By Allen Payton

Muslims, Jews, Catholics, including three Francisco Friars in monk robes, and other Christians joined together on Sunday, December 13th, at the Islamic Center of East Bay in Antioch, at an open house meeting and vigil, and to say prayers for the victims of the massacre in San Bernardino, earlier this month.

In an email invitation to Antioch Mayor Wade Harper and Council Members, Mohammad Chaudhry, President of the Center condemned the killings.

“The Muslims associated with the Islamic Center of East Bay, Antioch, Ca are holding an Open House Meeting and Vigil in the memory of the senseless killings of 14 innocent people, and the wounding of 27 at San Bernardino, Ca.,” he wrote. “They wholeheartedly condemn the massacre of these victims, and they share the grief and sorrow of the bereaved families. As a mark of solidarity with the departed souls, Islamic Center of East Bay, Antioch, Ca shall hold this Open House Meeting…at the Center. You are requested to join us in prayers for the deceased, and for peace in America, and everywhere.”

Signs across the front of the room had messages the Islamic Center members want the community to know.

“I love America as much as you do,” stated one of the signs. “Every inch a proud American,” stated another. “America stands for values not hatred and division,” stated yet another.

Several speakers shared their thoughts and perspectives on what impact the San Bernardino killings have had on Muslims in Antioch and East County, the fear it has caused and what can be done to build better understanding and relationships.

Hamza Sultan, a 16-year-old Muslim and student at Heritage High School in Brentwood, read a variety of prepared statements.

“We must empower the gun control movement in America,” he said.

Sultan also had some tough words for those of his faith committing acts of terrorism. “Islamic extremists cherry pick from the Qur’an to justify their actions,” he stated. “If they would complete the sentence they would know the sins they have committed.”

“The killing of one human being is like the killing of all humanity,” Sultan continued. “The saving the life of one human being is the saving of all humanity. If the San Bernardino shooters would have realized the privileges they had in this country they would have lived lives of peace.”

“Using our First Amendment rights can enlighten…about the truth of Islam,” he added.
Sultan also spoke of the true definition of jihad, which means struggle, and includes on the battlefield.

He also mentioned and finished by mentioning “purifying ourselves. There’s no better place to do that than in the United States of America.”

His mother, local pediatrician, Dr. Sobia Sultan, who works for Kaiser in Antioch, shared her experience and concerns.

“I moved to this area, 10 years ago when the medical center was built, serving as a pediatrician,” she said. “This is a beautiful place. We have to do more interfaith work.”

“Due to circumstances beyond our control there is a change in the atmosphere,” Dr. Sultan shared. “A feeling of fear coming into our community.

“You don’t need to be fearful of me. I’m your friendly, neighborhood doctor,” she said to laughter from the audience.

“I have built a lot of bonds in the local community,” Dr. Sultan continued. “I have seen this beautiful community spirit here.”

“ISIS, what have you, added on by the fear mongering politicians and the media,” is causing “peace loving, good meaning people are scared of Muslims.”

“Is there anything we can do to push back against the atmosphere of fear,” she asked. “Open your homes, your hearts? Invite them in to pray.”

Dr. Sultan had shared concerns about the fear and challenges she and her family have experienced.

“We’re not afraid of buffoons like Donald Trump, but the 57% of the silent majority,” she stated. “Muslims are also fearful. Everything negative on the TV is associated with Islam. I worry about my children, our future. I want them to live in the America I came to 20 years ago. I want them to believe in E Pluribus Unum – out of many, one.  My children are being marginalized. They sometimes are called terrorists. Also when they don’t participate in things that others do.”

Dr. Sultan finished on a positive note saying, she was happy “that we’re not alone that there are others who stand with us in this subject.”

Antioch resident, Tabarak Mughal, spoke briefly.

“We are all Americans and we should all support the values of this country,” he stated.

Antioch Council Member Monica Wilson, followed him and offered her thoughts and comments to those in attendance.

“Thank you so much for this beautiful ceremony,” she stated, then quoted one of the signs on the wall behind her in agreement. “Please do not judge me without knowing me.”

“Let’s hold onto the positive spirit, the positive programs,” Wilson continued. “How do we push back this wall of hate? This is the beginning. How do we spread it to the broader community?”
“I’m really encouraged by the positive energy, today,” she added. “Let’s not make this a one-time thing.”

Finally, Chaudhry shared his closing thoughts.

He spoke of the fire that burned the Center in 2007.

“Wherever we go we go with our identity,” he said. “If we are not safe, here we are not safe anywhere. You can turn your adversity into prosperity. This is a place, a house of God. Come.”

“Unless I visit a church and hear the things they say, am I going to learn of their faith? Chaudhry asked. “We don’t have to wait for something bad to happen. We have to be the people who take the initiative.”

He then spoke of the people who were killed in San Bernardino “at no fault of their own,” then referred to the 11,000 people who have been killed in the U.S. each year, in the 14 years since 9-11. “Forty-five got killed by Muslims,” Chaudhry stated.

“True faith is what unites people,” he continued. “All people of faith, they approach God in their own way. We are all human beings. How come we divide people?”

He spoke of “the wisdom of the Founding Fathers.”

“Now I understand why they made this a secular country,” Chaudhry added. “Everyone tries to monopolize God. But he is the God of all. His ways are strange.”

He then encouraged those in attendance to do something to help foster understanding.

“This is not our cause. It’s your cause, too,” he finished.

The speeches were followed by a time of prayers in an adjacent room of the Center.

The Center is located at 314 W. 19th Street and fronts on West 18th Street. For more information call (925) 756-1652.

The Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Campaign donations in the Antioch area are down by 40% compared to last year.  Traditionally, the kettle income makes up nearly 80% of the overall income generated for The Salvation Army of Antioch.

“I am very concerned about the early results of our kettle income and how this will impact the residents we’re trying to assist,” said Lt. Purnell Hall, Salvation Army Antioch Corps officer.   “In order for us to do all of our programs, we have to find ways to make up for this this shortfall.  We’re hoping that shoppers will remember their neighbors in need when they see a Salvation Army bell ringer in the community during the finals weeks before Christmas.”

Kettle gifts stay in the community where the money is donated and help the various programs The Salvation Army has year-round.  So far, more than 1,900 individuals have sought out assistance through the Army’s social service department, and more than 50 youngsters have participated in an after-school program or a summer day camp program.  This Christmas season, The Salvation Army of Antioch will also assist 300 families will with food and toys.

The Salvation Army will be accepting donations at any of the 15 local Red Kettle sites through December 24.  Donors can also give online at www.gosalarmy.org, via traditional mail at 620 E. Tregallas Rd., Antioch, CA, 94509 or call 1-800-SAL-ARMY.

On Wednesday, November 25th, 2015 members of Grace Bible Fellowship of Antioch came together to help underprivileged families of the community for Thanksgiving.

Organized by Carl Rhodes, Director of Project 66 and Pastor Kirkland Smith, volunteers presented 200 families with free turkeys and the fixings.

“Many of the families helped have fallen on hard times and really seemed to appreciate the help, as they try to get back on their feet,” Rhodes said.

Project 66 and Grace Bible Fellowship have partnered for the past 10 years and have had many donors. This year, as well Project 66 would like to express their appreciation for the individuals and businesses who donated. Those include Marco Rodriguez of East Bay Furniture Outlet, Ryan Stewart Heating and Air, Stephanie Tran of Bagel Street Café, Sonny of Togo’s Antioch, Kelly Max Haufe U.S., Mark Bright of Bright Wine Fund, Gordon Zagar of Zagar Consulting, Dr. Kevin Ackerman and Dr. Eric Towson of Ackerman & Towson Dentistry in Brentwood, and Safeway of Antioch.

 

You are invited to worship with us on November 25, 7:00 p.m., St. John’s Lutheran Church, 1360 E. Tregallas Rd., Antioch. All nations, every generations giving thanks together.

By Allen Payton

An email sent to parents of students at Holy Rosary Catholic School in Antioch from Principal Tim Hooke on Saturday, warned of a threat against the students in grafitti discovered in the boys bathroom, earlier that day. What was written and who was responsible was not shared by Hooke.

According to one parent, who wished to remain anonymous, stated via email “Someone found out the threat was to kill all the students at Holly [sic] Rosary School.”

The email received by parents read as follows:

Saturday, November 14, 2015

Dear Parents,

This morning, during the Parish CYO basketball games at the Holy Rosary Gym, threatening graffiti was discovered in the boy’s bathroom. The threat was taken seriously and the police were called. The Police Department was unable to identify any immediate and/or credible threat and is working with us to ensure the safety to our campus. They Police Department will provide extra attention to our campus this weekend, which will include a physical walk-through before the campus opens on Monday morning. The safety of all who enter our campus is of the utmost importance to us.

Thank you,

Tim Hooke

Principal

Calls to Hooke and the Antioch Police media line were not returned, as of publication time. However, according to a school staff member, the school was open, Monday morning.

8:00 P.M. UPDATE: Principal Hooke responded via phone call and email, Monday afternoon providing a statement from the Vicar General of the Oakland Diocese.

From the Office of the Vicar General

On Saturday Morning, graffiti was found in the boys restroom of the gymnasium at Holy Rosary School. The narrative stated a threat to the school campus. The Police Department was called and they investigated. The Principal, Mr. Tim Hooke was present and cooperated with the Police department. On Saturday, an email was sent out to the parent community informing them of the situation. Mr. Hooke met with the police department on Monday morning, to complete a thorough-walk through of the school buildings before school opened. All was found in order. The parents were updated via Constant Contact on Monday. Mr. Hooke collaborated with the Police and was in communication with the Department of Catholic Schools, Diocese of Oakland throughout the weekend. In keeping with the procedures and policies, the administration of Holy Rosary School throughout the weekend, took actions and communication to ensure the safety of all the students.

Very Reverend George Mockel

In addition, Hooke provided a copy of the email he sent to parents on Monday:

Monday, November 16, 2015

Dear Parents,

I want to update you on what has been done to ensure the safety of our students today. The Antioch Police Department had officers monitor the campus throughout the weekend. Monday morning at 5:30 am, I met with officers and did a thorough walk-through of the school buildings and school grounds. Everything appeared to be in order and so our normal Monday school day went on as planned as will the remainder of the week. I understand in light of the events in our country and the world that an incident like this can instill concern and fear. Let us join together to pray for peace, safety and ongoing respect for each other that our Faith calls us to.

Thank you for your patience and understanding as we work with the authorities in this matter. Please contact me if you have any questions.

Tim Hooke

Principal

In a phone message from Acting Sergeant Tom Fuhrmann of the Antioch Police Department, Monday at 4:00 p.m., he stated the graffiti was “of a bomb threat giving a date of Monday it would go off and there was also some other satanic type stuff written on the walls. A report was taken and the investigation is still ongoing. There’s no suspect at this time. The school was checked. There was nothing suspicious found.”

 

 

Psalm 100 is an interdenominational Christian choir that has been presenting musical dramas and worship concerts throughout the Delta and surrounding area, since 1978. The choir has been continuously under the direction of Stan Smith, retired instructor of music from Los Medanos College.

Psalm 100 is a non-profit organization, supported by members and friends who have graciously contributed to help cover the expenses incurred for materials and equipment. All presentations are offered free of charge.

Presentations are held in May and November each year. Please see above for this month’s schedule.

For information regarding membership or scheduling, please contact Theresa Hall 925.628.7089.