of those on what is otherwise referred to as, the 'celebrity speaker tour'."]; Campaigned in support of World Hijab Day; Participated in United Nations Orange Day End Violence Against Women campaign; Published in Sisters Magazine; Listed among Well-Known Muslim Women in Hijab.

2014 – Referenced in "Reasoning With God" by Dr. Khaled Abou El Fadl, an accomplished Islamic jurist, scholar, and Professor of Law at the UCLA School of Law where he teaches Islamic law, Immigration, Human Rights, International and National Security Law, regarding support of the campaign addressing Saudi King Abdullah for release of the gang raped "Qatif Girl"; Photojournalist: Demotix/Corbis Images; Published Author and Copyeditor: OnIslam; Photography published in Rouge Magazine – Saudi Arabia; Listed as a "Mighty Muslimah"; Campaigned in support of International Purple Hijab Day to end violence against women; Poetry included in anthology, The Muslimah Speaks: Her Voice, Her Spirit by Mindworks Books; Published at Arab News: Even a Smile is Charity.

2013 – Photojournalist: Demotix/Corbis Images; Published Author: OnIslam; Featured in Le-Ta'arafou Magazine, Cairo, Egypt (Arabic); Photography featured in BauNetz Magazine, Germany; Featured in Annisa Women Insight Magazine, Indonesia; Featured in Correspondents, Cairo, Egypt; Published in The Muslim Times; Featured in Republika, Indonesia: Aishah Schwartz, Hidayah dan Burkini.

2012 – Photojournalist: Demotix/Corbis Images; Guest speaker Native European Muslim Assembly (NEMA) Camp, Tunisia; Interviewer for Bridges Foundation Documentary, Islam in Women; Radio Interview: Voice of America; Joined Medical Convoy to Gaza delivering hospital emergency-room supplies; Attended Ministry of Police graduation, Gaza; Reported on 1st Anniversary of Egyptian Revolution for Demotix; Credited for book title, "Reawakening the Dream" by Egyptian author, Hatem A. Aly; Supported campaign for the right of Saudi women to drive; Featured in video: My Journey to Islam; Addressed open letter to President Barack Obama on Gaza

blockade; Supported Jan. 18 Wikipedia blackout in opposition to SOPA/PIPA; Joined Egyptians for Nakba commemoration at Rafah Border, Egypt; Participated in and reported on Post-Jan25 Revolution Demonstration in Tahrir Square, Cairo, Egypt; Demonstrated in support of Libyan Revolution in front of the Libyan Embassy and at the Arab League Headquarters, Cairo, Egypt; Supported campaign to end FGM in Egypt; Campaigned against US torture abroad; Campaigned against killing of civilians in Syria; Campaigned in support of Palestinian prisoner hunger strikers; Participated in United Nations International Day for Elimination of Violence Against Women; Extended appreciation to CBS's 60 Minutes for Palestinian

Occupation report; Recognized by Congressional Black Caucus member Rep. Bobby Rush (D-Il), for support against racial profiling; Featured in Republika, Indonesia: Mualaf Aishah Schwartz (Part 2) Pembela Hak-Hak Muslimah; Featured at Voice of America (VOA) Indonesia: Kelompok Perempuan Mualaf AS Kampanyekan Anti-Rokok Selama Ramadan.

2011 – Photojournalist: Demotix/Corbis Images; Published Author: The American Muslim; Speaker, Bridges Foundation documentary, Jihad On Terrorism; Reported on Egyptian Revolution in Cairo, Egypt; Included in Women’s Islamic Initiative in Spirituality and Equality (WISE) listing of 100 Extraordinary Muslim Women; Participated in UN End Violence Against Women campaign; Participated in and reported on 100th International Women's Day Event in Cairo, Egypt; Included in Al-Jazeera Photo Essay on 100th International Women's Day; Participated in and reported on 5th Week of Pro-Palestinian Protests in Cairo, Egypt; Joined 'Friends of Free Libya' in solidaritydemonstration at Libyan Embassy, Cairo, Egypt; Joined in Tahrir Square demonstrations in Cairo, Egypt; Featured in Al-Wafd News Journal, Cairo, Egypt; Took a stand in support of the Tunisian Revolution; Received response from the White House Response in asking President Barack Obama to Support 'No Gaza Student Left Behind' campaign; Featured in Youm7 newspaper article, Cairo, Egypt; Supported the Occupy Wall Street movement; Supported No-Fly Zone over Palestine; Supported Gaza Youth Breaks Out call for international United for Palestinian Freedom March; Campaigned in support of seamen's compensation rights, Hurghada, Egypt; Reported on Supported Maritime Tourism Revolution Participants to End Corruption in Hurghada, Egypt; Campaigned for release of foreign correspondent detained in Cairo, Egypt; Joined coalition members from 47 national and international cities participating in the call for a National Day of Action to Stop FBI repression and grand jury witch hunts; Launched annual Muslimah Writers Alliance (MWA) Ramadan blog.

2010 – Featured in a mini-documentary titled, زمام المبادرة – عائشة شوارتز/Lead the Way – Aishah Schwartz, produced by iFilms of Cairo, Egypt for Al-Jazeera Arabic TV, the documentary premiered December 1, 2010; Published Author: The American Muslim; Featured in October Weekly Magazine, Cairo, Egypt; Featured three times in Al-Wafd News Journal, Cairo, Egypt; Included in what started out as a 45 member coalition that grew to 115 members, calling for investigation into FBI targeting of activists; Petitioned President Barack Obama on West Bank settlements; Condemned Islamophobic rhetoric and called for support for freedom of religion and speech; Commended U.S. officials for speaking out against Quran burning; Religious Land Use Act; Joined coalition mobilized in responding to Israeli attack on Gaza Flotilla; President for Center of Pluralism, Mike Ghouse wrote [on Gaza support efforts]: “This includes four of our heroes, whom I know –

Aishah Schwartz…”; Led campaign against Domestic Violence in Cairo, Egypt commemorated in conjunction with the one-year anniversary marking the tragic beheading of Aasyia Zubair Hassan (1972-2009); Co-sponsored a protest in support of guardianship reform and for the release of a Canadian national in front of the Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Washington, DC, and in front of the White House, in association with the Comit'e de Soutien 'a Nathalie Morin,' of Canada, Muslims for Progressive Values and Responsible for Equality, and Liberty (R.E.A.L.), based in Washington, DC – "The women of Saudi Arabia continue in pursuit of much needed reform in the Kingdom's existing guardianship laws. Many people confuse 'reform' with 'abolish'; the movement is not to dissolve guardianship, it is merely to improve

the conditions of women suffering from uneven-handedness and to provide alternative recourse for those not benefiting from the protections that the law is intended to provide." – also published at Examiner National; Launched online campaign against forced divorce in Saudi Arabia contributing to the reunion of Fatima and Mansour Al-Timani; Petitioned members of the US Congress and President Barack Obama to end the embargo on Gaza and marched against it in Washington, DC; Recognized by Rep. Brian Baird's Open Congress Blog for support of the Palestinian Conflict/Gaza; Quoted by Ma'an News Agency (MNA) for commending Rep. Jonathan Tasini (D-NY) for his stance against Israel's building of new settlements in East Jerusalem and its ongoing embargo on Gaza; Participated in the film production of a sequel to the Bridges Foundation project, "The Fog is Lifting", titled "Jihad Against Terrorism", the DVD was released in January 2011.

Requested federal action against Islamophobia; Launched Non-Islamophobic Muslim News Facebook Page; Joined Jewish Voice for Peace in call for end to settlement construction and blockade on Gaza; Rejected ideological exclusion in U.S. delays of visa for Palestinian journalist; Launched the 'No Gaza Student Left Behind' campaign with a press release, open letter to President Obama published at Congress.org, online petition drive and posters in support of the reported 700+ students in need of exit visas for pursuit of studies abroad; Joined International Federation of Journalists supporting strikers in Cairo, Egypt; Joined coalition urging appointments to Post 9/11 Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board; Joined 911 Freedom Coalition in calling on President Barack Obama to enforce

2009 – Published Author: The American Muslim; Blog recognized by The Daily Reviewer among Top 100 Muslim Blogs; Demonstrated in Cairo, Egypt in support of the International March on Gaza; Participated in and reported on the Gaza Freedom March from inside Gaza; Featured in Al-Wafd News Journal, Cairo, Egypt; Served as a steering committee member for the Women's Islamic Initiative in Spirituality and Equality (WISE).

2008 – Published Author: Naseeb Vibes; Referenced in a Human Rights Watch (HRW) report titled "Perpetual Minors", for work in support of equal rights for women in the Grand Mosque Equal Access campaign; Published at The Muslim Link Newspaper – Washington-Metropolitan Area; Supported campaign and petition against FGM in Egypt.

2007 – Included in Pulitzer Prize winner Donna Gherke-White's book, Face Behind the Veil; Participated in the Anti-War March on Washington; Published Author: The American Muslim; Published Author: Naseeb Vibes; Hosted, a leadership delegation in conjunction with a program titled, "Islam in America; a Project for Russia", from Russia at the Islamic Center in Washington, D.C. The program was part of the Delphi International Program of World Learning International Visitor Leadership Program, sponsored by the U.S. State Department; Launched "Say 'No' to Forced Divorce, 'Yes' to Reforms" campaign challenging guardianship and forced divorce laws in Saudi Arabia, online petition signed by citizens of 40 countries, 56 foreign cities, 21 U.S. states, and 45 U.S. cities; Served as a guest panelist on the Washington DC-based TV program, "Islamic Perspectives" discussing guardianship reform in Saudi Arabia; Appeared on Channel Islam International, a part of the Cii Network of South Africa, in support of an initiative to take Islam to the masses at one of South Africa's premier Johannesburg events, The Rand Show. Additional guests included: Idris Tawfiq, a former British Catholic Priest who accepted Islam, and Na'ima B. Robert, author of "From My Sisters' Lips."

2006 – Founded Muslimah Writers Alliance (MWA); Launched online campaign to preserve the women's courtyard prayer space at the Grand Mosque; Featured by renowned feminist Margot Badran in Al-Ahram Weekly for success in preservation of Women's Prayer Space at the Grand Mosque, Makkah, Saudi Arabia – "Aishah Schwartz, founder-director of the Muslimah Writers Alliance in Washington, set up the Grand Mosque Equal Access for Women Project that circulated a petition protesting the restrictions [on women]. Very quickly over a thousand signatures Arab News feature on Mosque campaign, "It is an undeniable manifestation of

Islamic belief and teaching that we are to uphold what is right and abhor that which is inherently wrong. The fact that the signatures on MWA's Grand Mosque Equal Access for Women petition are, to date, representative of Muslim voices from 38 different countries and 28 states across North America, is demonstrative of the fact that the issue at hand must not be taken lightly."; Quoted in Associated Press NBC News article on the Makkah Grand Mosque campaign, [The plan has started causing ripples outside the kingdom. The Washington-based Muslimah Writers Alliance, an organization of Muslim women writers, is sponsoring an online petition drive against the study. “At no other time in history, either before or after the time of the Prophet Muhammad, have women been relegated to lesser advantageous positions within the (mosque),” Aishah Schwartz, the group’s director, said in a statement. “The proposed plan is no more acceptable today than it would have been when the teachings of Islam began to be delivered over 1,400 years ago,” she added.]; Reported and participated in March on Washington in support of justice for Gaza/Palestine and Lebanon; Supported National Hunger Awareness campaign; Published at The Muslim Link Newspaper – Washington-Metropolitan Area; Reported on kidnapping of American journalist Jill Carroll.

2005(4) – Spent a year living in Saudi Arabia; performed Hajj; Led a national campaign in association with America's Second Harvest, organized to rally the Muslim community in support of National Hunger Awareness in Washington, DC; Recognized by President and CEO of America's Second Harvest, Robert Forney, who stated, "We are honored to be aided in our National Hunger Awareness Day 2005 efforts by members of so many diverse faiths, including Ms. Schwartz."; Interview: Cii Broadcasting, SA – A global Islamic Radio Station (Part 1) (Part 2).

2004 – Speaker and organizer for protest at Embassy of France in Washington, D.C. dressed as the Statue of Liberty; Participated in the live filming of the hour-long premiere episode of the WETA-TV series "Senso Reports" – Target Washington, in Arlington, Virginia.

2003 – Speaker at The National Press Club in
Washington, DC in support of Muslim Voter Registration campaign; Quoted in CBS News article, "Muslims Get Out The Vote", "The more visible we are, the more we'll get those people out there, who are just sitting at home, the way I was – active. It's important for people to see us. It's important to vote, stand-up and speak. It'll help relieve some of the misperceptions the general public has of us."; Interviewed for Nile TV on voter registration campaign in Washington, DC.

2002 – Became Muslim on April 19, 2002, making her statement of faith (Shahada) in a Jummah prayer service at The World Bank in Washington, DC.

Activism Photo Albums:
63rd Nakba Commemoration, Rafah - May 15, 2011
American Activist, Aishah Schwartz Joins Pre-Nakba Celebrations
Candlelight Vigil in Remembrance of Vittorio Arrigoni (1975-2011)
25 Jan Revolution Groups Keep Unresolved Demands Alive
Pro-Palestinian Demonstrators Echo Call for Third Intifada May 15
Egyptians & Palestinians Protest Israeli Embassy, Cairo
RALLY: Recognition of National Transitional Council in Benghazi
Libya Solidarity Demonstration, Embassy of Libya, Cairo
Libyans Protest Outside Arab League Headquarters
Thousands Protest to 'Save the Revolution' in Cairo, Eqypt
American Activist, Aishah Schwartz Visits Tahrir Square in Cairo

Links:
Aishah Schwartz Biography (2002-2017)
Aishah Schwartz LinkedIn
Aishah Schwartz on YouTube
Aishah Schwartz on Twitter
Aishah Schwartz Facebook Profile
Aishah Schwartz Activist-Writer Facebook
Aishah Schwartz on Instagram
Aishah Schwartz About Islam Author Bio
Aishah Schwartz Author Bio at Medium
Aishah Schwartz on Twitter
Aishah Schwartz Muslims2Follow
Aishah Schwartz on Pinterest
Aishah Schwartz Personal Blog - Aishah's Journey
Muslimah Writers Alliance (MWA) Blog
Muslimah Writers Alliance (MWA) on Facebook
Muslimah Writers Alliance (MWA) Facebook Ramadan Blog
Muslimah Writers Alliance (MWA) Blog
MWA's NON-Islamophobic Muslim News (NIMNEWS)
Muslimah Writers Alliance (MWA) Press Room
Aishah Schwartz Bio at PRLog
Aishah Schwartz Activist-Writer Press Room
Biography: Women's Islamic Initiative in Spirituality and Equality (WISE)

Contact

Copyright © 2017 Aishah's Journey Blog
Permission is granted to circulate among private individuals and groups, to post on Internet sites and to publish in full text and subject title in not-for-profit publications. Contact author for all other rights, which are reserved.

Pantsuit Nation book: divisions and the audacity to hope

noreply@blogger.com (~Aishah Schwartz) — Thu, 22 Dec 2016 04:07:00 +0000

The pantsuit has become the Democratic candidate's unofficial symbol. David Maris/Univision

By Aishah Schwartz

It was Tuesday evening when I first became aware of the buzz surrounding Maine native Libby Chamberlain's announcement that she intends to publish a book based on the collaborative contributions of the nearly 4-million member strong secret Facebook group, Pantsuit Nation, founded by Chamberlain during the 2016 election campaign.

This morning I Googled Pantsuit Nation, clicked on the news tab, and was stunned to find how widespread backlash over the book announcement had spread overnight.

The listing of articles with inflammatory titles proclaimed: "Pantsuit Nation members revolt after operator cashes in with book deal" - "The [secret] Pantsuit Nation Facebook Group Is Being Turned Into a Book" - (As published) "DELETE YOUR ACCOUNT Pantsuit Nation Is the Worst: Why a Book of Uplifting Facebook Posts Won't Heal America" - "Pantsuit Nation Is A Sham" - "Revolt in Pantsuit Nation!"

I don't need to copy and paste quotes from articles that you can, and should, read for yourselves to be able to state that, clearly the divide that engulfed our nation throughout the election campaign — infecting even those who rallied together in support of one another — rages on.

Personally, I sincerely hope that Chamberlain will take the time to read these post-book-announcement articles too, and not just those supporting her endeavor.

If Chamberlain can push past the admitted pain and disappointment evoked by the onslaught of negative commentary, noting relevant points from the articles and taking sufficient time to evaluate the merits — both pro and con — perhaps we can hold onto the hope that the end product will ultimately serve the greater good.

We cannot give up — we cannot lose hope

I am an active member of the nearly 4 million strong PSN group myself. Like so many, I felt immense comfort in the massive companionship of like-minded women initially organized just three weeks before the election to celebrate the historic possibility of the nation’s first female president.

It was also especially heartwarming to hear Hillary Clinton personally thank PSN for its support on the night of the election: “For some of you, it’s been difficult to feel like you could wear your support on your sleeve — and that’s why this community has been such a special place.”

Post-election, however, the group was overwhelmed by despair and it became a source of solace through which members collectively consoled one another through what truly felt like the worst of times.

As I waded through my own healing process, my focus gravitated once again toward hope — hope that somehow a miracle might still transpire — only, now that the electoral college has voted, clearly the United States and world nations are doomed to the reality of a Drumph presidency — sorry; no, until now I cannot address this vile excuse of a human being in any other way.

However, continuing to push onward, I find myself inspired once again by the words of President Barack Obama:

"Hope in the face of difficulty, hope in the face of uncertainty, the audacity of hope: In the end, that is God's greatest gift to us, the bedrock of this nation, a belief in things not seen, a belief that there are better days ahead." –Barack Obama

On a personal level, I eagerly await private citizen Obama (and Michelle, of course), particularly after reading a Politico article in November written by Sarah Wheaton, that further inspired me into creating a Facebook group called the Private Citizen Obama Network, to rally my own modest social media circle in preparation for his promised continuation to be proactive in combating the profound ignorance of the incoming government's leadership.

"I've got all kinds of thoughts and ideas about it, but this isn't the best time to share them," Obama said. "Point is, I'm still fired up and I'm still ready to go."

And as Hillary reminded us in her November 9, 2016 concession speech: "This loss hurts, but please never stop believing that fighting for what’s right is worth it."

Will the Pantsuit Nation book inspire us to action?

A book commemorating the millions strong PSN collective will no doubt be something historically cherished by those participating in it; but let us continue to hope and pray, again, that Ms. Chamberlain, her collaborators and editors, take the book in a productive and proactive direction, as promised.

Chamberlain stated to PSN members on Wednesday that she is "unshakably committed…to contributing meaningfully to the legacy of Secretary Clinton's extraordinary career and historic campaign. We can do this, but we can only do it together."

"If you trust me, if you trust what I have created here and fostered, along with our 100+ volunteers, through thousands of hours of work and care and attention, then I ask you to trust me further. I will not let you down," she implored.

"I want you to remember this: Our campaign was never about one person or even one election. It was about the country we love." — Hillary Clinton November 9, 2016

PSN members are asked to email Chamberlain should they wish to be included in the upcoming book using the address, book[AT]pantsuitnation[DOT]org, with further instruction to include the permalink to the post they would be willing to share publicly.

And no; none of the material posted in the PSN secret group will be used in the book without the publisher having received written and signed authorization. This is information that has been repeated more than once for anyone who cares to actually read vs. react.

Ultimately, like the Drumph presidency — despite arguments for or against it — reports indicate that the PSN book will be published by May 2017.

Will the Pantsuit Nation inspired book unify its members in the pursuit of the continuation of all that Hillary Clinton worked for throughout her political career?

Let us hope for the best — rather than tear each other down.

Hillary Clinton − Politics − Pantsuit Nation − Barack Obama − Libby Chamberlain

Copyright © 2016 Aishah Schwartz
Permission is granted to circulate among private individuals and groups, to post on Internet sites and to publish in full text and subject title in not-for-profit publications. Contact author for all other rights, which are reserved.

URGENT: Standing Rock Tribal Chairman Requests Our Help

noreply@blogger.com (~Aishah Schwartz) — Sat, 26 Nov 2016 10:06:00 +0000

UPDATE: 25 NOV 16

BREAKING: Army Corps of Engineers shutting down DAPL protest camp due to concerns for public safety

"We ask that everyone who can appeal to President Obama and the Army Corps of Engineers to consider the future of our people and rescind all permits, and deny the easement to cross the Missouri River just north of our Reservation and straight through our treaty lands." -Standing Rock Tribal Chairman Dave Archambault II

Now the Standing Rock Chairman is asking for what I read between the lines what was going to happen.

But the problem is they are not following the paper trail; or the looming January 1 deadline.

http://www.kfyrtv.com/content/news/BREAKING-Army-Corps-of-Engineers-shutting-down-DAPL-protest-camp-due-to-concerns-for-public-safety-403060946.html

Sept 30th DAPL meeting with SRST
https://youtu.be/XARJFdyyfac

=====

Standing Rock #NoDAPL Supporters
URGENT ACTION REQUIRED!

On November 18 TIME published the following (http://time.com/4576045/north-dakota-access-pipeline-us-army): New U.S. Army Regulations May Further Delay the North Dakota Pipeline #NoDAPL | The Army Corps of Engineers plans to “revise its regulations” to ensure its consultations with sovereign tribes are “confirmed by the U.S. Constitution, treaties, statutes, executive orders, judicial decisions and presidential documents and policies.”

Sounds good, right? Read on...

The pending rulemaking would effectively prevent the Obama administration from making decisions on issuing permits, such as the one needed to complete the controversial Dakota Access crude pipeline, until he leaves office on Jan. 21, 2017.

The public will be able to comment on the proposal until Jan. 1, 2017.

As of now President Obama has stated that new routes are being considered (See:
http://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2016/11/02/500363689/obama-army-corps-examining-possible-rerouting-of-dakota-access-pipeline).

HOWEVER! If this regulation passes, President Obama his would be prevented from issuing new permits for any agreed upon alternate routing of the Dakota Access Pipeline leading it away from Native American sacred land and water supply, thereafter the DAPL decision would be in the hands of the nefarious Donald Trump, who is heavily invested in the project and cannot be depended upon to show an ounce of mercy.

Paul Ryan has also announced that any Executive Order issued by the President is now threatened to be overturned by as little as a single vote, making it all the more urgent for the President to find a solution for Standing Rock before January 1 when the comments close for the proposed new regulation; the passage of which would end all hope of Obama being able to help before his term ends on January 20.

Ryan also posted this video on FB "GOOD NEWS → We just passed a bill to block President Obama from issuing any new regulations in the final days of his presidency": https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1172106612837863&id=924244934290700

"We will work to overturn the Obama administration's barriers to American energy, and instead, we'll open up the Arctic and other offshore areas for development," Ryan stated in another FB post. https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1172620562786468&id=924244934290700

Is the timing of The Army Corps of Engineers proposed regulation merely a smokescreen orchestrated to put give Donald Trump the upperhand?

ACTION REQUIRED:
There are three courses of action we must take.

1. The proposed rule is open for comments until January 1, 2017. Currently the proposal is not yet appearing in the open proposed regulations folder and I could not find the alleged notice that was purported to have been on the website of the U.S. Office Information and Regulatory Affairs - however, we must be vigilant and bookmark this page to revisit daily to catch when it appears and we must comment, comment, comment!

The clock is ticking. We must begin to comment NOW! Contact the U.S. Office Information and Regulatory Affairs and the US Army Corps of Engineers to request the proposed regulation(s) details so comments may commence:

Contact Regulations DOT gov:
https://www.regulations.gov/contactUs

Contact the Army Corps of Engineers and request the identification and control numbers to find and comment on the proposed regulation:
http://www.usace.army.mil/Contact

Or call the Regulations.gov Help Desk at 1-877-378-5457 (toll free) or 703-412-3083 , Monday through Friday, from 9:00 AM until 5:00 PM, ET.

I have already submitted the following (unanswered).

REQUEST SUBMITTED 19 NOV 2016:
I request assistance in finding the identifying details for making comments related to the newly proposed regulation(s) regarding the Dakota Access Pipeline project as set out in the below article:
New U.S. Army Regulations May Further Delay the North Dakota Pipeline #NoDAPL | The Army Corps of Engineers plans to “revise its regulations” to ensure its consultations with sovereign tribes are “confirmed by the U.S. Constitution, treaties, statutes, executive orders, judicial decisions and presidential documents and policies.”
http://time.com/4576045/north-dakota-access-pipeline-us-army

Thank-you.

If and when I receive the details I will post an update. Once the details are received we can begin commenting. Until then this is where to track for additional updates:
https://www.regulations.gov/docketBrowser?

2. Contact President Obama to say #NoDAPL - the proposed new regulation has not yet been passed. Please continue to support and encourage President Obama's efforts.

▪ CONTACT President Obama:

▪ https://m.facebook.com/WhiteHouse
▪ https://www.whitehouse.gov/contact/write-or-call
▪ https://www.whitehouse.gov/contact
▪ https://www.whitehouse.gov/contact/chat

▪ Here is my letter:

Dear President Obama,

First of all, thank-you for the eight years you, Michelle and the girls have honored and graced us with your presence and service in the White House.

I was visiting the White House FB page and watching some of the videos posted this afternoon and sat here with tears in my eyes...it is beyond the scope of our collective imaginations to be able to even begin picturing the president-elect doing any of what you have done with the dignity and grace in which you have...

That said, President Obama, I implore you, please secure the situation at Standing Rock before you leave office; in as ironclad a way as legally possible.

We are all aware that the president-elect is heavily invested financially in the Dakota Access Pipeline, and will show no mercy if you don't make this a priority in the, sadly, short time you have left in office.

I have admired throughout your term the dedication you have shown in support of the Native American community and in working to ensure their rights are protected.

Please don't stop now.

Best regards now and always,

Aishah Schwartz
American Muslim
6th Congressional District
Colorado

VIDEO: "Inside the White House: Letters to the President" https://youtu.be/eG00mM8QEGk

See Also: November is Native American Heritage Month https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10154377907952284&id=510032283

PHOTO ALBUM: https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10154381022297284&id=510032283

OTHER NEWS:
Dakota Access Pipeline Co. Seeks Court Order to Complete Construction | The Corps, however, would not be able to confirm a certain date for construction to resume without first deciding on the final easement needed for Dakota Access to complete construction.

The Corps must first decide whether to grant Dakota Access a final easement to complete construction. Its statement on Monday puts that decision on hold for now.

"The Army has determined that additional discussion and analysis are warranted in light of the history of the Great Sioux Nation’s dispossessions of lands, the importance of Lake Oahe to the Tribe, our government-to-government relationship, and the statute governing easements through government property," the Corps’ statement said.
http://abcnews.go.com/US/dakota-access-pipeline-company-seeks-court-order-complete/story?id=43547495

Obama: Army Corps Examining Possible Rerouting Of Dakota Access Pipeline | "We're monitoring this closely and I think, as a general rule, my view is that there's a way for us to accommodate sacred lands of Native Americans," Obama said in an interview with the news organization Now This.

In a response to the president's statement, the chairman of the Standing Rock Sioux, Dave Archambault II, said, "We believe President Obama and his administration will do the right thing."
http://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2016/11/02/500363689/obama-army-corps-examining-possible-rerouting-of-dakota-access-pipeline

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has confirmed to DeSmog that Energy Transfer Partners, the owner of the proposed Dakota Access pipeline, has ignored the Obama administration's September 9 request to voluntarily halt construction in a disputed area, 20 miles east and west of Lake Oahe and the Missouri River.
http://www.commondreams.org/news/2016/11/05/dakota-access-pipeline-builder-ignored-obama-admin-request-halt-construction

Obama Administration Blocks Arctic Oil Drilling Through 2022 | Citing environmental risks, the Interior Department called the plan the “right path forward.” Onward now to #NoDAPL
http://m.huffpost.com/us/entry/us_582c9773e4b099512f803545?

President Obama Kept His Promises to Native Americans
http://washingtonmonthly.com/2016/09/28/president-obama-kept-his-promises-to-native-americans

President Obama and the Native American Community Press Articles
https://www.whitehouse.gov/nativeamericans/press

A Life Example of Surah At-Talaq 65:3

noreply@blogger.com (~Aishah Schwartz) — Tue, 01 Sep 2015 23:32:00 +0000

So why am I posting this? I'll tell you why.

وَيَرْزُقْهُ مِنْ حَيْثُ لَا يَحْتَسِبُ وَمَن يَتَوَكَّلْ عَلَى اللَّهِ فَهُوَ حَسْبُهُ إِنَّ اللَّهَ بَالِغُ أَمْرِهِ قَدْ جَعَلَ اللَّهُ لِكُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدْرًا {3

And He provides for him from (sources) he never could imagine. And if any one puts his trust in Allah, sufficient is (Allah) for him. For Allah will surely accomplish his purpose: verily, for all things has Allah appointed a due proportion.

---
All day I was planning to go outside as the weather had taken a change for the better (as in being about 10 degrees cooler than it has been in weeks), but one thing after another delayed me and it turned out by nightfall I was still at home. So, with the last 100Le I had, I sent the doorman to retrieve a few things for me from the market. Well, that took care of that 100Le. lol

Then what happened?

I was looking for something in a bag I had hanging in the bedroom, and, subhan'Allah...I found 150Le - that I didn't know/remember I had.

Allah Akbar.

VIDEO: Muslim Women Expressing Views and Clearing Some Misconceptions About #Niqab

noreply@blogger.com (~Aishah Schwartz) — Tue, 01 Sep 2015 23:18:00 +0000

I like this video because it helps people who are willing to hear with an open mind, the reasons why some Muslim women wear niqab.

Although I personally disagree that it is required vs. being optional, I also saw and felt with my own eyes, heart and mind, the very same things that the sisters speak of in this video about wearing it.

I wore niqab for one year in 2005, during the period when I lived in Saudi Arabia. And I will never forget the feeling of liberation I experienced in its protection from eyes boring through me by men so foolish as to break their necks for the sake of seeing any sign of the color of my skin, or even the green of my eyes (I wore the triple layer version with the eye screen; loved it!).

Wearing niqab in Saudi Arabia was empowering in that it gave me the option to say to those wishing to stare, "Nah, nah, nah, nah, nah, nah! You can't see me!" It was glorious. And I don't regret one minute of the time I spent wearing it. In fact, upon reentering the U.S. in 2006, it took me three months to be able to go outside again without it. Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala knows Best.

Islam teaches us that a smile is charity, so why should the reward for such a thing be restricted to men? And why would they be instructed to lower their gaze if everyone was walking around completely covered from head to toe, including faces? So, I have opted to share my smile.

RELATED
Even a Smile is Charity: A Life Example
By Aishah Schwartz for OnIslam.net

Muslim women expressing their views and clearing some misconceptions about #Niqab. Video by Campaign Islam.
Posted by Islam port on Sunday, April 26, 2015

Happy Birthday Habibty (Aishah Schwartz)

noreply@blogger.com (~Aishah Schwartz) — Sun, 18 Jan 2015 14:05:00 +0000

Post by Muslimah Writers Alliance - MWA.

Happy Birthday Aishah! Love, Janette

noreply@blogger.com (~Aishah Schwartz) — Sun, 18 Jan 2015 12:34:00 +0000

Post by Muslimah Writers Alliance - MWA.

Aishah Schwartz in Rouge Magazine - Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

noreply@blogger.com (~Aishah Schwartz) — Fri, 16 Jan 2015 00:00:00 +0000

MWA Director Aishah Schwartz Activist-Writer discovered an end of 2014 surprise publication in Rouge Magazine, based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Subhan'Allah, it was published on her deceased father's birthday, 22 December 2014. The photo was taken in Tahrir Square (Cairo, Egypt), while attending the 100th International Women's Day celebration, March 8, 2011. STORY LINK:http://www.rougemagz.com/2014/12/22/بعد-ثورتين-قامتا-على-أكتافهن-المصريات/

PHOTO LINK:

http://www.rougemagz.com/2014/12/22/بعد-ثورتين-قامتا-على-أكتافهن-المصريات/aishah-schwartz-cairo-egypt

Aishah Schwartz: Well-known Muslim women in Hijab

noreply@blogger.com (~Aishah Schwartz) — Wed, 17 Dec 2014 15:57:00 +0000

Muslimah Writers Alliance Director Aishah Schwartz declared a 2014 'Mighty Muslimah'

noreply@blogger.com (~Aishah Schwartz) — Thu, 13 Nov 2014 03:10:00 +0000

On Facebook

MUST WATCH VIDEO: We teach life Sir - Rafeef Ziadah, #Gaza - #Palestine

noreply@blogger.com (~Aishah Schwartz) — Tue, 05 Aug 2014 19:25:00 +0000

Reflections on Gaza and the DC Rally

noreply@blogger.com (~Aishah Schwartz) — Sun, 03 Aug 2014 07:39:00 +0000

By Aishah Schwartz
[Note: This post was updated after it was suggested to me in a comment that I had done nothing to contribute, and to clarify that the efforts of anyone supporting the wrongly oppressed Palestinian community is not in any way intended to be disparaged.]

By all accounts from the photos circulating throughout the internet on Saturday, August 2, it appeared that thousands turned out in front of the White House in Washington, D.C., to protest the 2014 Israeli massacre on the Gaza Strip. While the event played out live on social media, I cross-published numerous items shared via Twitter to my Facebook profile and page.

As the afternoon's event drew to a close, however, I made a few observations, one being that I wished the event organizers had been united with the rest of the world in using the hashtag #GazaUnderAttack - this was the primary (other than just #Gaza), hashtag used through-out the now 27-day massacre. For D.C. organizers to have singled themselves out, or in effect, excluded themselves by not following the lead of the rest of the world in using the #GazaUnderAttack hashtag, it was as if to say they were simply having their own better-late-than-never party; why should the world be united? #HeadDesk

Israel shrinks inhabitable territory by 40%

Failing to incorporate the #GazaUnderAttack hashtag essentially minimized the event's punch, so-to-speak, as far social media goes - and it should be well enough known by now that social media is not only the primary source of news in this day and age, but the fastest way to spread news, particularly via Twitter. Incidentally, for those unaware, Facebook also this past year, incorporated use of the hashtag as a search option.

Another observation about the August 2 event in D.C. is that, it struck me as somehow anti-climatic coming so far behind the rest of the world; even the rest of the nation!

Washington, D.C., home of the White House, didn't join the rest of the world in supporting the Palestinian people against the Israeli massacre until the same day that the Israeli's began to announce they were finally on the verge of pulling out; having fulfilled their stated mission to destroy the Hamas tunnel system, while extending the buffer zone by another three kilometers - virtually shrinking the inhabitable land mass of the Gaza Strip by 40%?!

How D.C. fell so far behind in the race against time is, sadly, unfathomable.

London had an absolutely smashing protest on July 19 (one of many), that demonstrated not only effectiveness in numbers, but, masha'Allah, gobsmacked the world with its photos highlighting (circa D.C. 2006 pictured below), the effectiveness of posters and signs. Not only did Londoners appear as a sea of people, they were a wall-to-wall mass of collective voice through the signs that almost each and every protester carried. London rocked the poster in 2014!

I scoured the net for photos out of D.C. on August 2 that even began to match what happened in London, praying for anything that could effectively wipe the egg off our faces in D.C. Finally, I found a slideshow of photos at POLITICO with a single shot by a fantastic photographer that saved the day. In fact, I created an image file depicting the D.C. and London demos together, merely to set out for the record, that D.C. had done its best to give them a run for their money; despite coming out of the gate in nearly last place!

It is clear that Londoner's stepped up to the plate to finance their protest, as evidenced by the sea of posters and signs that would otherwise not have materialized.

The economy isn't great anywhere in the world, and I don't think Londoners are faring much better than U.S. citizens financially, but, with a month's worth of incursion to prepare, and bus loads of protesters traveling across state borders to arrive for the August 2 demonstration, what went wrong in D.C. where posters were concerned? #ScratchesHead

National March on Washington 2006

To be clear; I am not disparaging the efforts of a single person who participated in the August 2 D.C. Rally. And kudos to the ever present A.N.S.W.E.R. Coalition, whose voice is visible from demonstration to demonstration across the nation whenever they converge for a worthy cause, but the last time I checked, A.N.S.W.E.R. is not representative of the Muslim voice. Where in the D.C. photos for the August 2 Rally do you see the Muslim voice? The "answer", no pun intended, is that it hasn't been visible since the National March on Washington in 2006; and for the record, I personally designed the posters used in that campaign.

National March on Washington 2006

So for anyone who wants to say it's 'easy to complain' when you didn't lift a finger of support, know this: I have been standing in solidarity with the Palestinian cause from 2006 through 2014, not only spending five years supporting it through my work in Washington, D.C., but also in front of the Israeli Embassy in Egypt, at the Rafah border, as a member of a convoy in 2009 (Arabic media), where I participated in a march with Palestinians in Gaza to the Erez border crossing in honor of the martyrs of Cast Iron Lead, and, further, returning again in 2012 to deliver supplies and medical equipment through the Rafah border, that we had no idea would be needed the very next day as the Israeli's launched Pillar of Cloud.

On a personal level, I was asked a few times why I had not published anything this past month regarding the 2014 massacre on Gaza, being that I am known as a writer in addition to being an activist.

Well, I decided to do something different, being that from 2006 through 2014 boots-on-the-ground activism has yet to achieve an end to the siege and embargo on Gaza, or change in U.S. foreign policy, among other things.

So while some may refer to it as "arm-chair activism", while keeping up with the pace of events via social media, sharing what I could in order to raise awareness, I would have spent whatever second of the day or night required of me, throughout Ramadan and Eid, making myself available to my valiantly brave sister and friend, Hanaa, in Gaza City, her family and a handful of others that I met along the way.

No, I didn't write any articles about the events of this past month, I chose, instead, to make a difference in the best way I felt was humanly possible - from the other side of the Rafah border here in Egypt - to offer whatever hope I could to the Palestinians in Gaza with whom I hold a personal relationship. In the end, I may not have written anything other than this post for public consumption, but between myself and Hanaa, there may very well be a book.

And I would not have changed a minute of the time spent with any of my friends in Gaza for anything other than - peace and reconciliation.

With Hanaa in Gaza November 2012

I, with countless others, spent all of Ramadan praying for the safety of my friends in Gaza - all Palestinians in Gaza - and, of course, the safety of oppressed people the world-over. By the grace of Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala, despite the fact that homes of my friends were in direct jeopardy not once, but twice when word arrived that nearby buildings had been targeted for destruction, Allah Akbar, they were spared. Not one from them had fallen in harm's way - unless, of course, you count the undeniable psychological trauma of fearing every waking minute for a solid month - for your life.

Reading from Hanaa, and other friends in Gaza, about how much my steadfast presence in their mobiles via SMS, Viber, WhatsApp and Facebook meant to them, touched my heart like nothing you could imagine - outside of being able to somehow lift them from their homes to sure safety.

In the early morning hours of August 3, Day 27, my friends in Gaza reported that it had been a somewhat quieter night than the seemingly endless nights previous; but before I could post this and finally sleep myself, I learned that the quiet had been broken and Gazans were awakening to the tragically familiar sound of rocket fire and booms.

There is still so much work ahead, and as of the time of this post, with 1,730 martyred and 9,100 injured; suffering that nothing but their steadfast faith in Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala will ease.

Once the final flashes of light in the night sky from rocket fire cease, insha'Allah the Palestinians will do what they've always done; rise again.

The future is still uncertain for the Gaza Strip and its inhabitants, so our continued duas and collective support remain essential.

I will close with an excerpt from one of my favorite hadith from Sahih Bukhari, Book 76, Number 509: "Whosoever shows enmity to someone devoted to Me, I shall be at war with him. My servant draws not near to Me with anything more loved by Me than the religious duties I have enjoined upon him, and My servant continues to draw near to Me with supererogatory works so that I shall love him. When I love him I am his hearing with which he hears, his seeing with which he sees, his hand with which he strikes and his foot with which he walks."
---
ADDITIONAL PHOTOS (click on any image to view larger size):

National March on Washington 2006

Wall at Erez Border Crossing, Gaza - Dec. 2009

Gaza Freedom March, Erez Border, Gaza Dec. 2009-Jan.10

Israeli Embassy, Cairo, Egypt April 2011

Rafah May 2011 - 63rd Nakba

63rd Nakba May 11, 2011 - Rafah Border, Egypt

Medical Convoy Team Member-Gaza Beach Nov. 2012

---

POSTSCRIPT:

One of the other things I did with Hanaa during Ramadan, was take her along with me on a journey through photography. Hanna wasn't able to leave her home in Ramadan to visit friends, share iftars, attend taraweeh prayers, nothing. Her world was no longer merely an open-air prison, her prison had become the family's home. They spent the days struggling to endure not only the endless booms from outside the windows of their home, the trembling floors and ceilings, but living on a schedule of sporadic blackout periods that sometimes lasted 12-hours or more. Water and groceries, scratch cards for mobiles and fuel for the family's generator to keep batteries charged and electricity running for short periods, became the routine of their days. Whereas, on an ordinary day there would be things like, water for a shower, jobs to go to, markets to visit, friends to see, and - being able to sleep through the night.

So, as a diversion, throughout July, I shared with Hanaa and her family, photo albums of Aishah's Journey through Ramadan and Eid 2014.

Happy Eid from Hanaa's Mom! <3

---

Eid Prayer at El Gouna Masjid, Egypt

https://aishahschwartzblog.wordpress.com/2014/07/28/aishahs-eid-prayer-at-el-gouna-masjid-egypt

Ramadan 2014 Hurghada's Masjid El Zard - Egypt

http://www.demotix.com/news/5331687/ramadan-2014-hurghadas-masjid-el-zard-egypt

Ramadan Taraweeh Prayers at Masjid El Gouna - Egypt

http://www.demotix.com/news/5283991/ramadan-day-18-taraweeh-prayers-masjid-el-gouna-egypt

Ramadan 2014: Masjid Shekh Abd Elmanem Riad - Hurghada, Egypt

http://www.demotix.com/news/5226571/ramadan-2014-masjid-shekh-abd-elmanem-riad-hurghada-egypt

Photojournalist Dedicates Taraweeh Prayers to Gaza at Masjid El Qatari - Hurghada, Egypt

http://www.demotix.com/news/5207608/photojournalist-dedicates-taraweeh-prayers-gaza-masjid-el-qatari

Ramadan 2014: Al Noor Masjid, Hurghada - Egypt

http://www.demotix.com/news/5175109/ramadan-2014-al-noor-masjid-hurghada-egypt

Traditional Ramadan Fanoos: alive and well in Hurghada - Egypt

http://www.demotix.com/news/5157256/traditional-ramadan-fanoos-alive-and-well-hurghada-egypt

Ramadan Suhoor at Costa Coffee - Hurghada, Egypt

http://www.demotix.com/news/5155315/ramadan-suhoor-costa-coffee-hurghada-egypt

Women's prayer spaces: El-Mina Masjid, Hurghada - Egypt

www.demotix.com/news/5138047/womens-prayer-spaces-el-mina-masjid-hurghada-egypt

Hurghada Gears up for Ramadan 2014 - Egypt

http://www.demotix.com/news/5129040/hurghada-gears-ramadan-2014-egypt

Happy Video Postscript by Aishah Schwartz

noreply@blogger.com (~Aishah Schwartz) — Wed, 14 May 2014 19:47:00 +0000

Part One
Happy Videos: More Than One Message?
An American Muslim's View

POSTSCRIPT:

With the onslaught of media attention focusing on the viral reproduction of the Pharrell Williams 'Happy' video has been trumped by the villainous kidnapping of roughly 300 young girls in Nigeria by a group erroneously associating themselves to anything related to the teachings of Islam.

The world has rightfully moved on, but beyond the scope of deadlines and word count limitations, I wanted to add a postscript to my previously published article for OnIslam.net, "Happy Videos: More Than One Message?"

Most of us know well that life has a way of packaging itself at times, in ways that appeal to our senses vs. our common sense, thus the saying, "beware of the wolf in sheep's clothes".

Follow the money trail

From the "Blurred Lines" Wiki Page: "Blurred Lines is a song recorded by American recording artist Robin Thicke for his 2013 album of the same name. The song features guest vocals from American rapper T.I. and American singer and producer Pharrell Williams; all three share writing credits on the song, while production was done by Pharrell." – Famous recording artists pooling their talents.

Pharrell Williams not only co-performed beside Robin Thicke in the infamous "Blurred Lines" video objectifying women and promoting a culture of rape, he also co-wrote and produced.

Translation: $$$.

UK Protests

Along came the UK backlash about the video's lyrics objectifying women and promoting a culture of rape, which was expressed loudly in the media; thank goodness someone was paying attention!

Furthermore, "Blurred Lines" is also now responsible for the infamously forgettable images of Miley Cyrus rubbing her protruded behind up against the groin of Robin Thicke, in a performance of the song broadcast live on TV and watched by millions; yes, including Muslims.

Translation: Translation: $$$.

Ellen DeGeneres

On November 21, 2013, eight months after the Blurred Lines release and subsequent backlash, the renown, openly homosexual ('married' to another woman), U.S. TV talk show host, Ellen Degeneres, welcomed Pharrell Williams as a guest to debut his new single, 'Happy'.

Ellen Degeneres is the same person who momentarily "broke" Twitter by sharing a selfie from the March 12, 2014 Oscars that wildly shattered a Twitter record with nearly 3.5 million retweets! (A record previously held by a photo of President Obama hugging his wife, with over 775,000 re-tweets; suffice it to say that shattered is an understatement.)

Suffice it to say, an appearance to promote your work on The Ellen Show is gold, the 'Happy' video subsequently goes viral and is wildly reproduced.

When Williams reappeared on The Ellen Show April 9, 2014, he, naturally, lavishly applauded the host for being the first to help promote 'Happy'.

One hand washes the other.

Everyone loves Williams, everyone loves Ellen, $$$ all-around; everyone's 'Happy'.

#GirlLove

In the same April 9 interview, leading up to the introduction of his new CD titled, GIRLS, Williams went to great lengths in expressing how much he loves and appreciates the female gender.

Translation: capping "Blurred Lines" damage control.

The mainstream music industry is about one thing and one thing only: Money ($$$); and whatever it takes to make it.

That is the wolf in sheep's clothing.

Again, to be clear, not only did Pharrell Williams sing Blurred Lines, he co-wrote the song's lyrics and produced the video for it.

There is nothing blurry about Williams' connection to Blurred Lines.

The Point?

Williams' back-tracking to produce a CD, allegedly glorifying his love and appreciation for the female gender, appears honorable on its face; but from the perspective of the mainstream music industry, it is pure marketing genius.

Translation: $$$.

No Blurred Lines

With the success gained for 'Happy' in his first appearance on The Ellen Show, the subsequent April 9 invitation to promote the new GIRLS CD was surely considered a landslide.

Bolstered by his expressed seemingly boundless appreciation to Ellen for her, you could almost hear the drum roll as Williams proceeded to declare his unabashed support (to Ellens' head-bobbing approval), of homosexual marriage.

One hand washes the other; with special thanks to members of the Muslim community at-large.

Is this the culture of happiness Muslims should be encouraging others to support?

The Muslim community is over 2 billion strong. We have to be smarter, wiser, and more inventive.

Muslims, from parents, teachers, and Imams, need to be more in tune with the youth, but not by sacrificing principles or attempting to redefine the teachings of our religion.

Woe to those claiming Islam as their faith while attempting to convince themselves or others, whether overtly or not, that what is prohibited becomes permissible simply because we live in the 21st century.

The road to happiness is a straight path; Muslims know this well.

To be tolerant and understanding regarding the homosexual community is one thing; sexual harassment of women, rape, and same sex marriage are another.

No blurred lines.

Copyright © 2014

Permission is granted to circulate among private individuals and groups, to post on Internet sites and to publish in full text and subject title in not-for-profit publications. Contact author for all other rights, which are reserved.

---

Aishah Schwartz, an American Muslim revert to Islam since April 2002, is founder and director of the 2006 established, internationally-based, Muslimah Writers Alliance (MWA), and a retired nearly 20-year career litigation legal assistant. Ms. Schwartz is also a published freelance non-fiction writer and photo journalist whose aim is to counter misconceptions regarding the Islamic faith and members of the Muslim community. As a woman traveling in the Middle East, Ms. Schwartz's role as a civil and human rights activist has focused on the rights of Muslim women and the plight of the Palestinian people affected by the Israeli imposed illegal embargo on Gaza. She has also been reporting on revolutions in the Middle East as a Demotix photojournalist since January 2011.

Happy Videos: More Than One Message? An American Muslim's View by Aishah Schwartz

noreply@blogger.com (~Aishah Schwartz) — Mon, 12 May 2014 19:36:00 +0000

I wouldn't be so adventurous as to even attempt to disparage the message of good cheer that the recent Happy dancing videos have generated, however, I do believe that it is incumbent upon the Muslim community to look before they leap.

As Muslims, and writers at OnIslam, we go to great lengths in defending and clarifying our religion and beliefs because it is a moral obligation upon us not only to give dawah (invite to Islam), but also to police our own selves.

Our Duty Towards One Another as Muslims

Commanding the proper and forbidding the improper (amr bi alma 'ruf wa nahi 'an almunkar) is one of the most important Islamic principles, stressed again and again in the Qur'an and Hadith.

Abu Sai’d, may Allah be pleased with him, narrated that the Prophet (SAW) said in a sermon: "Verily, fear of people should not stop a man from speaking out the truth he knows." Upon hearing this, Abu Sai’d wept and said: "By Allah, we have seen things (for which we should have spoken out the truth) but we were silenced by fear (of people)." Reported by Tirmidhi and Ibn Majah.

Noted Islamic scholar, Dr. Ahmad Shafaat wrote, "Commanding what is right and forbidding what is wrong provides a mechanism whereby the Muslim Ummah can fight off various social, moral and spiritual ills and maintain a healthy and dynamic life. For an individual, too, the practice of this principle provides both a source and an indication of spiritual and moral health. If we ignore this principle and in the face of wrong we do not react in any way, then this means that in a spiritual and moral sense we are dead. `Abd allah ibn Mas'ud was once asked, "Who are the living dead?" and he replied, "Those who never command something good and never forbid something bad".

Islam, through the Quran, hadith and sunnah, provides Muslims with guidelines to distinguish believers from non-believers. And this is why I felt compelled to address the issue of Muslim participation in producing covers of the Pharrell Williams 'Happy' video.

Wisdom in the Words, Look Before You Leap

According to the website "We Are Happy From", upwards of over 1,550 covers of the seemingly innocuous 'Happy' video have been tracked across 139 countries, including predominantly Muslim nations across the Middle East and North Africa – all climbing on the proverbial 'Happy' bandwagon.

Without a doubt the 'Happy' video event has taken its place in mainstream music history, but was it really necessary for Muslims to jump so quickly to participate with their own cover versions of the video?

Reading the comments to the initial videos published readily affirms that the question is not ill-conceived; in fact, viewer comments were neck-in-neck pro and con, as were the countless article headlines shared across social media platforms as the videos went viral – with one thing resounding loud and clear.

Was it the sound of happiness, or a Muslim Ummah divided, once again?

What I hope to convey here is that it is imperative for the Muslim community to tread with caution when appearing to join in the support, collaboration and propagation of projects produced by the mainstream music industry and it artists, whose beliefs, actions and public statements are oftentimes contradictory to the teachings of Islam.

That said, I don't believe anyone has necessarily misconstrued the intention behind the Happy video's purported message of sharing happiness, however, Muslims must look before they leap.

The 'Happy' Beat Goes Awry

It wasn't long after British Muslims produced their cover of the 'Happy' video before U.S. Muslims climbed on the proverbial bandwagon spreading quickly across the globe.

Salim Alchurbaji, who works at the U.S. Department of Commerce and was one of the participants in the American Muslim Happy video, expressed the hope that "people do not read too much into it."

The Independent reported that the point of the first Muslim cover of the 'Happy' video, produced in the U.K. by an anonymously led group known as The Honesty Policy, was simply to show that British Muslims are, "just as happy, eclectic, cosmopolitan, diverse, creative, fun and outgoing as anyone else."

"It's part of something that we as Muslims could find ourselves relating to: happiness. We, too, are happy people, and we promote a message of happiness," an Honesty Policy spokesperson stated.

The group, reported to be comprised of men and women from all Muslim branches, puts its "message before any identity".

Isn't that message in conflict with being Muslim in the first place?

Happy: More Than One Message?

No one, that I'm aware of, is refuting that there is a positive message in the propagation of happiness, but shouldn't Muslim community members at least examine the 'Happy' song's lyrics and a take a moment to scratch below the surface to see another message?

Pharrell Williams Happy Lyric excerpt:

Here come bad news talking this and that
Yeah, give me all you got, don't hold back
Yeah, well I should probably warn you I'll be just fine
Yeah, no offense to you don't waste your time
Here's why -
Because I'm happy

Is this the message of Islam; to heck with the rest of the world because you're happy?

The Islam I know does not propagate blatant selfishness and lack of regard for others.

Abu Hurayrah (ra) narrated that the Prophet (saw) said: "In order to be a Muslim wish for your fellow Muslims that which you wish for yourself." [Tirmidhi, Ibn Majah and Ahmad]

The song features guest vocals from American rapper T.I. and American singer and producer Pharrell Williams; all three share writing credits on the song, while adding producer to the list of credits attributed to Williams.

Were Muslim community members consciously aware that Pharrell Williams is the same recording artist singing alongside the now infamous Robin Thicke in the March 2013 video (also co-written and produced by Williams), 'Blurred Lines', banned by a reported 20 different universities in the U.K. based on allegations that it promoted a culture of rape and various other sexual overtones; including the appearance of naked women.

At the University of Exeter the song hasn’t been banned, but students voted for it to be condemned.

In a statement the Students’ Guild, said: "A song that implies a woman is ‘an animal’ and who ‘wants it’ because of the way she is dressed is not acceptable. The language within the lyrics and the images within the promotional video are utterly degrading to the female subject. Any song that expresses an author’s frustration at ‘being sick of blurred lines’ is beyond unacceptable."

Which Pharrell Williams should we believe? The one that sang those lyrics, or the one who claims his CD GIRL, is dedicated to and in support of girls?

Did the Muslim community consider that in April 2014 Pharrell Wiliams' publicly supported homosexual marriage in a recorded interview during his appearance on the Ellen DeGeneres show?

And finally, as a matter of copyright, for those who have not escaped the radar, each cover version of the Happy video uploaded to the internet is clearly marked by the artist's name, Pharrell Williams, directly associating unwitting Muslim community members to beliefs and practices contrary to the teachings of Islam.

In support of Muslim participation in the Happy Dance video propagation, Hoda Elshishtawy, from MPAC, told Al Arabiya News: "Often, the images of Muslims and Islam in the media are not very flattering."

I would contend that there are other ways to resolve the matter of how Muslims are perceived in the media.

There are over 2 billion Muslims worldwide. Don't you suppose if the Muslim community really wanted to present a clearer image of themselves in the media that they couldn't figure out a better way to do it if they really wanted to?

Homosexual Marriage and Islam

It is not for anyone to even consider that what the Quran defines as marriage, what is halal or haram, can be made right on a whim.

Homosexual marriage is totally prohibited in Islam as well as in all the divine religions. Islam teaches that believers should neither do the obscene acts nor in any way indulge in their propagation.

Allah says, "Those who love (to see) obscenity published broadcast among the Believers will have a grievous Penalty in this life and in the Hereafter: Allah knows, and you know not." (An-Nur: 19)

Same-sex marriages between two Muslim believers are "haram" (not permitted by Islam), according to a public statement from the Assembly of Islamic Researchers of Al-Azhar University of Cairo, Egypt, one of the leading cultural institutions in the Muslim world.

"Same-sex marriage is depicted as contrary to Islam and all religions," stated Assembly chairman, Sheikh Ahmad Altayab.

Dr. Muhammad M. Abu Laylah, professor of Islamic Studies and Comparative Religions at Al-Azhar University, stated for OnIslam.net that same sex marriage is, "against the ordinances of Allah and against the law of nature."

A report in the Telegraph set out the names of 537 British Muslim leaders reaffirming that the Islamic definition of marriage is contrary to homosexual marriage.

Ibrahim Ali, an independent member of Malaysia's parliament and leader of a rights group for the country's majority Malay Muslims, stated, "They can practice this in America if they want, since it's their right, but we are still very concerned, because whatever America practices, it often wants other countries to follow suit."

And although the Catholic Church teaches that homosexuality is not a sin, it does consider homosexual intercourse as sinful.

In another OnIslam.net article Tariq Ramadan is quoted as stating, "The moral condemnation of homosexuality remains the majority opinion of all religions, and Islam is no exception. It would be senseless to wish to deny the facts, to contradict the textual sources and to force believers to perform intellectual contortions so that they can prove they are in tune with the times."

Dr. Ibrahim B. Syed of the Islamic Research Foundation International, Inc. provides a well documented analysis of same sex marriage and marriage in Islam for further reading.

The bottom line is that Islam teaches that believers should neither do the obscene acts, nor in any way indulge in their propagation.

Principles

The BBC Asian Network held a vigorous debate asking whether the video was halal (an action that is permissible to engage in).

"The issue with this video is that it touches on a lot of deeply entrenched issues within the Muslim community," stated an unnamed Honesty Policy spokesman.

"Lots of people have an idea of Islam that you have to conform to prescribed rules to be a good Muslim, but to us, as young second and third generation British Muslims, that's not the case. We're thankful to have grown up in a British society with freedom of expression... And we're thankful that our faith gives us the room to be British and to be a Muslim. Some people don't see that. They don't see Islam as pluralistic [as we do]."

There is nothing wrong with being British – or of any other nationality for that matter – and being Muslim. However, there is a problem with the notion that simply being of the second and third generation of Muslim youth circumvents what is prescribed by Islam with regard to Muslim adab (conduct).

"… Truly, the most honored of you in God's sight is the greatest of you in piety (righteousness or virtue); God is All-Knowing, All-Aware." (Qur'an 49:13)

"We just want to give the normal person a voice again," a spokesman of the Muslim led Honesty Policy added in The Independent's interview.

How exactly are Muslims not normal, or happy for that matter?

Not only are Muslims as normal as anyone else, Allah (swt) makes it clear that the only criterion for superiority is piety and righteousness; virtues that only He can judge.

"Whosoever does good – whether male or female – and is a believer, will enter the Garden (of Paradise)." (Qur'an 40:39)

Regarding happiness, "I believe happiness and wellbeing is not about a short video that makes you feel good for a few minutes, but is more about a sustained way of life and then we are not just Happy British Muslims but real happy Muslims," stated Saiyyidah Zaidi, a Positive Psychologist and Business Coach based in London.

Zaidi added, "True happiness comes from contentment and reflection. It is not simply being grateful or forgiving or experiencing a moment of joy, it's a combination of these things and happiness and contentment based in a strong positive mindset create lasting and sustained happiness. And I believe that this is what God has given to us. It doesn’t matter what your situation is, your outlook will either make you grow as a result of it or suffer."

How can Muslims let people know they're happy? Easy enough: smile, it's even a charity!

"The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) never refused to see me from the time I became Muslim, and whenever he saw me he would smile at me…" Narrated by Jarir ibn Abdullah Al-Bajali (Ibn Majah, 159)

In Conclusion

As a result of its participation in the propagation of homosexual marriage and sexual objectification of women under the banner of Pharrell Williams' version of 'Happy', members of the Muslim community at-large have been blinded into lending their seal of approval with each new video published bearing the artist's name.

How could members of the Muslim community allow themselves to be duped into believing that their participation in producing covers of the 'Happy' video would change the perception of Muslims in mainstream media for more than a heart-beat when the end result, as evidenced by social media and video comments, in addition to scores of other articles, is simply this: Muslims continue to be divided.

"This worldly life has been made very charming and alluring for those who have adopted the way of disbelief." (Al-Baqarah 2:212.)

Copyright © 2014

Permission is granted to circulate among private individuals and groups, to post on Internet sites and to publish in full text and subject title in not-for-profit publications. Contact author for all other rights, which are reserved.

Originally published at OnIslam.net May 12, 2014. OnIslam.net went offline in December 2015.

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"Worry about YOURself!" as the little girl stated. ROTFL!!!

noreply@blogger.com (~Aishah Schwartz) — Wed, 05 Feb 2014 14:34:00 +0000

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