Miss Kelly

Dr. Wafa Sultan Speaks in Stoughton, Thurs. Dec. 3

Dr. Wafa Sultan is a feisty woman and an inspiring speaker, and she's going to be at Ahavath Torah in Stoughton, MA this Thursday, December 3, 2009.  Address: Ahavath Torah Congregation,1179 Central Street, Stoughton, MA.  More details:

Wafa Sultan is a Syrian-born American psychiatrist who is not afraid to speak up against Islam.

She caused a firestorm in the Arab world for a series of interviews on Al-Ja zeera TV, in which she directly and bluntly challenged the Muslim world to act against the barbarous culture of hate and intolerance that has defined Islamic thinking for centuries.  

Cost is $15.  For more information, contact the synagogue office at (781) 344-8733 or via e-mail at [email protected].

More info on the spearker here.  There are a number of Youtube videos featuring Dr. Sultan, who's now an American citizen.  Here's Dr. Sultan speaking about the status of women under Islam on Al Hayat Arabic TV, April 4, 2008. And in this famous video, Dr. Sultan debates with an Islamic cleric on AL Jazeera in 2006.  Passionate, intelligent, brave woman!

Lectures/Concerts/Special Masses Coming Up!

There's a lot of great lectures, concerts and special masses coming up this Lenten season, take advantage of these!

Friday, March 20, 2009 -  "The Restoration of Gregorian Chant in the 20th Century," lecture by Sam Schmitt, Ph.D., Friday, 8pm to 9pm, Humanities Room at Thomas More College.  And while you're thinking about plain chant, enjoy this!

Sunday, March 22, 2009 - Seraphim Singers concert at the Mission Church in Boston,  1545 Tremont Street on Mission Hill, 4:00pm, with special guests,  The Boston Boy Choir.  I've heard both choirs and they are truly wonderful!   Jennifer Lester is conductor of the Seraphim Singers.  Selections include: BACH Jesu, Meine Freude, BRAHMS O Heiland Reis, GYGER Wie Schön, DISTLER Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme, and a commissioned work by SAWYER.   Suggested donation, $20.

Wednesday, March 25, 2009 - Sung Latin mass as the St. Francis Chapel at the Prudential mall (really), to celebrate the Solemnity of the Annunciation, 7 PM.  I'm sure it will be wonderful also.

Sunday, March 29, 2009 - 5th Annual GOSPEL BRUNCH at St. Clements Shrine in Boston (1105 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02215), featuring the Joyful Voices of Inspiration Gospel Choir.  Time is 12-2 PM, after the 11 AM mass. Tickets $20 for adults, $10 for children, fundraiser for the Oblates of the Virgin Mary Seminarian Scholarship Fund.

 

Gil Bailie - "Inspiring a Whole-Hearted Faith in a Half-Hearted World"

Noted Catholic layman, author and lecturer Gil Bailie is back in Cambirdge to continue the Emmaus Road Initiative lecture series at S. Peter's Church.

Monday, March 16, 7 to 9 PM; St. Peter's Church, 100 Concord Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02138. 

Lecture topic:  Why did it take the Resurrection to save us?

"Emmaus Road in Cambridge.   In a collaborative effort, St. Paul’s, St, Peter’s and St John the Evangelist join together to host a series of monthly workshops over the next year called The Emmaus Road Initiative, Inspiring a Wholehearted Faith in a Halfhearted Age."

"Drawing on the theological tradition for which Benedict XVI is today’s preeminent exponent as well as on René Girard’s extraordinary insights into the anthropological and cultural uniqueness of Christianity, the Emmaus Road Initiative is an effort to bring 'the truly most exciting part of Christian faith' to bear on the challenges facing the Christian vocation in our time."

If you can use some more inspiration during Lent and want to hear provocative, challenging ideas, come to Gil Bailie's lecture at St. Peter's tomorrow.  

Map & Directions - For more information: Jill Fallon: (781) 777-2067

"Diversity in the Muslim World: Between Pluralism & Division"

The American Islamic Congress is putting on a public lecture series in Boston on "Diversity in the Muslim World: Between Pluralism & Division."  The events start Monday, March 16 and go through March 29, events are free and open to the public.  Go here for details, press release here.  Some of the events sound fascinating.  From the AIC:

"Sponsored by the Boston Foundation, the series seeks to inform Bostonians - both Muslims and non-Muslims - about Muslim cultural diversity. The panels address distinct geographic regions of the Muslim world (Africa, Europe, Near East, South Asia, and Far East). Speakers and artistic performers include experts from Harvard, Tufts, Brown, and other local universities."

"We hope to shatter stereotypes about Muslim identity and offer a nuanced look at the Muslim world's complexity. Unusual communities spotlighted include Russian Tatars, Berber Shi'ites, Sufis who go on hajj to Senegal instead of Saudi Arabia, and Nigerian tribes featuring Muslims and Christians in the same nuclear family - plus a non-Muslim MIT professor who helped build a mosque in Cambodia."

The artists include Senegalese drummers a funk band, Pakistani and Bangladeshi poets, aPakistani singer,  a Turkish classical music ensemble, and a Tunisian oud player.  Pretty cool line-up of events. 

Geert Wilders Coming to Boston Next Week

Wow!  Geert Wilders is coming to Boston next week.  A must-see! Details from Solomonia:

Geert Wilders to speak at

Ahavath Torah Congregation
1179 Central St
Stoughton, MA 02072

February 25, 2009
6:30pm-7:30pm

Controversial Dutch lawmaker and filmmaker Geert Wilders, banned last week from setting foot on British soil, will appear at Ahavath Torah Congregation on February 25th, 2009 from 6:30-7:30pm.

Mr. Wilders, a current member of the Dutch Parliament, is currently facing prosecution in his homeland for his outspoken criticism of radical Islam. For anyone who is interested in discussing the defense of Western Civilization, freedom of speech and the free exchange of ideas and liberty, Mr. Wilders' case should provoke serious thought and attention.

Upcoming Lecture - "Inspiring a Whole-Hearted Faith in a Half-Hearted Age"

Noted Catholic layman, author and lecturer Gil Bailie is back to continue the Emmaus Road Initiative lecture series at S. Peter's Church in Cambridge, MA.

Date:  Monday, January 19, 7 to 9 PM.  Lecture topic:  Why did it take the Incarnation to save us?

"Emmaus Road in Cambridge.   In a collaborative effort, St. Paul’s, St, Peter’s and St John the Evangelist join together to host a series of monthly workshops over the next year called The Emmaus Road Initiative, Inspiring a Wholehearted Faith in a Halfhearted Age."

"Drawing on the theological tradition for which Benedict XVI is today’s preeminent exponent as well as on René Girard’s extraordinary insights into the anthropological and cultural uniqueness of Christianity, the Emmaus Road Initiative is an effort to bring 'the truly most exciting part of Christian faith' to bear on the challenges facing the Christian vocation in our time."

If you need some post-Christmas inspiration and want to hear provocative, challenging ideas, come to Gil Bailie's lecture at St. Peter's next Monday. 

"Inspiring a Wholehearted Faith in a Haflhearted Age"

FYI, great opportunity for Catholics to grow deeper in their faith. From my friend Jill of Estate Vaults/The Business of Life, an announcement of a lecture series held in Cambridge MA starting next Monday:

Emmaus Road in Cambridge.   In a collaborative effort, St. Paul’s, St, Peter’s and St John the Evangelist join together to host a series of monthly workshops over the next year called The Emmaus Road Initiative, Inspiring a Wholehearted Faith in a Halfhearted Age.
 

Drawing on the theological tradition for which Benedict XVI is today’s preeminent exponent as well as on René Girard’s extraordinary insights into the anthropological and cultural uniqueness of Christianity, the Emmaus Road Initiative is an effort to bring “the truly most exciting part of Christian faith” to bear on the challenges facing the Christian vocation in our time.

Lead by noted Catholic layman, author and lecturer Gil Bailie, the first workshop entitled The Present Time –  Beyond Optimism to Hope  begins Monday evening September 15 from 7 to 9 pm in DiGiovanni Hall, St. Paul’s Church, 29 Mt. Auburn St, Cambridge. 

The workshops are free.  The full schedule can be viewed at http://www.test-cornerstone.org/VENUES/Cambridge.html where you can also sign up for email reminders.

Ayn Rand Institute Lecture - May 6 - Pipes, Spencer, Brooks

Wowee, there's a lineup: Daniel Pipes, Robert Spencer and Yaron Brook.  The Lyndon Larouchies are sure to be out in force.  Pretty good singers they are, but we don't need their interruptions. Here's the scoop for tonight, Tuesday, May 6:

The Threat of Totalitarian Islam
A panel discussion at Harvard University

What: A panel discussion on the nature and threat of totalitarian Islam, followed by a Q&A

Who: Yaron Brook, executive director of the Ayn Rand Institute; Daniel Pipes, director of the Middle East Forum; and Robert Spencer, director of Jihad Watch

Where: Harvard University, Emerson Hall, Room 105, Cambridge, MA

When: Tuesday, May 6, 2008, at 7:30 pm

Admission is FREE and open to the public.

More info here.

Reminder: "Think-Different Women" Film Festival

Don't forget the ongoing "Think-Different Women" film festival happening this month.  This Wednesday, Le Cerf Volant is showing at Endicott College.  Mohammed Harba, curator of the Film Festival, will speak following the screening. Harba is a 27-year-old filmmaker from Iraq now living in Massachusetts. Details:

April 23, 2008 - 7:00p.m.
Le Cerf Volant (The Kite)
Endicott College - Wax Academic Center 120
(376 Hale Street, Beverly, MA)

"Lamia must cross a checkpoint between Lebanon and Israel to marry a man she has never met. But neither she nor her betrothed are eager to consummate a marriage to a stranger - a matter further complicated by Lamia's admission that she loves an Israeli Arab soldier at the checkpoint. This drama crosses boundaries and depicts a young woman straddling many worlds. Presented as part of The Global Lens 2008 Film Series."

Wait a minute.....there are Israeli Arab soldiers in the Israeli Army operating checkpoints?  Who knew? 

I wrote more about the film series earlier here. 

Harvard Hosts Different Kind of Forum on Feminism....

....with a varied panel of speakers indeed, including Camille Paglia (keynote speaker), Wendy Shalit, Jennifer Roeback Morse, Zainab Al-Suwaij, Christina Hoff Sommers, and many others - what gives?  At Harvard?!?!?T The official title is A Genuine Debate with a DIVERSITY of views on the Legacy and Future of Feminism.

The opening lecture is Thursday, April 10 at 8 PM, and there are several panel discussion on Friday, April 11, from 9 to 5. Looks great, and it's open to the public and free.  Check out the program here.

Panel discussions on Friday are held at the GCIS South Building, 173 Cambridge Street, Rooms S-020 and S-030, concourse level.

Reminder - Lecture and Film This Week

Don't forget about this lecture about Jihadists in Our Midst tomorrow night (you had to reserve a seat) and this film screening at BC about the Roxbury mosque on Thursday.

Upcoming Lecture - "Jihadists in our Midst"

What: Jihadists in our Midst: The Battle Against  Islamism in the US, Lecture by Reed D. Rubenstein, Esquire, attorney for Andrew Whitehead of Anti-CAIR.
When: Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Where: Ahavath Torah Congregation
1179 Central Street,
Stoughton, MA  02072
(convenient to Rte 128, Rte 24, Rte 27 and Rte 138)

Please come and join Reed Rubinstein, the attorney who defended Andrew  Whitehead in the defamation lawsuit suit filed against him by CAIR.  There is no charge to attend this important program.

Seating is limited, Please RSVP  to Seth Harlan at [email protected] or 202-638-2909 x 107. This lecture is sponsored by the Republican Coalition, New England chapter.

Film on Roxbury Mosque by BC Student -April 10

Heads up, this film by a Boston College student looks interesting too:

What: In Good Faith, the Building of a Mosque and a Community, documentary by Matt Porter, '09.
When: April 10, 2008, from 8 PM to 10 PM,
Where: Boston College, Higgins building, Room 300

This is a premiere showing, with Q&A.
Matt Porter's other films listed here (with trailers).

Lecture Monday - Pof Richard Landes on Al Durah Affair

What: Lecture by BU professor Richard Landes, The Muhammad al Durah Affair: Insight into Western Civilization's Malfunctions in the 21st Century
When: Monday, March 31, 2008, 7 PPM
Where:  Newton Public Library, 330 Homer Street, Newton MA

"People who followed Middle East news in 2000 cannot forget the image of Muhammad al Durah, allegedly gunned down by Israeli bullets at the very beginning of the Al Aqsa Intifada. One extreme claims that it reveals Israeli malevolence and culpability in the death of this child. If we hope to learn anything from this terrible event, it will come from examination. Professor Landes will put the evidence before you and the five possible scenarios with arguments for and against. "

"Richard Landes is a Professor of Medieval History at Boston University. He wrote his first book on a series of forgeries that had fooled historians for centuries. In addition to his medieval interests, Landes is currently focusing on millennial and apocalyptic movements, and is completing a book entitled Heaven on Earth: The Varieties of the Millennial Experience.  As part of this research he has been documenting the manipulation of the news media in the Middle East, which he has coined 'Pallywood'."

Lecture sponsored by the Boston Israel Action Committee, co-sponsored by The David Project

Darfur Forum Tonight: "Who Will Be My Sister's Keeper?"

FYI, an important forum tonight in Jamaica Plain:

Bearing Witness in Darfur: Who Will Be My Sister's Keeper?" with Pastor Gloria White Hammond.

Thursday, November 29th, 7:00pm

First Church in Jamaica Plain, Unitarian Universalist, Sanctuary
6 Eliot St. (Across from the Monument)

http://www.jamaicaplainforum.org

Since her first visit to southern Sudan in 2001, Rev. Gloria White-Hammond, co-pastor of Jamaica Plain's Bethel AME Church, knew that she wanted to stand in solidarity with the women of that country. She had served as a medical missionary during several trips to Botswana, Cote d Ivore, and South Africa, but it was on delegation of several other African-American ministers to Sudan that, Rev. White-Hammond participated in the liberation of over 6,700 enslaved women and children. Bearing witness to the untenable realities of slavery taking place in the 21st century changed her life forever.

Upon her return to Boston, she co-founded My Sister's Keeper, a humanitarian women's group that partners with women in Sudan and their efforts toward reconciliation and reconstruction of their communities. Since its inception in 2002, My Sister's Keeper has listen closely to the concerns and opinions of the Sudanese women. It has assisted in community-initiated economic development, healthcare and education projects in Gogrial County, Sudan. Furthermore, by mobilizing resources in the United States on their behalf, My Sister's Keeper works to lift up the plight of Sudanese women to the World.

This event will be in honor of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women (Nov. 25th), World AIDS Day (Dec. 1st), and Human Rights Day (Dec. 10).

You can donate to My Sister's Keeper here. Why not forego some of the Xmas present money to a wonderful cause such as this?

"He's a Cross Between Jean Kirkpatrick and Mel Brooks"

That's a description of Mark Steyn I heard at Wednesday evening's lecture at Temple Emmanuel in Newton Centre, Outsourcing the Future.  Spot on!  The lecture was sponsored by CAMERA, the Comittee for Accuracy in Middle East Reporting. Steyn had everybody laughing over and over again throughout his talk.  Without his famous acerbic wit, we might have been depressed at the trends and statistics that Steyn presented.   It was classic Steyn material, including the topics he covered so well in America Alone: demographic suicide of Europe; the vacuum of "humanist secularism";  the rise of radical Islam around the Globe; the weakness of American will and self-confidence.  Here are some of his talking points that I scribbled down:

• Steyn began by asking whether, back in 1947 when Pakistan was established, could people have anticipated what Pakistan has become today?  It's a failing state, its military has allowed the Taliban and other Islamic extremists to flourish and granted them sanctuary, it's being torn apart by radical extremists who are part of a pan-Islamic movement.  And it's a nuclear power. Not a good combination. Who would have predicted that in 1947?
• In 1970, the developed nations comprised 30% of the world's population, and Muslims comprised 15%.  By 2000, both were about 20% of the world's population.  Western nations are levelling off and some are declining in population, most are not replacing themselves. Western nations require immigration for their labor force, which for Europe has been largely from Muslim countries. Muslims, unlike Europeans, have robust fertility rates.  What will this mean for the future of the West and of the world?  Steyn pointed out, "There is no precedence for continued prosperity without human capital."

MEMRI and Dr. Wafa Sultan in Boston

I attended an excellent presentation at Temple Israel tonight, outside of Kenmore Square.  There were two speakers, founder and president Yigal Carmon, founder and president of the Middle East Media Research Institute (MEMRI), and Dr. Wafa Sultan.  Quite a few people have seen Dr. Sultan doing battle on Al Jazeera television against Dr. Ibrahim Al-Khouli, she was a fiery pip!  I couldn't miss the chance to see her in person.

MEMRI is known for their translation and dissemination of "Arab, Turkish, Urdu and Iranian media, texts and sermons."  They also highlight the lectures and interviews of Islamic reformers, who always seem to come out of the Middle East.   Carmon provided a number of video clips from Iran, incIuding Iran's president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad talking about art and beauty, asking "is there anything more beautiful than martyrdom?"  MEMRI provides an amazing service of making this information from the Middle East accessible to the rest of the world.  Visit their website often or get on their e-mailing list, they have new info all the time. There are actually a great many Muslim reformers around the world, and MEMRI is a good place to find them.  (So is METransparent.)

Dr. Sultan was inspiring, what a spunky woman!   She's a Syrian-born psychiatrist now living and practicing in Los Angeles. She came her when she was 32 with her husband and three children. Here are just a few quick notes I jotted down as she spoke:

Cool Lectures: Wafa Sultan, Mark Steyn, Frank Gaffney

1. A Muslim Voice for Reason in the Islamic World - Dr. Wafa Sultan

Tuesday, November 6th, 2007 - Temple Israel, 7-9 PM

Syrian-American psychiatrist Dr. Wafa Sultan has garnered worldwide fame and notoriety for her unflinchingly candid and incisive criticism of Islamist violence. Viewed as a dangerous heretic and infidel by many of her fellow Muslims, she has been lauded in the Western media as a beacon of courage, progress and rationality

A dessert reception will follow. There is no charge.  Please RSVP by Oct. 31 to Andrew Tyler at [email protected].  For more information, visit www.tisrael.org.

2. Mark Steyn - Outsourcing the Future: The West's World-Historical Gamble

Wednesday, Nov 7, 2007, 7pm, Temple Emmanuel,  386 Ward Street,
Newton Centre, MA.

Come listen to a compelling talk by popular author and columnist Mark Steyn
Please RSVP to 617-789-3672 or [email protected].  Early registration is recommended, suggested donation $10.

3. Islam vs Islamists: Voices from the Muslim Center - PBS Documentary

Thursday, November 8, 2007, West Newton Cinema, 1296 Washington Street, Newton, MA, 7 PM.
$8 in advance, $12 at the door.

"This documentary tells the story of courageous moderate Muslims in the United States, Western Europe, and Canada who are taking on adherents to the radical extremist ideology known as Islamism. What is happening to these moderates – how they are being ostracized, intimidated and, in some cases, threatened with death. The film offers critical insights into the dangers that both they and we are facing."

To purchase your tickets in advance, please send your check to:
The David Project - Attn: Nov. 8th Event - P.O.Box 52390 - Boston, MA 02205

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT TDP AT (617)428-0012
DAVIDPROJECT.ORG

Reports from Local Islamofascism Lectures

Here are three reports on local lectures given yesterday as part of Islamofascism Week:

• Solomonia attended the Daniel Pipes lecture at Tufts and wrote a good review of the event, lots of photos from it too. He reports that the crowd was generally well-behaved.   Pipes' low-key and dispassionate demeanor had something to do with that, I bet.  Lots of protestors handed out "Fight Hate" flyers.  Yes, my dears, that's the point of Islamofascism Week, to fight hate, hate against non-Muslims, women, and Muslims who aren't considered "real" Muslims by the fanatics.  "Fight Hate" is exactly the point. Hopefully, some students got it.

Don't Miss These!

Cool things coming to the Boston area:

1. The United States Marine Band, "The President's Own"

One of the world's greatest concert bands, "The President's Own," will perform at Gordon as part of their 2007 Northeast Tour.

Sunday, October 28, 3 p.m.
A. J. Gordon Memorial Chapel, Gordon College, Wenham MA.
Free admission, but preordered tickets required

2. A Muslim Voice for Reason in the Islamic World - Dr. Wafa Sultan

Tuesday, November 6th, 2007 - Temple Israel, 7-9 PM

Syrian-American psychiatrist Dr. Wafa Sultan has garnered worldwide fame and notoriety for her unflinchingly candid and incisive criticism of Islamist violence. Viewed as a dangerous heretic and infidel by many of her fellow Muslims, she has been lauded in the Western media as a beacon of courage, progress and rationality

A dessert reception will follow. There is no charge.  Please RSVP by Oct. 31 to Andrew Tyler at [email protected].  For more information, visit www.tisrael.org.

2. Islam vs Islamists: Voices from the Muslim Center - PBS Documentary

Thursday, November 8, 2007, West Newton Cinema, 1296 Washington Street, Newton, MA, 7 PM.
$8 in advance, $12 at the door.

"This documentary tells the story of courageous moderate Muslims in the United States, Western Europe, and Canada who are taking on adherents to the radical extremist ideology known as Islamism. What is happening to these moderates – how they are being ostracized, intimidated and, in some cases, threatened with death. The film offers critical insights into the dangers that both they and we are facing."

To purchase your tickets in advance, please send your check to:
The David Project - Attn: Nov. 8th Event - P.O.Box 52390 - Boston, MA 02205

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT TDP AT (617)428-0012
DAVIDPROJECT.ORG