International court tells Israel to prevent genocide
Dear Saa Nasta readers,
This week we’re taking a look at the update on the Israel-Palestine conflict and how local leaders are responding to election efforts in the Biden re-election campaign. We’re also looking at how an association is raising awareness about the limited number of homes for Muslim children in Michigan.
The James Beard Award released its list of semifinalists - with names from Detroit, and one Bangladeshi candidate from New Jersey.
Also, on a personal note, hug your loved ones, stay safe, and be there for one another.
Sincerely,
Nargis
International Court of Justice tells Israel to provide aid, prevent genocide
South Africa brought forth charges of genocide against Israel to the International Court of Justice. Now the ICJ has ordered Israel to take measures to prevent genocide. Over 26,000 Palestinians have been killed in the Israel-Hamas war. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says the war will continue despite the ICJ ruling. The court told Israel to facilitate aid to Gaza and prevent more deaths.
Muslim and Christian Arab Americans decline to meet with Biden’s campaign manager over Israel-Hamas war
Arab American leaders refused to meet with the Biden administration’s campaign manager Julie Chávez Rodriguez today in Dearborn, Mich., as tensions remain high from the Israel-Palestine conflict, with more than 26,000 Palestinian lives lost. Dearborn Mayor Abdullah Hammoud says the meeting was ill-timed and the Arab American community wants a permanent ceasefire. On platform X he wrote, “Our immediate demand is crystal clear: the Biden Administration must call for a permanent ceasefire to a genocide it is defending and funding with our tax dollars.” Michigan State Representative Abraham Aiyash says the White House has not corresponded with him since the Oct. 7th attacks to understand the Arab American community’s concerns in the upcoming presidential election. Many leaders in the Muslim community have called voters to “Abandon Biden” over the concerns.
Here’s what you should know about Muslim youth in Michigan’s foster care system
There are approximately 10,000 kids in Michigan’s foster care system. About 200 are Muslim youth. However, there are only about 10 Muslim-parent households who are licensed foster care parents. Find out what the Muslim Foster Care Association is doing to raise awareness and increase those numbers.
Detroit restaurants named as semifinalists for James Beard awards
This week the James Beard Foundation Awards listed the semifinalist list. The foundation was made to, “recognize exceptional talent and achievement in the culinary arts, hospitality, media, and broader food system, as well as a demonstrated commitment to racial and gender equity, community, sustainability, and a culture where all can thrive,” according to its website.
The semifinalist list includes Detroit’s Hamissi Mamba and Nadia Nijimbere of the Burindian restaurant Baobab Fare for Outstanding Restaurateur and Dearborn’s Shatilla Bakery for Outstanding Bakery.
In New Jersey, Korai Kitchen’s Nur-E Gulshan Rahman was nominated for Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic. Korai Kitchen is a staple that serves homemade Bangladeshi food by a mother-daughter duo.
The restaurant was also featured on the HBO show, “Take Out With Lisa Ling,” which debuted last year.
Winners will be announced in April.