Sheriff Leroy Baca Attends YoungMALAC Iftar

Aug. 17, 2012 - PRLog -- Ramadan Celebrations continued this past Tuesday, as the Young Muslim American Leaders Advisory Council-YoungMALAC, hosted their first annual breaking of the fast, or Iftar. More than 60 people were in attendance, representing the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, Los Angeles Police Department, community and interfaith organizations. The Iftar was hosted at the Muslim Youth Symposium in America-MYSA, a community center located next to King Fahad Mosque.

YoungMALAC Chair, Hend Alhinnawi, opened the event by reciting various quotes from different religious books pertaining to community. There was also a moment of reflection to pay respect to the lives lost across the country in the multiple tragedies including the Sikh Temple shooting in Wisconsin, Colorado shooting, and the various Mosque threats and fires in Missouri and Chicago.  

Mr. Mohammad Khan, Senior Advisor to MYSA, made the call to prayer. As YoungMALAC Board member Tasneem Noor described to guests the meaning of Ramadan.  

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar; Muslims worldwide observe this as a month of fasting.  

Among the attendees, Sheriff Leroy Baca, Members of the MCA Unit Sergeant Mike Abdeen, Deputy Sherif Morsi, Deputies Wadie Musharbash and Hassan Itani.  As well as special council to the U.S. Attorney Bruce Riordan, key officials from LAPD, FBI, and members of various religious denominations.

NewGround's Executive Director, Rabbi Sarah Bassin expressed that: "Young MALAC embodies the important trend of Muslim young professionals taking prominent roles in civic engagement.”

Najeeba Syeed-Miller, Professor at Claremont School of Theology, stated:  "I am happy to know that YoungMALAC is playing an important role in building bridges between youth and law enforcement at a time when many other law enforcement agencies are struggling with how to effectively engage Muslim youth. I am excited because the program does not stereotype youth, it treats them as leaders and worthy members of society who have much to offer and looking forward to a great year of future programming.”

YoungMALAC empowers communities by bridging the gap between law enforcement and American Muslims focusing on community engagement, education and youth leadership programs.