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NewGround: A Muslim-Jewish Partnership for Change is a joint endeavor between the Muslim Public Affairs Council (MPAC) and the Progressive Jewish Alliance (PJA) and brings members of both faith communities together for frank, substantive dialogue.
Facilitated conversations, explore issues at the personal, local, national and global levels. NewGround doesn’t shy away from discussing the tough topics such as, identity, gender, pluralism and Israel/Palestine. Dialogue sessions are based on the premise that honest communication forges meaningful relationships; from these grow camaraderie and genuine friendship. |
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n Memory of Walter J. Marks, Jr.
On April 13 2009, our city and our communities lost a giant champion of justice, Wally Marks (1931-2009). Wally and his wife Suzy Marks, were the seed and sustained funders of our joint program NewGround: A Muslim-Jewish Partnership for Change, which brings together Muslim and Jewish young professionals to hold frank and honest dialogue on issues related to identity, faith, gender, and Middle East peace.
When we created NewGround, it was a rare, risky, and exciting venture -- the kind that we know Wally took pride in. Wally settled for nothing short of boldness in addressing the issues he cared about most, particularly the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and its reverberations throughout the world. He and Suzy consistently wrestled with the work of peace, bridge-building, and conflict-resolution, often exchanging articles, films, and ideas.
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NewGround in the News...
April 2009
NewGround Fellows featured on National Public Radio- as part of the StoryCorp Project
find the podcast here
http://www.npr.org/rss/podcast/ podcast_detail.php?siteId=9157743
In Southern California<br/>Off-Ramp, Saturday, April 18th 2009, 12PM-1PM<br/>Morning Edition and All Things Considered, Wednesday, April 22nd 2009 |
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NewGround co-launches a Pilot Text Study Program
February 2009
The Center for Muslim-Jewish Engagement (CMJE) and NewGround: A Muslim-Jewish Partnership for Change has launched its pilot Text Study Program. The Text Study Program will use Islamic and Judaic religious texts to promote religious understanding, facilitate dialogue, and enhance participants’ knowledge of their own faith through context, comparison and discussion.
For more information, please visit: http://www.usc.edu/schools/college/crcc/engagement/ |
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Wally believed that great change and progress came from unexpected partnership and cooperation. It is his belief in change and partnership that has inspired the young Muslims and Jews who are transformed by NewGround every year. (Visit newgroundproject.org to read our fuller statement about Wally’s contributions to NewGround and our communities.)
We are filled with gratitude to have had the opportunity to work with such a dedicated and inspiring individual.
Signed,
Elissa Barrett
Executive Director, Progressive Jewish Alliance
Salam Al-Marayati
Executive Director, Muslim Public Affairs Council |
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