August 30, 2017

Yesterday, the City of Santa Clara presented the American Muslim community with a proclamation recognizing August as “Muslim Appreciation and Awareness Month”. The designation was initially made by the California State Assembly resolution HR 43 sponsored by Assemblymembers Bill Quirk, Kansen Chu, and Ash Kalra with 54 coauthors.
“With such a strong presence of Muslim-Americans in Santa Clara, the City was honored to recognize August as Muslim Awareness and Appreciation Month,” said Santa Clara Mayor Lisa M. Gillmor. “The City takes great pride in recognizing our diverse population and the Muslim community embraces that diversity by extending respect and appreciation for all Santa Clarans through their philanthropic and community services.”
“Muslims have been part and parcel of the American society for centuries,” said Kamal Koraitem, President of the Muslim Community Association (MCA) in Santa Clara. “As American Muslims living in the Bay Area, we renew our commitment to serve and contribute to the larger society in partnership with people of all faiths.”
The resolution recognized multiple Muslim organizations located in Santa Clara, including the MCA, Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), Helping Hand for Relief and Development, Khalil Center, Muslim American Society (MAS), Granada School, and the Bay Area Chapter of the Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA). Some of these organizations have sent volunteers and raised thousands of dollars for the victims of Hurricane Harvey. They also provide services locally including meals, back-to-school backpacks, hygiene kits, counseling and legal services, and a mobile medical clinic.