22 September 2024
The Race and Culture unit at CBS released a documentary on NewGround last Sunday called “Finding Common Ground.” It is available to watch on CBS’s website, Paramount+, and YouTube. We hope this coverage will allow people across the country, and in our community, see and feel things they haven’t heard expressed elsewhere, finding some solace, and maybe even some inspiration.
You can watch the documentary here.
07 October 2024
Marium Mohiuddin and Eli Ungar-Sargon were interviewed by KCAL CBS, in which they model the way that NewGround has helped them practice compassion for each other.
Watch the full interview here.
07 October 2024
We know that if we cannot find a way to see one another’s people as human beings, the violence will never come to an end. In an essay published today in Zócalo Public Square, Aziza and Andrea reflect on a year of grief, and call on all of us to honor the sacredness of each human life, and we would like to share it with you. We hope you will take a deep breath, and keep reading.
07 October 2024
Ben Ginsburg and Tasneem Noor spoke with The California Report on KQED about the challenging conversations that Muslims and Jews have held this year. Listen to the podcast here.
19 June 2024
Student journalist Zain Khan attended our interfaith iftar back in March, and his article on his experience and our work over the past few months was published last week.
You can read the full article here.
16 June 2024
We were featured in the New York Times for your work on bridging divides. Read the full article here.
06 June 2024
As reported in World Religion News, NewGround executive director Aziza Hasan was one of several panelists at a discussion following the Interfaith Solidarity March in Los Angeles, organized and produced by the Institute for Religious Tolerance, Peace and Justice (IRTPJ).
You can read the full article here.
14 May 2024
Spectrum News journalist Zarina Khairzada profiled our programs director Tasneem Noor and associate director Andrea Hodos on the work they’ve done this year to reinvent our fellowship program to directly approach conversations on Israel Palestine, anti-Jewish and anti-Muslim bias, and the crisis in Gaza.
You can watch the video feature here.
10 May 2024
LA Times reporter Thomas Curwen interviewed several local Jewish leaders for their perspectives on the campus protests, including Rabbi Sharon Brous, Professor David Myers, and our associate director Andrea Hodos. Andrea pointed out that when we look at antisemitism separately from Islamophobia, rather than as connected phenomena, we make both our communities less safe.
You can read the full article here.
24 April 2024
Our recent Trailblazer honoree Zohreen Shah wrote about various iftar meals she attended throughout Los Angeles this year, including one hosted by NewGround board member Adam Fakhri. She wrote of her experience: “We went around the table, Muslims and Jews together sharing emotional stories about people of both cultures who had affected their lives. There was zero judgment – only kindness and understanding among strangers, and respect that everyone wanted the same thing.”
You can read the full article here.
16 April 2024
NewGround staff member Ben Ginsburg spoke on the podcast “Commentaries from the Edge” with host Keren Goldberg about NewGround’s work over time, and how we’ve shifted our programming to meet this moment. You can listen to the conversation on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.
23 February 2024
Our executive director Aziza Hasan was interviewed for an excellent story in Moment Magazine covering the history of Muslim-Jewish relations in the US and how those relationships have been strained in the past few months. The piece by Tom Gjelten is able to hold multiple perspectives at once, and treats them all with compassion and honesty. We strongly encourage you to read it and share it widely.
You can read the full article here.
27 December 2023
We were privileged to sit down with Liz Kreutz of NBC News for a conversation on the war in Gaza and Israel, as well as how our communities are struggling to talk about it. Our panelists were Aziza Hasan, Andrea Hodos, Sumaya Abubaker, and Rabbi Tova Leibovic-Douglas. We know you want NewGround to be more visible and vocal in creating space for hard conversations and transformative conflict. Moving forward, we are committed to modeling hard conversations in private AND in public.
You can watch the conversation here.
3 December 2023
Our associate director Andrea Hodos was quoted in this piece for the Associated Press, which highlighted our friends at the Sisterhood of Salaam Shalom.
You can read the full article here.
8 November 2023
Amir Abdullah and Shaina Curtis profiled for Christian Science Monitor
NewGround board member Amir Abdullah and his wife Shaina Curtis were one of many Muslim-Jewish couples interviewed for a beautiful piece in the Christian Science Monitor, published today.
You can read the full article here.
2 November 2023
Voice of America covers
UCLA Vigil for Peace
On Nov 1, Prof. David Myers convened a Vigil for Peace at UCLA. NewGround staff and several alumni were in attendance, and Aziza was briefly interviewed by Voice of America.
Check out the full story here.
27 October 2023
Aziza profiled in the Forward
Aziza’s recent work convening religious leaders in the LA area was featured last week in The Forward in an article by Louis Keene.
You can read the full article here.
25 October 2023
Tasneem & Shachar interviewed
for Greater LA on KCRW
Programs director Tasneem Noor and former MAJIC facilitator Shachar Cohen-Hodos spoke with Steve Chiotakis of KCRW to talk about concrete strategies for having empathetic and challenging conversations about the current crisis in Israel and Gaza.
You can listen to the full podcast here.
21 October 2023
Aziza & Andrea featured
in the New York Times
Kurt Streeter of the New York Times wrote an in-depth profile of Aziza Hasan & Andrea Hodos, their friendship, and how that friendship has been tested in the recent crisis in Gaza and Israel.
You can read the full article here.
22 October 2023
Andrea & Tasneem Interviewed
for PBS News weekend
Our fellowship facilitators, Andrea Hodos & Tasneem Noor, were interviewed for a story on PBS News Weekend about how Muslim and Jewish faith groups are coming together.
You can watch the full story here.
18 October 2023
Ben Ginsburg speaks with LPM
NewGround communications and operations coordinator Ben Ginsburg was interviewed for a story from Louisville Public Media about the importance of engaging our empathy and our resilience as we grapple with the news in Israel Palestine.
You can read the full article here.
15 October 2023
NewGround and the Sisterhood of Salaam Shalom on "All Things Considered"
NPR’s “All Things Considered” featured an extended conversation with our executive director Aziza Hasan and Alyson Freedman from the Sisterhood of Salaam Shalom on how each of our organizations are talking about the crisis in Gaza and Israel.
Click here to listen to the full conversation with Aziza and Aly.
14 October 2023
aziza Hasan speaks to the la times
You can read Aziza’s comments here, along with those of many other Jewish and Palestinian leaders in LA.
12 October 2023
NewGround on "All things considered"
Our executive director Aziza Hasan and associate director Andrea Hodos spoke with NPR’s “All Things Considered” as part of a story on “How the Muslim-Jewish interfaith movement is navigating” the current crisis in Israel and Gaza.
You can listen to the full story here.
1 June 2021
NewGround on the Radio
In the midst of recent spikes in tension and violence, our own Aziza Hasan and Ben Ginsburg visited our local NPR and KPCC stations to highlight the challenges being faced by our community during this time. “Right now, I’m in a world of pain,” Aziza said on NPR’s Morning Edition, “[a]nd it’s people reaching out to me, and me reaching out to people, that helps us figure out what we can do together.”
You can listen to Aziza’s NPR interview here, and Ben’s KPCC AirTalk segment here.
May 20, 2021
NewGround speaks to the Forward
NewGround staff spoke recently with The Forward about the challenges we’ve experienced as we connect with our community and grapple with what to say in public. As our own Ben Ginsburg told The Forward, there is difficulty in the fact that “there’s no distance yet. The pain is very real and very raw.”
It’s “the personal touch of pulling people back in” that’s important, Aziza Hasan notes. “Our policy is to pick up the phone if we know the person will engage one on one.’”
14 May 2021
AP Coverage: "Interfaith Efforts Strained by Israel-Palestine Violence"
Our Executive Director, Aziza Hasan, and Assistant Director, Andrea Hodos, spoke to the Associated Press this past week about the ongoing violence taking place in Israel-Palestine. “We do not know the immediate path through this,” Aziza says, “but we are certain that until we humanize one another, there won’t be a path at all.”
Read the newly published article on the Associate Press site now.
15 May 2020
Our Iftar and Our family in the News
Two weeks ago, NewGround held its first ever virtual Community Iftar, streamed on Facebook Live. Among those of you who tuned in were our friends at the Los Angeles Times, Voice of America, the Forward, and ABC News, who have recently released coverage of the evening for all to enjoy. Read, watch, share, and soak in the familiar faces!
1 April 2020
Community Leaders share reflections on passover during a pandemic
NewGround associate director Andrea Hodos, alongside fellow community leaders, was invited to reflect on how the themes of Passover shed light on this time:
“We are in a long night now. Like the Israelites, we must accustom our eyes and hearts to the dark, turn to the slivers of light to help us remain resilient, responsive and ready to move forward.”
The article was compiled by NewGround friend Esther Kustanowitz. Read it, and the rest of Andrea’s thoughts, on the Jewish Journal.
13 February 2020
Transcendients at the japanese american national museum: community celebration annoucement
Taiji Terasaki comes to Los Angeles! His Transcendients: Heroes at Borders is a chance to learn about, reflect on, and celebrate heroes in L.A. and within their own lives. This exhibit is on display at the Japanese American National Museum, and includes our own Aziza, alongside advisory board member Rabbi Susan Goldberg. There will be a free-attendance Community Celebration of the exhibit’s heroes on March 7, 2020. Learn more from Broadway World‘s coverage of the exhibit as well as the Facebook event page itself.
10 October 2019
"The FIght to Vote" and Voter SUPPRESSION
Brave New Films’s Suppression: The Right to Vote premiered on October 3rd at L.A.’s First AME Church. Supplementing the premiere was a panel discussion on voter suppression in the U.S. The panel included NewGround‘s Aziza Hasan, Laura Herrera, of the Los Angeles County Clerk’s office, David Hernandez of Churches in Action, and First AME’s own Pastor J. Edgar Boyd. Learn more from the L.A. Sentinel’s coverage of the event.
3 July 2019
Reclaiming and Preserving Sacred Space
On the evening of the 25th of June, Temple Beth Am welcomed floods of visitors from across Los Angeles’s many communities and faith groups. They came to listen to a panel hosted by the Pacifica Institute, sentimentally titled “Reclaiming Sacred Space.” Our Executive Director, Aziza Hasan, spoke on the panel, alongside the Pacifica Institute‘s Atilla Kahveci and NewGround Advisory Board member Susan Goldberg.
Read the Jewish Journal‘s coverage of the event here.
28 May 2019
Los Angeles Holds 4th Annual Day of Pluralism Celebration
Our City of Angels is indicative of how a super-diverse population can actively work toward pluralism by improving communication, with one another, stressing interdependence, and creating communities out of society. This year, we celebrated the City’s 4th Annual Pluralism Day. Read about it, and NewGround’s role, on The Ismaili.
7 May 2019
Muslims, Jews, and Mental Health Today
Each year, NewGround‘s Change-makers pursue a project aimed at addressing a particular issue within our communities. This year, our fellows directed their attention toward mental health and its relationship to anti-Muslim sentiment, antisemitism, and community. Read Blavity‘s coverage of this project here.
9 April 2019
Study finds that Muslims and Jews are close allies
A new study released last week has provided data to support what we at NewGround already know: that Muslims and Jews, particularly in the United States, are “natural allies”. Furthermore, the study finds that more than half of Jewish Americans have a positive opinion of Muslims, which transcends the findings from any other non-Muslim faith group. NewGround‘s Aziza Hasan tells The Huffington Post:
“Through the grief and the pain of this past year, one continual source of inspiration and strength has been the way our communities continue to show up for each other.”
21 March 2019
Muslims and Jews Come Together in Wake of Christchurch Attacks
In the wake of the attacks in Christchurch, New Zealand, in which a white supremacist shot 100 people across two mosques in the area and killing half, American Muslims found themselves the recipients of compassion from their Jewish friends and colleagues.
At the Islamic Center of Southern California, nearly 100 people gathered for a press release during which community members came together in solidarity.
NewGround‘s love and support is with those affected by the attacks.
9 March 2019
Time for open dialogue about the "Omar furor"
Recent comments from Junior Congresswoman Omar have been followed closely by speculations about, debates around, defenses of, and criticisms of these comments. Everybody is talking, but it doesn’t seem as though they are talking with each other – at least as much as they should. Aziza Hasan weighs in with comments featured in The Huffington Post, WRAL, The Independent, and Cecil Daily, among other outlets.
7 March 2019
Aziza Hasan talks dialogue with the Atlantic
NewGround executive director Aziza Hasan recently spoke with The Atlantic‘s Emma Green about partisanship, dialogue, and our inclinations toward and against giving one another the benefit of the doubt. You can read the full article, titled “The Fight over Ilhan Omar is a Fight over the Democratic Party” by following the link.
1 March 2019
Rabbi Firestone to give Scholar-in-Residence Lecture at Temple Har Shalom
After the horrific events at Tree of Life Synagogue last Fall, the Park City Muslim community raised over $240,000 for the victim’s families. One Temple in the area – Temple Har Shalom – seeks to address this.
Long-time NewGround friend and 2019 NewGround Trailblazer Rabbi Reuven Firestone, who holds the Regenstein Chair in Medieval Judaism and Islamic Studies at Hebrew Union College, is slated to give the Temple’s annual scholar-in-residence lecture this year. He aims to focus his talk on Islam and democracy.
A recent Park Record article reads: “Firestone, who has authored more than 10 books on Muslim and Jewish relations, was recently named as a New[G]round honoree for his work in Muslim-Jewish relations. New[G]round, a nonprofit, works to replace suspicions surrounding Muslims and Jews with trust and partnership, according to its mission statement.”
31 December 2018
PBS NewsHour: Broadcast feature on Halim Dhanidina Released
On December 30, 2018, PBS NewsHour aired special correspondent David Tereshchuk’s feature on Los Angeles Justice and NewGround board member Halim Dhanidina. Composed in part by David’s interview with Halim, and in other part by footage from NewGround’s recent Spotlight Storytelling event, the feature addresses the mixed responses that come with being the highest-ranking Muslim judge in the current United States, as well as the importance of diversity, interfaith work, and social understanding between Los Angeles communities.
You can also watch the whole feature, with full transcripts provided, on the PBS NewsHour website. NewGround is proud to be supported by board members who consistently seek to better our city of Los Angeles.
18 December 2018
PBS NewsHouR: A "Spotlight" on NewGround's Halim Dhanidina
NewGround board member Halim Dhanidina grew up in Southern California, attending Pomona College and UCLA, where, years later, he would become the state’s first ever Muslim judge. Just this year, he was appointed to the state Court of Appeal, making him the assumed highest-ranking judge in the country.
PBS NewsHour Weekend reunited with Judge Dhanidina this Fall at NewGround’s Spotlight Storytelling event to talk sectarian rhetoric and pluralism. You can access the full article here.
21 November 2018
"NewGround Shares Muslim & Jewish Stories"
This year, our Spotlight Storytelling event tackled themes of risk.
Written by NewGround alum and Jewish Journal staff writer Ryan Torok, this piece is perfect for those who were unable to join us this year for our annual Spotlight storytelling event, held at the IMAN Cultural Center in West L.A. Read about the tales shared by our storytellers, which range from transitioning between Buenos Aires and the United States, to disagreements over LGBTQ+ identity in Israel and the Middle East.
25 October 2018
Unconcerned about Voting? let's have a talk.
In her latest op-ed for the Sacramento Bee, Aziza recalls the foundational practices upon which NewGround was constructed with the full knowledge that their catalysts can still be readily seen today around the issue of voter engagement.
“We wanted to persuade people to do something out of the ordinary, something that felt awkward – even frightening. Our whole process was based on the willingness to wrestle with discomfort. How could we make them believe there was value in that?”
The answer to this question was direct conversation. Each and every concerned individual had to have their concerns and frustrations addressed “head-on,” for as Aziza puts it, “there is no substitute for one-on-one conversation.” You can read the full article here, and you can find Aziza’s contributions to the Bee‘s Influencer series here.
23 October 2018
NEWGROUND'S busy week
Aziza Hasan, our Executive Director, has been busy these past few weeks representing NewGround as a key partner in creating change in Los Angeles. On October 12th, Aziza attended Mayor Eric Garcetti‘s Second Annual State of Women & Girls Address this morning.
Additionally, on October 10th, Aziza gave an inspiring invocation to 540 attendees at the 32nd Productivity and Quality Awards for Los Angeles County supporting Innovating for Impact! We are proud to be a part of this event, honoring the many amazing LA County departments doing vital work to improve the lives of so many.
Finally, NewGround was present at the Islamic Center of Southern California‘s Open Mosque Day this year. Aziza was asked to speak on the tools needed to have difficult conversations; her remarks were part of a larger program around getting people energized and drawing us out into conversations and greater civic engagement. The day was organized by the Islamic Center of Southern California and the Guibord Center: Turning Religion Inside Out.
10 October 2018
Aziza Hasan and Gavin Newsom Share the Stage in Baldwin Park
Last Sunday, executive director Aziza Hasan spoke before Lieutenant Governor Gavin Newsom at a town hall in Baldwin Park City. The event was attended by Congresswomen Rep. Grace F. Napolitano, members from LA Voice, Pico California Leaders, and Baldwin Park City Council, among others.
Introduced by Umar Hakim, NewGround alum and the current board chair of LA Voice, Aziza decidedly grounded the event in faith and justice. She spoke of the many Muslims who fast on Ashura to commemorate the safe passage of Moses and the Israelites from the oppressive tyranny of the Pharaoh, and she emphasized our need to walk alongside each other and see the suffering of the other in order to approach difficult conversations with compassion.
NewGround’s Aziza Hasan and Brie Loskota in Haaretz
“Taking a Chance, Finding Friendship.”
Executive Director Aziza Hasan on California Issues
Jewish Journal on NewGround’s Annual Community Iftar
NewGround Featured in Associated Press Discussion on U.S. Jews and Muslims
Executive Director Aziza Hasan on “White Anxiety” at the Museum of Tolerance
Executive Director Aziza Hasan Featured on Yahoo News & Ozy
NewGround Named a Top Innovative Organization by Slingshot
KPCC and Sinai Temple Feature NewGround Day School Exchange Program
Sinai Temple celebrated the success of the Day School Exchange program in a video that quickly went viral, with over 22,000 views and counting!
Over sixty 7th and 8th graders attending Muslim (New Horizon) and Jewish (Sinai Akiba Academy) schools learned about the other faith community through more than a text book this year. With the help of NewGround, these schools integrated visits to each other’s campuses to learn firsthand about the practices and practitioners of Islam and Judaism. Click here to learn more about the program.
Upworthy Features NewGround
Change-Makers in the News
-
72_Virgins: NewGround change-
makers are debunking stereotypes. The #72Virgins change-makers are featured on the homepage of the Huffington Post Religion website today! KCRW's "Good Food" will feature our 72 Virgins Mocktail Workshops on air this Saturday, May 16th at 11 AM. Sign up here to join the last session on Monday, 5/18. Enjoy a drink recipe here.
- Two Faiths, One Prayer: –The Jewish Journal featured the #2Faiths1Prayer change-makers in two moving articles: Groundbreaking Day of Prayer; Fellow Responds to Shootings. Here's a video sneak peak into the experience — stay tuned for an amazing documentary to follow! Click here for more picture & here for reflections from this historic Day of Prayer, as NewGround's current fellows & friends prayed side-by-side publicly across LA.
- Los Angeles Times: NewGround staffer Saaliha Khan advocates for the need to build on our value of "Curiosity Over Assumptions" to break the pattern of misunderstanding among communities.
Awards, Accolades & Awesomeness
In 2013, NewGround was named the “2013 Faith-based Organization of the Year” by Governor Brown of California. The honor is awarded to an outstanding faith-based organization that actively engages volunteers in addressing community needs. There ceremony honoring NewGround was held at the State Capitol in Sacramento and was led by California Volunteers.
NewGround Awarded Prestigious Grant
Haaretz Features NewGround
Even in the easygoing, laid-back environment of modern-day Los Angeles, bringing Muslims and Jews together to talk about the Arab-Israeli conflict is viewed as playing with fire. For decades, “the Muslim-Jewish dialogue that existed in L.A. only took place at the leadership level, among a handful of left-leaning Muslim and Jewish leaders,” recalls Edina Lekovic, policy and programming director for the Muslim Public Affairs Council. When it happened, the conversation would usually stick to religion and stay away from politics. “And then, anytime there was a political conflict overseas it would derail whatever was happening.
Read more…
We Were Speaking of Faith
Telling Our Stories with Story Corps
listen to our broadcasts on public radio and the web.” The website telling NewGround’s story can be found here.
Catch Us On the Road
Previously, Newground Co-facilitators Malka Fenyvesi & Aziza Hasan were busy discussing NewGround’s important work at the Interfaith Youth Core Annual Conference Leadership for a Relgiously Diverse World and J Street’s 1st Annual Conference Driving Change, Securing Peace in 2009.
At the IFYC conference, Malka Fenyvesi & Aziza Hasan led a timely workshop titled “Wrestling with the Elephant: Crafting Constructive Conversations about the Israeli Palestinian Conflict.” click here to read what Aziza wrote about their time w/IFYC
At J Street 2009 Conference, Malka Fenyvesi participated in a panel discussion titled “How We Stop Talking to Ourselves: Innovative Ways to Broaden the Conversation.” click here to read more about the discussion
NewGround in the News
- "'Ramadan in L.A.' Seeks to Combat Islamophobia with a Month of Interfaith Iftar Celebrations." LAist. 26 May 2017.
- "'How Jewish Women's Theatre' New Show Seeks celebrates 'More Courage.'" LA Daily News. 4 May 2017.
- "Jewish and Muslim Artists Summon Courage Together." Jewish Journal. 3 May 2017.
- "Jewish and Muslim Writers and Artists Collaborate on New Theatrical Performance and Art Exhibit." Broadway World Los Angeles. 20 April 2017.
- "Moving & Shaking: “Evening of Inspiration,” Suzy & Wally Marks Jr. Trailblazer Award and more." The Jewish Journal. 13 April 2017.
- "Muslim, Jewish communities show mutual support through storytelling." KPCC. 11 April 2017.
- "Growing prejudice in US unites Jews, Muslims." The Durango Herald. 24 March 2017.
- "Working together: US Muslims and Jews strengthen bonds amid acts of bigotry." The Herald. 23 March 2017.
- "US Muslims and Jews strengthen bonds amid acts of bigotry." Times of Isael. 21 March 2017.
- "L.A. Jews, Muslims show solidarity at Shabbat Services." The Jewish Journal. 15 March 2017.
- "MuJews: Muslims and Jews Band Together against Hate." NBC. 15 February 2017.
- "American Jews and Muslims Seek to Heal Ties, Spur Israeli-Palestinian Peace." Haaretz. 17 January 2017.
- "Dealing with Shock." Jewish Journal. 10 November 2016.
- "Why Muslim & Jewish teens united in Santa Monica." Santa Monica Daily. 21 September 2016.
- "Moving and shaking: Dodgers, ICRF Women of Action gala and more." The Jewish Journal. 16 June 2016.
- "Moving and shaking: OUR HOUSE Run for Hope, Religious Pluralism Day and more." The Jewish Journal. 5 May 2016.
- "2 schools hope to break down stereotypes." KPCC. 17 February 2016.
- "Mid-Career Artists Need our Support, too." The Canadian Jewish News. 31 January 2016.
- "Calendar: January 22-28: Muslim and Jewish Community Building in L.A. to be Discussed." Jewish Journal. 20 January 2016.
- "What It's Like to Fight Islamophobia After San Bernardino." Los Angeles Magazine. 18 January 2016.
- "WATCH: Jews and Muslims pray together." The Jewish Standard. 17 January 2016.
- "Moving Tribute to Father." The Jewish Journal. 2 January 2016.
- "Aziza Hasan Builds Muslim-Jewish Partnerships." Yahoo, Ozy. 24 December 2015.
- "WSU alumna's interfaith dialogue places her on Obama's Advisory Council." Wichita State University News. 5 November 2015.
- "Moving and shaking: Janet and Jake Farber honored; Aziza Hasan appointed by Obama and more." The Jewish Journal. 15 October 2015.
- "Hasan named to presidential advisory council." Bethel College. 25 September 2015.
- "Obama names 18 new faith-based council advisers." Crux. 26 September 2015.
- "President Obama Announces More Key Administration Post."The White House, Office of the Press Secretary. 24 September 2015.
- "Why one Valley woman is hopeful the U.S. will see a Muslim president." Los Angeles Daily News. 22 September 2015.
- At Rosh Hashanah and Hajj, bridging two cultures through common roots." The Jewish Journal. Andrea Hodos and Aziza Hasan. 9 September 2015.
- "Next-gen leaders jump from startups to institutional stalwarts." J Weekly. 13 August 2015.
- "Breaking Down Stereotypes of Muslims" Leslie Marshall Show, 20 August 2015.
- KPFK SWANA Region Radio Features NewGround, KPFK, 13 July 2015.
- "Andrea Hodos: Dancing at the Boundaries." Steinhardt Foundation for Jewish Life. 2015.
- "Muslims and Jews Forge Friendships Over Dinner." Jewish Journal. 1 July 2015.
- "Will Love Win?" By David Suissa, President of Jewish Journal. 1 July 2015.
- "How I Became the Women's Mosque of America's First Khateebah." Altmuslimah. 26 June 2015.
- "LGBT Muslims And Jews Break Bread To Find Common Ground At Iftar Shabbat Dinner." Huffington Post Religion. 20 June 2015.
- "Here's what happens when a group of Jews and Muslims gathered for the most basic gesture of faith." Upworthy. 10 June 2015.
- "Authentic People Person." Jewish Journal. 10 June 2015.
- "Building Interfaith Bridges." Jewish Journal. 10 June 2015.
- "Muslim – Jewish Exchange Days at Los Angeles Schools." Facing History and Ourselves. 8 June 2015.
- "Joining Two Faiths Together in One Synced Prayer." The Jerusalem Post. 7 June 2015.
- "US Muslims and Jews Pray Side by Side." Morocco World News. 2 June 2015.
- "US MUSLIMS, JEWS UNITE IN ONE PRAYER." Mirajnews. 1 June 2015.
- "US Muslims, Jews unite in prayer at Los Angeles beach." Iinanews. 1 June 2015.
- "Muslim and Jews Spent a Day of Prayer Together and The Result was Beautiful." Washington Weekly News June 2015.
- "US Muslims, Jews Unite in One Prayer." OnIslam & Newspapers 31 May 2015.
- "Jews, Muslims hold prayer sessions throughout LA." Al-Arabiya News. 31 May 2015.
- "Jews And Muslims Unite In Prayer Under Project 'Two Faiths, One Prayer.'" Egyptian Streets. 31 May 2015.
- "Two faiths, one prayer: Muslims and Jews come together to pray." The Express Tribune. 30 May 2015.
- "Two faiths, one prayer: Muslims and Jews come together to pray." Shafaqna 30 May 2015.
- "Muslims And Jews Spent A Day Of Prayer Together And The Result Was Beautiful." Huffington Post. 29 May 2015.
- "Muslims and Jews Pray Together in LA." Muslims for Allah 28 May 2015.
- "Different Faiths, Similar Faiths." Al-Agnabiya. 28 May 2015.
- "Muslims and Jews Unite Under Two Faiths One Prayer." Carbonated. June 2015.
- "Two Faiths one Prayer." Crowdrise. June 2015.
- "72 Virgins Group Brings Jews And Muslims Together Over Delicious Mocktails." Huffington Post. 14 May 2015.
- "NewGround Fellow Responds to Shootings in Garland, TX." Jewish Journal. 7 May 2015.
- "A groundbreaking day of prayer." Jewish Journal. 7 May 2015.
- "U.S. Muslims ask why their religion's condemnation of violence often goes unheard." Los Angeles Times. 9 April 2015.
- "Islamophobia: Discovering the Impact on More Than Just Muslims." Jewish Journal. 1 April 2015.
- "I miss his voice: Remembering Maher Hathout." Jewish Journal. 12 January 2015.
- "L.A.'s Jews and Muslims partner in 'twinning' events." Jewish Journal. 19 November 2014.
- "Promising Practice: Engaging Young Muslims and Jews in LA." Harvard University Pluralism Project. November 2014.
- "Standing Together On New Ground." Community Partners. 2014.
- "The Major Fund." California Community Foundation. 2014.
- "Do you believe in 'MAJIC'?." Jewish Journal. 11 June 2014.
- "Passover the Christian Extremists." Patheos.com. 22 April 2014.
- "Moving and shaking." Jewish Journal.10 April 2014.
- "The New Jews of LA: A Muslim-Jewish Partnership for Change Breaks New Ground in LA". Haaretz. 5 March 2014.
- "NewGround: The Story of Great Success." The Muslim Observer. 20 January 2014.
- "Small steps on NewGround for Muslims and Jews." Jewish Journal. 30 December 2013.
- "Accolades for Nasreen Haroon at Second Annual Trailblazing Awards." Pakistan Link. 21 November 2013.
- "A Jew and A Muslim? It's Not Just Talk." Jewish Journal. 31 July 2013.
- "Interfaith Teens Win Award." Jewish Journal. 29 May 2013.
- "Muslim and Jewish Teens Honored for Fighting Hunger." KABC Los Angeles. 28 April 2013.
- "Listening and Achieving the Impossible Dream." Interfaith Observer. 15 March 2013.
- "Muslim, Jewish Students Meet in Pasadena for Interfaith Exchange." Pasadena Sun. 7 March 2013.
- "Finding holy ground in Pico-Union." Jewish Journal. 6 February 2013.
- "Interfaith Interaction: Reimagining Jewish-Muslim Relations." Reform Judaism Magazine. 3 February 2013.
- "California Group Helps Young Muslims and Jews Find Common Ground." Voice of America. 17 January 2013.
- "Muslim-Jewish Camaraderie Is Alive and Well in Los Angeles." Action Now Network. 12 December 2012.
- A Muslim and a Jew Walk Into a Bar". Yediot America. (Hebrew Language). 11 December 2012.
- "Joshua Venture Group Names 8 Fellows To Receive $100,000 Each." JTA. 10 September 2012.
- "Joshua Venture Group Announces 2012-2014 Cohort." e-Jewish Philanthropy. 10 September 2012.
- "Two Generations of Pakistani-Americans in LA Observe Ramadan." KPCC 89.3FM. 17 August 2012.
- "At Joint Iftar Celebration, Muslim-Jewish High School Council Launched." Jewish Journal. 15 August 2012.
- "Temple and Mosque Collaboration Seeks to Become National Model." KPCC 89.3 FM. 8 June 2012.
- "Diversity Ground Breaks NewGround for LA Muslims and Jews." Neon Tommy. 6 May 2012.
- "Remember, There is No Other." Jewish Journal 16 April 2012
- "L.A.'s Muslims, Jews Must Join Against Hate." Jewish Journal 4 April 2012
- "How I Define a Mensch: Seven People on Unique and Holy Paths." Jewish Journal. 9 March 2012.
- "Muslims and Jews Break Down Walls, Find Common Ground." Jewish Journal. 11 December 2011.
- "A Bold and Brilliant Strategy to Build Working Relationships Between Young Professional Muslims and Jews." Action Now Network. 22 September 2011.
- "10 Years After 9/11- How have we changed?" Jewish Journal. 8 September 2011.
- "Muslims & Jews working together, huh?" Humanitarian Day. 29 April 2010.
- "Jewish-Muslim study course grounds interfaith dialogue in sacred text." JTA. 9 February 2010.
- "Speaking for Peace." Patheos.com. 4 November 2009.
- "Muslim-Jewish Text Study." Jewish Journal. 24 June 2009.
- "Jewish Muslim Dialogue Activist Killed By Drowning In Panama." Vos Iz Neias. 26 July 2008.
- "Who Says Halal and Kosher Don't Mix?" Inter Press Service 19 March 2007
- "Promoting dialogue between faith traditions." Los Angeles Times. 17 March 2007.
- "City politicos celebrate launch of NewGround; Iranian Jews." Jewish Journal. 15 March 2007.
- "Breaking new ground: Jewish, Muslim groups' program encourages leaders to see the 'other' as friend." Jewish Journal. 18 January 2007.
15 May 2020
Our Iftar and Our family in the News
Two weeks ago, NewGround held its first ever virtual Community Iftar, streamed on Facebook Live. Among those of you who tuned in were our friends at the Los Angeles Times, Voice of America, the Forward, and ABC News, who have recently released coverage of the evening for all to enjoy. Read, watch, share, and soak in the familiar faces!
1 April 2020
Community Leaders share reflections on passover during a pandemic
NewGround associate director Andrea Hodos, alongside fellow community leaders, was invited to reflect on how the themes of Passover shed light on this time:
“We are in a long night now. Like the Israelites, we must accustom our eyes and hearts to the dark, turn to the slivers of light to help us remain resilient, responsive and ready to move forward.”
The article was compiled by NewGround friend Esther Kustanowitz. Read it, and the rest of Andrea’s thoughts, on the Jewish Journal.
13 February 2020
Transcendients at the japanese american national museum: community celebration annoucement
Taiji Terasaki comes to Los Angeles! His Transcendients: Heroes at Borders is a chance to learn about, reflect on, and celebrate heroes in L.A. and within their own lives. This exhibit is on display at the Japanese American National Museum, and includes our own Aziza, alongside advisory board member Rabbi Susan Goldberg. There will be a free-attendance Community Celebration of the exhibit’s heroes on March 7, 2020. Learn more from Broadway World‘s coverage of the exhibit as well as the Facebook event page itself.
10 October 2019
"The FIght to Vote" and Voter SUPPRESSION
Brave New Films’s Suppression: The Right to Vote premiered on October 3rd at L.A.’s First AME Church. Supplementing the premiere was a panel discussion on voter suppression in the U.S. The panel included NewGround‘s Aziza Hasan, Laura Herrera, of the Los Angeles County Clerk’s office, David Hernandez of Churches in Action, and First AME’s own Pastor J. Edgar Boyd. Learn more from the L.A. Sentinel’s coverage of the event.
3 July 2019
Reclaiming and Preserving Sacred Space
On the evening of the 25th of June, Temple Beth Am welcomed floods of visitors from across Los Angeles’s many communities and faith groups. They came to listen to a panel hosted by the Pacifica Institute, sentimentally titled “Reclaiming Sacred Space.” Our Executive Director, Aziza Hasan, spoke on the panel, alongside the Pacifica Institute‘s Atilla Kahveci and NewGround Advisory Board member Susan Goldberg.
Read the Jewish Journal‘s coverage of the event here.
28 May 2019
Los Angeles Holds 4th Annual Day of Pluralism Celebration
Our City of Angels is indicative of how a super-diverse population can actively work toward pluralism by improving communication, with one another, stressing interdependence, and creating communities out of society. This year, we celebrated the City’s 4th Annual Pluralism Day. Read about it, and NewGround’s role, on The Ismaili.
7 May 2019
Muslims, Jews, and Mental Health Today
Each year, NewGround‘s Change-makers pursue a project aimed at addressing a particular issue within our communities. This year, our fellows directed their attention toward mental health and its relationship to anti-Muslim sentiment, antisemitism, and community. Read Blavity‘s coverage of this project here.
9 April 2019
Study finds that Muslims and Jews are close allies
A new study released last week has provided data to support what we at NewGround already know: that Muslims and Jews, particularly in the United States, are “natural allies”. Furthermore, the study finds that more than half of Jewish Americans have a positive opinion of Muslims, which transcends the findings from any other non-Muslim faith group. NewGround‘s Aziza Hasan tells The Huffington Post:
“Through the grief and the pain of this past year, one continual source of inspiration and strength has been the way our communities continue to show up for each other.”
21 March 2019
Muslims and Jews Come Together in Wake of Christchurch Attacks
In the wake of the attacks in Christchurch, New Zealand, in which a white supremacist shot 100 people across two mosques in the area and killing half, American Muslims found themselves the recipients of compassion from their Jewish friends and colleagues.
At the Islamic Center of Southern California, nearly 100 people gathered for a press release during which community members came together in solidarity.
NewGround‘s love and support is with those affected by the attacks.
9 March 2019
Time for open dialogue about the "Omar furor"
Recent comments from Junior Congresswoman Omar have been followed closely by speculations about, debates around, defenses of, and criticisms of these comments. Everybody is talking, but it doesn’t seem as though they are talking with each other – at least as much as they should. Aziza Hasan weighs in with comments featured in The Huffington Post, WRAL, The Independent, and Cecil Daily, among other outlets.
7 March 2019
Aziza Hasan talks dialogue
with the atlantic
NewGround executive director Aziza Hasan recently spoke with The Atlantic‘s Emma Green about partisanship, dialogue, and our inclinations toward and against giving one another the benefit of the doubt. You can read the full article, titled “The Fight over Ilhan Omar is a Fight over the Democratic Party” by following the link.
1 March 2019
Rabbi Firestone to give Scholar-in-Residence Lecture at Temple Har Shalom
After the horrific events at Tree of Life Synagogue last Fall, the Park City Muslim community raised over $240,000 for the victim’s families. One Temple in the area – Temple Har Shalom – seeks to address this.
Long-time NewGround friend and 2019 NewGround Trailblazer Rabbi Reuven Firestone, who holds the Regenstein Chair in Medieval Judaism and Islamic Studies at Hebrew Union College, is slated to give the Temple’s annual scholar-in-residence lecture this year. He aims to focus his talk on Islam and democracy.
A recent Park Record article reads: “Firestone, who has authored more than 10 books on Muslim and Jewish relations, was recently named as a New[G]round honoree for his work in Muslim-Jewish relations. New[G]round, a nonprofit, works to replace suspicions surrounding Muslims and Jews with trust and partnership, according to its mission statement.”
31 December 2018
PBS NewsHour: Broadcast feature on Halim Dhanidina Released
On December 30, 2018, PBS NewsHour aired special correspondent David Tereshchuk’s feature on Los Angeles Justice and NewGround board member Halim Dhanidina. Composed in part by David’s interview with Halim, and in other part by footage from NewGround’s recent Spotlight Storytelling event, the feature addresses the mixed responses that come with being the highest-ranking Muslim judge in the current United States, as well as the importance of diversity, interfaith work, and social understanding between Los Angeles communities.
You can also watch the whole feature, with full transcripts provided, on the PBS NewsHour website. NewGround is proud to be supported by board members who consistently seek to better our city of Los Angeles.
18 December 2018
PBS NewsHouR: A "Spotlight" on NewGround's Halim Dhanidina
NewGround board member Halim Dhanidina grew up in Southern California, attending Pomona College and UCLA, where, years later, he would become the state’s first ever Muslim judge. Just this year, he was appointed to the state Court of Appeal, making him the assumed highest-ranking judge in the country.
PBS NewsHour Weekend reunited with Judge Dhanidina this Fall at NewGround’s Spotlight Storytelling event to talk sectarian rhetoric and pluralism. You can access the full article here.
21 November 2018
"NewGround Shares Muslim & Jewish Stories"
This year, our Spotlight Storytelling event tackled themes of risk.
Written by NewGround alum and Jewish Journal staff writer Ryan Torok, this piece is perfect for those who were unable to join us this year for our annual Spotlight storytelling event, held at the IMAN Cultural Center in West L.A. Read about the tales shared by our storytellers, which range from transitioning between Buenos Aires and the United States, to disagreements over LGBTQ+ identity in Israel and the Middle East.
25 October 2018
Unconcerned about Voting? let's have a talk.
In her latest op-ed for the Sacramento Bee, Aziza recalls the foundational practices upon which NewGround was constructed with the full knowledge that their catalysts can still be readily seen today around the issue of voter engagement.
“We wanted to persuade people to do something out of the ordinary, something that felt awkward – even frightening. Our whole process was based on the willingness to wrestle with discomfort. How could we make them believe there was value in that?”
The answer to this question was direct conversation. Each and every concerned individual had to have their concerns and frustrations addressed “head-on,” for as Aziza puts it, “there is no substitute for one-on-one conversation.” You can read the full article here, and you can find Aziza’s contributions to the Bee‘s Influencer series here.
23 October 2018
NEWGROUND'S busy week
Aziza Hasan, our Executive Director, has been busy these past few weeks representing NewGround as a key partner in creating change in Los Angeles. On October 12th, Aziza attended Mayor Eric Garcetti‘s Second Annual State of Women & Girls Address this morning.
Additionally, on October 10th, Aziza gave an inspiring invocation to 540 attendees at the 32nd Productivity and Quality Awards for Los Angeles County supporting Innovating for Impact! We are proud to be a part of this event, honoring the many amazing LA County departments doing vital work to improve the lives of so many.
Finally, NewGround was present at the Islamic Center of Southern California‘s Open Mosque Day this year. Aziza was asked to speak on the tools needed to have difficult conversations; her remarks were part of a larger program around getting people energized and drawing us out into conversations and greater civic engagement. The day was organized by the Islamic Center of Southern California and the Guibord Center: Turning Religion Inside Out.
10 October 2018
Aziza Hasan and Gavin Newsom Share the Stage in Baldwin Park
Last Sunday, executive director Aziza Hasan spoke before Lieutenant Governor Gavin Newsom at a town hall in Baldwin Park City. The event was attended by Congresswomen Rep. Grace F. Napolitano, members from LA Voice, Pico California Leaders, and Baldwin Park City Council, among others.
Introduced by Umar Hakim, NewGround alum and the current board chair of LA Voice, Aziza decidedly grounded the event in faith and justice. She spoke of the many Muslims who fast on Ashura to commemorate the safe passage of Moses and the Israelites from the oppressive tyranny of the Pharaoh, and she emphasized our need to walk alongside each other and see the suffering of the other in order to approach difficult conversations with compassion.
NewGround’s Aziza Hasan and Brie Loskota in Haaretz
“Taking a Chance, Finding Friendship.”
Executive Director Aziza Hasan on California Issues
Jewish Journal on NewGround’s Annual Community Iftar
NewGround Featured in Associated Press Discussion on U.S. Jews and Muslims
Executive Director Aziza Hasan on “White Anxiety” at the Museum of Tolerance
Executive Director Aziza Hasan Featured on Yahoo News & Ozy
NewGround Named a Top Innovative Organization by Slingshot
KPCC and Sinai Temple Feature NewGround Day School Exchange Program
Sinai Temple celebrated the success of the Day School Exchange program in a video that quickly went viral, with over 22,000 views and counting!
Over sixty 7th and 8th graders attending Muslim (New Horizon) and Jewish (Sinai Akiba Academy) schools learned about the other faith community through more than a text book this year. With the help of NewGround, these schools integrated visits to each other’s campuses to learn firsthand about the practices and practitioners of Islam and Judaism. Click here to learn more about the program.
Upworthy Features NewGround
Change-Makers in the News
-
72_Virgins: NewGround change-
makers are debunking stereotypes. The #72Virgins change-makers are featured on the homepage of the Huffington Post Religion website today! KCRW's "Good Food" will feature our 72 Virgins Mocktail Workshops on air this Saturday, May 16th at 11 AM. Sign up here to join the last session on Monday, 5/18. Enjoy a drink recipe here.
- Two Faiths, One Prayer: –The Jewish Journal featured the #2Faiths1Prayer change-makers in two moving articles: Groundbreaking Day of Prayer; Fellow Responds to Shootings. Here's a video sneak peak into the experience — stay tuned for an amazing documentary to follow! Click here for more picture & here for reflections from this historic Day of Prayer, as NewGround's current fellows & friends prayed side-by-side publicly across LA.
- Los Angeles Times: NewGround staffer Saaliha Khan advocates for the need to build on our value of "Curiosity Over Assumptions" to break the pattern of misunderstanding among communities.
Awards, Accolades & Awesomeness
In 2013, NewGround was named the “2013 Faith-based Organization of the Year” by Governor Brown of California. The honor is awarded to an outstanding faith-based organization that actively engages volunteers in addressing community needs. There ceremony honoring NewGround was held at the State Capitol in Sacramento and was led by California Volunteers.
NewGround Awarded Prestigious Grant
Haaretz Features NewGround
Even in the easygoing, laid-back environment of modern-day Los Angeles, bringing Muslims and Jews together to talk about the Arab-Israeli conflict is viewed as playing with fire. For decades, “the Muslim-Jewish dialogue that existed in L.A. only took place at the leadership level, among a handful of left-leaning Muslim and Jewish leaders,” recalls Edina Lekovic, policy and programming director for the Muslim Public Affairs Council. When it happened, the conversation would usually stick to religion and stay away from politics. “And then, anytime there was a political conflict overseas it would derail whatever was happening.
Read more…
We Were Speaking of Faith
Telling Our Stories with Story Corps
listen to our broadcasts on public radio and the web.” The website telling NewGround’s story can be found here.
Catch Us On the Road
Previously, Newground Co-facilitators Malka Fenyvesi & Aziza Hasan were busy discussing NewGround’s important work at the Interfaith Youth Core Annual Conference Leadership for a Relgiously Diverse World and J Street’s 1st Annual Conference Driving Change, Securing Peace in 2009.
At the IFYC conference, Malka Fenyvesi & Aziza Hasan led a timely workshop titled “Wrestling with the Elephant: Crafting Constructive Conversations about the Israeli Palestinian Conflict.” click here to read what Aziza wrote about their time w/IFYC
At J Street 2009 Conference, Malka Fenyvesi participated in a panel discussion titled “How We Stop Talking to Ourselves: Innovative Ways to Broaden the Conversation.” click here to read more about the discussion
NewGround in the News
- "'Ramadan in L.A.' Seeks to Combat Islamophobia with a Month of Interfaith Iftar Celebrations." LAist. 26 May 2017.
- "'How Jewish Women's Theatre' New Show Seeks celebrates 'More Courage.'" LA Daily News. 4 May 2017.
- "Jewish and Muslim Artists Summon Courage Together." Jewish Journal. 3 May 2017.
- "Jewish and Muslim Writers and Artists Collaborate on New Theatrical Performance and Art Exhibit." Broadway World Los Angeles. 20 April 2017.
- "Moving & Shaking: “Evening of Inspiration,” Suzy & Wally Marks Jr. Trailblazer Award and more." The Jewish Journal. 13 April 2017.
- "Muslim, Jewish communities show mutual support through storytelling." KPCC. 11 April 2017.
- "Growing prejudice in US unites Jews, Muslims." The Durango Herald. 24 March 2017.
- "Working together: US Muslims and Jews strengthen bonds amid acts of bigotry." The Herald. 23 March 2017.
- "US Muslims and Jews strengthen bonds amid acts of bigotry." Times of Isael. 21 March 2017.
- "L.A. Jews, Muslims show solidarity at Shabbat Services." The Jewish Journal. 15 March 2017.
- "MuJews: Muslims and Jews Band Together against Hate." NBC. 15 February 2017.
- "American Jews and Muslims Seek to Heal Ties, Spur Israeli-Palestinian Peace." Haaretz. 17 January 2017.
- "Dealing with Shock." Jewish Journal. 10 November 2016.
- "Why Muslim & Jewish teens united in Santa Monica." Santa Monica Daily. 21 September 2016.
- "Moving and shaking: Dodgers, ICRF Women of Action gala and more." The Jewish Journal. 16 June 2016.
- "Moving and shaking: OUR HOUSE Run for Hope, Religious Pluralism Day and more." The Jewish Journal. 5 May 2016.
- "2 schools hope to break down stereotypes." KPCC. 17 February 2016.
- "Mid-Career Artists Need our Support, too." The Canadian Jewish News. 31 January 2016.
- "Calendar: January 22-28: Muslim and Jewish Community Building in L.A. to be Discussed." Jewish Journal. 20 January 2016.
- "What It's Like to Fight Islamophobia After San Bernardino." Los Angeles Magazine. 18 January 2016.
- "WATCH: Jews and Muslims pray together." The Jewish Standard. 17 January 2016.
- "Moving Tribute to Father." The Jewish Journal. 2 January 2016.
- "Aziza Hasan Builds Muslim-Jewish Partnerships." Yahoo, Ozy. 24 December 2015.
- "WSU alumna's interfaith dialogue places her on Obama's Advisory Council." Wichita State University News. 5 November 2015.
- "Moving and shaking: Janet and Jake Farber honored; Aziza Hasan appointed by Obama and more." The Jewish Journal. 15 October 2015.
- "Hasan named to presidential advisory council." Bethel College. 25 September 2015.
- "Obama names 18 new faith-based council advisers." Crux. 26 September 2015.
- "President Obama Announces More Key Administration Post."The White House, Office of the Press Secretary. 24 September 2015.
- "Why one Valley woman is hopeful the U.S. will see a Muslim president." Los Angeles Daily News. 22 September 2015.
- At Rosh Hashanah and Hajj, bridging two cultures through common roots." The Jewish Journal. Andrea Hodos and Aziza Hasan. 9 September 2015.
- "Next-gen leaders jump from startups to institutional stalwarts." J Weekly. 13 August 2015.
- "Breaking Down Stereotypes of Muslims" Leslie Marshall Show, 20 August 2015.
- KPFK SWANA Region Radio Features NewGround, KPFK, 13 July 2015.
- "Andrea Hodos: Dancing at the Boundaries." Steinhardt Foundation for Jewish Life. 2015.
- "Muslims and Jews Forge Friendships Over Dinner." Jewish Journal. 1 July 2015.
- "Will Love Win?" By David Suissa, President of Jewish Journal. 1 July 2015.
- "How I Became the Women's Mosque of America's First Khateebah." Altmuslimah. 26 June 2015.
- "LGBT Muslims And Jews Break Bread To Find Common Ground At Iftar Shabbat Dinner." Huffington Post Religion. 20 June 2015.
- "Here's what happens when a group of Jews and Muslims gathered for the most basic gesture of faith." Upworthy. 10 June 2015.
- "Authentic People Person." Jewish Journal. 10 June 2015.
- "Building Interfaith Bridges." Jewish Journal. 10 June 2015.
- "Muslim – Jewish Exchange Days at Los Angeles Schools." Facing History and Ourselves. 8 June 2015.
- "Joining Two Faiths Together in One Synced Prayer." The Jerusalem Post. 7 June 2015.
- "US Muslims and Jews Pray Side by Side." Morocco World News. 2 June 2015.
- "US MUSLIMS, JEWS UNITE IN ONE PRAYER." Mirajnews. 1 June 2015.
- "US Muslims, Jews unite in prayer at Los Angeles beach." Iinanews. 1 June 2015.
- "Muslim and Jews Spent a Day of Prayer Together and The Result was Beautiful." Washington Weekly News June 2015.
- "US Muslims, Jews Unite in One Prayer." OnIslam & Newspapers 31 May 2015.
- "Jews, Muslims hold prayer sessions throughout LA." Al-Arabiya News. 31 May 2015.
- "Jews And Muslims Unite In Prayer Under Project 'Two Faiths, One Prayer.'" Egyptian Streets. 31 May 2015.
- "Two faiths, one prayer: Muslims and Jews come together to pray." The Express Tribune. 30 May 2015.
- "Two faiths, one prayer: Muslims and Jews come together to pray." Shafaqna 30 May 2015.
- "Muslims And Jews Spent A Day Of Prayer Together And The Result Was Beautiful." Huffington Post. 29 May 2015.
- "Muslims and Jews Pray Together in LA." Muslims for Allah 28 May 2015.
- "Different Faiths, Similar Faiths." Al-Agnabiya. 28 May 2015.
- "Muslims and Jews Unite Under Two Faiths One Prayer." Carbonated. June 2015.
- "Two Faiths one Prayer." Crowdrise. June 2015.
- "72 Virgins Group Brings Jews And Muslims Together Over Delicious Mocktails." Huffington Post. 14 May 2015.
- "NewGround Fellow Responds to Shootings in Garland, TX." Jewish Journal. 7 May 2015.
- "A groundbreaking day of prayer." Jewish Journal. 7 May 2015.
- "U.S. Muslims ask why their religion's condemnation of violence often goes unheard." Los Angeles Times. 9 April 2015.
- "Islamophobia: Discovering the Impact on More Than Just Muslims." Jewish Journal. 1 April 2015.
- "I miss his voice: Remembering Maher Hathout." Jewish Journal. 12 January 2015.
- "L.A.'s Jews and Muslims partner in 'twinning' events." Jewish Journal. 19 November 2014.
- "Promising Practice: Engaging Young Muslims and Jews in LA." Harvard University Pluralism Project. November 2014.
- "Standing Together On New Ground." Community Partners. 2014.
- "The Major Fund." California Community Foundation. 2014.
- "Do you believe in 'MAJIC'?." Jewish Journal. 11 June 2014.
- "Passover the Christian Extremists." Patheos.com. 22 April 2014.
- "Moving and shaking." Jewish Journal.10 April 2014.
- "The New Jews of LA: A Muslim-Jewish Partnership for Change Breaks New Ground in LA". Haaretz. 5 March 2014.
- "NewGround: The Story of Great Success." The Muslim Observer. 20 January 2014.
- "Small steps on NewGround for Muslims and Jews." Jewish Journal. 30 December 2013.
- "Accolades for Nasreen Haroon at Second Annual Trailblazing Awards." Pakistan Link. 21 November 2013.
- "A Jew and A Muslim? It's Not Just Talk." Jewish Journal. 31 July 2013.
- "Interfaith Teens Win Award." Jewish Journal. 29 May 2013.
- "Muslim and Jewish Teens Honored for Fighting Hunger." KABC Los Angeles. 28 April 2013.
- "Listening and Achieving the Impossible Dream." Interfaith Observer. 15 March 2013.
- "Muslim, Jewish Students Meet in Pasadena for Interfaith Exchange." Pasadena Sun. 7 March 2013.
- "Finding holy ground in Pico-Union." Jewish Journal. 6 February 2013.
- "Interfaith Interaction: Reimagining Jewish-Muslim Relations." Reform Judaism Magazine. 3 February 2013.
- "California Group Helps Young Muslims and Jews Find Common Ground." Voice of America. 17 January 2013.
- "Muslim-Jewish Camaraderie Is Alive and Well in Los Angeles." Action Now Network. 12 December 2012.
- A Muslim and a Jew Walk Into a Bar". Yediot America. (Hebrew Language). 11 December 2012.
- "Joshua Venture Group Names 8 Fellows To Receive $100,000 Each." JTA. 10 September 2012.
- "Joshua Venture Group Announces 2012-2014 Cohort." e-Jewish Philanthropy. 10 September 2012.
- "Two Generations of Pakistani-Americans in LA Observe Ramadan." KPCC 89.3FM. 17 August 2012.
- "At Joint Iftar Celebration, Muslim-Jewish High School Council Launched." Jewish Journal. 15 August 2012.
- "Temple and Mosque Collaboration Seeks to Become National Model." KPCC 89.3 FM. 8 June 2012.
- "Diversity Ground Breaks NewGround for LA Muslims and Jews." Neon Tommy. 6 May 2012.
- "Remember, There is No Other." Jewish Journal 16 April 2012
- "L.A.'s Muslims, Jews Must Join Against Hate." Jewish Journal 4 April 2012
- "How I Define a Mensch: Seven People on Unique and Holy Paths." Jewish Journal. 9 March 2012.
- "Muslims and Jews Break Down Walls, Find Common Ground." Jewish Journal. 11 December 2011.
- "A Bold and Brilliant Strategy to Build Working Relationships Between Young Professional Muslims and Jews." Action Now Network. 22 September 2011.
- "10 Years After 9/11- How have we changed?" Jewish Journal. 8 September 2011.
- "Muslims & Jews working together, huh?" Humanitarian Day. 29 April 2010.
- "Jewish-Muslim study course grounds interfaith dialogue in sacred text." JTA. 9 February 2010.
- "Speaking for Peace." Patheos.com. 4 November 2009.
- "Muslim-Jewish Text Study." Jewish Journal. 24 June 2009.
- "Jewish Muslim Dialogue Activist Killed By Drowning In Panama." Vos Iz Neias. 26 July 2008.
- "Who Says Halal and Kosher Don't Mix?" Inter Press Service 19 March 2007
- "Promoting dialogue between faith traditions." Los Angeles Times. 17 March 2007.
- "City politicos celebrate launch of NewGround; Iranian Jews." Jewish Journal. 15 March 2007.
- "Breaking new ground: Jewish, Muslim groups' program encourages leaders to see the 'other' as friend." Jewish Journal. 18 January 2007.