Representing AMMWEC, Anila Ali co-hosted an international interfaith Ramadan iftar in collaboration with the Combat Anti-Semitism Movement (CAM). The event honored Dr. Judea Pearl (father of the late reporter Daniel Pearl) and Dr. Akbar S. Ahmad (Ibn Khaldun Chair of Islamic Studies at American University) for their collaboration to help advance Jewish-Muslim relations. Among the many honored presenters were Senator Jacky Rosen of Nevada, Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao, human rights icon Natan Sharansky, and peace advocate Maya Soetoro-Ng (Barack Obama’s sister).
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Representing AMWEC, Anila Ali co-led an interfaith Ramadan iftar along with Rabbi Gersh of Temple Bat Yahm. Muslims, Jews, Christians, Sikhs, Zoroastrians, Bahais, Hindus, and Buddhists all participated. The diverse group was joined by Congresswomen Judy Chu and Katie Porter, who saluted people of faith coming together to bridge ideological, political, and racial divides to promote peace and prosperity for all.
Anila Ali joined California Governor Gavin Newsom’s address to Faith Leaders as the Coronavirus epidemic surged. The event included a moment of prayer. During the event, Ali praised the Governor’s efforts to provide relief to the most vulnerable Californians. She also thanked first responders, healthcare professionals, federal and local government agencies, and police for reaching out to the Muslim community and risked their lives to provide frontline support.
Anila Ali organized AMWEC’s unique multifaith iftar hosted at a synagogue in Newport Beach. Muslims joined Jews, Christians, Sikhs, Zoroastrians, Bahais, Hindus, Buddhists and people who follow no particular religion at all to break bread and build bridges. Covered in The Los Angeles Times
Jack Pariser, a Holocaust survivor, visited Anila Ali’s classroom and told students his amazing story of survival. His family was saved by a Christian family.
Anila Ali helped organize AMWEC’s annual Women’s Day celebration. Speakers included Nisi Jacobs (founder of WomenFightAntiSemitism.org), Dr. Sadia Khan, Alexa Stone, and Leila Bedad.
Anila Ali joined colleagues from AMWEC on an Olive Tree Initiative multifaith mission to Jerusalem. The purpose of the trip was to help leaders better understand, negotiate and resolve conflict.
Ha’aretz (“U.S. Muslims Increasingly Harassed for Working With Jewish Groups, Activists Say”) features AMWEC’s interfaith work with Hillel chapters on college campuses. Anila Ali quoted about withstanding pressure from some to cut off dialogue: “Luckily I was working with a lot of Pakistani students who said ‘No, interfaith work cannot stop.’”
Anila Ali joined an interfaith leadership discussion hosted by Fox 11 Los Angeles on the State of Hate in 2018. Other panelists included Cal State San Bernardino hate-crime law professor Brian Levin, Rabbi Marvin Hier from the Wiesenthal Center, Pastor J. Edgar Boyd from LA’s First AME Church, and Adam Bouska and Jeff Parshley of the NoH8 campaign.
CalPak’s Fashion Soiree was held at Long Beach Marriott Hotel under the title: “Education Fights Extremism.” The fashion show showcased top designers such as Huma & Amir Adnan, Ali Xesshan, Sania Maskatiya, and Saadia Mirza. The funds raised were in support for CalPak’s ongoing education programs for underprivileged children in Pakistan.