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	<title>Greeks Rethink &#187; Greek Muslim</title>
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	<link>http://www.greeksrethink.com</link>
	<description>Connecting Greek Muslims - Connecting Rethinkers of Life</description>
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		<title>A Greek Muslim lady from Ilioupolis, Athens</title>
		<link>http://www.greeksrethink.com/2010/12/a-muslim-lady-from-ilioupolis/</link>
		<comments>http://www.greeksrethink.com/2010/12/a-muslim-lady-from-ilioupolis/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 06 Dec 2010 16:42:34 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Guest Author</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Featured]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Islam]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Allah]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Anna Stamou]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Athens]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Greece]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Greek convert]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Greek Muslim]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Greek Muslims]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[marriage]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Muslim]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Muslim Association of Greece]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Muslim women]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[reverts to Islam]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Ισλάμ]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Μουσουλμανική Ένωση Ελλάδας]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Μουσουλμάνοι]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[Miss Anna Stamou, public relations manager of the Muslim association of Greece, was awarded for her action by the European Muslim Professionals Network
Διαβάστε στα Ελληνικά
Source: www.tovima.gr

By Achilles Hekimoglou 21st of November 2010
One of the leading international Muslim awards of Europe was recently given to a Greek lady. The public relations manager of the Muslim Association [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>Miss Anna Stamou, public relations manager of the Muslim association of Greece, was awarded for her action by the European Muslim Professionals Network</strong></p>
<p><a href="http://www.greeksrethink.com/2010/11/anna-stamou-from-ilioupoli/">Διαβάστε στα Ελληνικά</a></p>
<p><strong>Source: <a href="http://www.tovima.gr/default.asp?pid=2&amp;ct=32&amp;artId=368595&amp;dt=21/11/2010">www.tovima.gr</a><br />
</strong></p>
<p>By Achilles Hekimoglou 21<sup>st</sup> of November 2010</p>
<div id="attachment_3974" class="wp-caption alignleft" style="width: 320px"><a href="http://www.greeksrethink.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/annA-STAMOU.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-3974" src="http://www.greeksrethink.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/annA-STAMOU.jpg" alt="" width="310" height="305" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Anna Stamou</p></div>
<p>One of the leading international Muslim awards of Europe was recently given to a Greek lady. The public relations manager of the Muslim Association of Greece miss Anna Stamou is included in the 10 Muslim ladies with the greater and most positive influence in Europe, next to personages like the famous Iraqi architect Zaha Hadid! Miss Stamou found herself among the top 10 of the female aspect’s expression of the modern, moderate Islam, receiving a relevant award by the European Muslim Professionals Network (CEDAR), which is supported by the well known Institute of Strategic Dialogue, also known as the “Three Club”. The award ceremony , which took place three weeks ago in Madrid, is an important step for Greece so as to have a voice on the continuously widening circle of influence on the European Muslims, of the importance of whom has been stated over the last few years by numerous analysts of the international relations of our country.</p>
<p>Miss Stamou refers on the nowadays big issue that preoccupies the mind of thousands of Greeks and foreign Muslims, meaning the creation of an Islamic prayer site and cemetery in the capital. “We had suggested creating a simple, functional infrastructure that will be aesthetically compatible with the surrounding area. We do not imagine any luxuries just a functional prayer site.” And at the same time she criticizes the new phenomenon of islamophobia in Greece, characterising it as temporal and of ephemeral consuming. “In the past there were the communists, today are the Muslims. In a few time though, this will no longer have any effect and shall be forgotten” she underlines</p>
<p>In addition, she highlights that the lack of a Mosque is not the only deficiency, but there is also the lack of accredited officially appointed Imams in our country. “The imam –as well as the priest and the spiritual instructors-aids with his consultation people or couples who face problems, seek for psychological support or they confront moral dilemmas. Furthermore, we do have mixed weddings, where so many women ignore their rights. This is a tragedy.” She adds that it is necessary to create all the required institutions with Greek and not with foreign funds. “In such cases the financial contributor, has the upper hand. We have seen countries such as Holland and Great Britain to establish the state’s control.”</p>
<p>Miss Stamou became a Muslim six years ago, as she found answers for her inner philosophical quests. “My quest has been long, I was always seeking answers and I always had answered questions, not necessarily of theological nature. In my quest of truth, I could not get satisfactory answers. Thus, I consulted several philosophical schools; I dealt deeply with Pythagoras, through whom I found myself embracing Islam. “she states. During this quest she met her current husband, with whom they jointed as volunteers the organisation “Doctors of the World”, during the war in Iraq. Then was the time when she came into closer contact with Islam, and she started researching deeper to its teachings. “I thought due to the knowledge I have acquired from school that this is an inferior and distorted religion. Islam though had given me answers. I said then to myself that I should learn more about this religion. Many of the questions I had, started sorting themselves out with a simplicity that was really annoying!” she states. Miss Stamou underlines that due to the historical facts in our country many people confuse Muslims with Turkey, a thing she says it is wrong. “I have been a Muslim for so many years and I have learnt the word bayram last year! During my way to Islam, I have never met Turkey. The European citizen who becomes Muslim he does not obtain knowledge from the Turks, but from the Arabs, following Arab teachers” she underlines. “In Europe those who embrace Islam learn from English and French sources. Though there are thousands Greek Muslims, I do not understand why there are not any published book in Greek. Thankfully, we published five books.” She says.</p>
<p>She as well says that her transition from Christianity to Islam was escorted by acceptance from the side of family and her friends.”I have not met any negative reactions. Some people might have questions or they might not like it. But what could I do? Anyhow, they did not like yoga either!  I did not change my social behaviour, I just wore a head scarf!” she narrates.</p>
<p>Miss Stamou is 37 years old and she was born in Athens, one month after the riot of Polytechneio. “My mother, being eight months pregnant to me, was watching the facts from the roof of our house.” She was born and bred in Ilioupolis, studied Business administration and Economics, though she professionally dealt with sign language but also with yoga, which she still teaches! The awarded Greek lady, is married with the chairman of the Muslim Association of Greece, Mr. Elgandhour , is a mother of two children , and she is the public relations manager of the previously referred association. “A few years ago, I had an office for the young Muslims, though I have translated from English language books relevant with Islam” she states. Though for many years, her main occupation was the family business, an old small factory of athletic wear that their parents had, which due to the recession shut down.</p>
<p><strong>“Wearing hijab is a matter of choice”</strong></p>
<p>The issue of hijab consists an important issue for many countries, for Miss Stamou though things are quite simple.</p>
<div id="attachment_3975" class="wp-caption alignright" style="width: 160px"><a href="http://www.greeksrethink.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/annA-STAMOU-2.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-3975" src="http://www.greeksrethink.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/annA-STAMOU-2.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="261" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Miss Stamou holding a tray on her hands she treats guests during Ramadan</p></div>
<p>“Hijab is a part of the faith, a part you can choose to follow or not. It is your choice” she adds. Though, as she highlights, it has not only a social standing, as anyone who does an internal request, will also find other things. “The hijab is a matter of choice. But, anywhere where is enforced, is a wrongdoing. Certainly, in my opinion, when it is exposed as a symbol of oppression, is wrong. I have seen women who fight for their right to wear it” she states.</p>
<p>Miss Stamou refers on her award with satisfaction. “There were ten awards given, all of them equally given. I was awarded due to my actions through the Muslim Association to claim an Islamic prayer site and a cemetery but also for my positive contribution in society. The European Muslim Professionals Network (CEDAR) promotes education, progress, business, creativity, arts and sciences. It is not a religious institution” she highlights.</p>
<p>As she says, the basis of all the issues is the peaceful coexistence and tolerance. “During Ramadan, we eat together with our Christian friends; this is something that is not easily found in Europe. Furthermore, my daughter loves and is eager for Christmas. So they last approximately up&#8230; to Easter!” she concludes.</p>


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		<title>The Muslims are our friends</title>
		<link>http://www.greeksrethink.com/2010/11/3908/</link>
		<comments>http://www.greeksrethink.com/2010/11/3908/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 20 Nov 2010 22:23:30 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Guest Author</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Featured]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Eid]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Greek Muslim]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Greek Muslims]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Greek Orthodox]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Islam]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Muslim Association of Greece]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[public prayer]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Qurban Bayram]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.greeksrethink.com/?p=3908</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Source: www.protagon.com
Translation© Muslim Association of Greece
By Modestos Siotos

A week and a day after the election of a neo-Nazi in the city council of Athens, 13.000 Muslims prayed just to show their attitude in several areas of the city for the manifestation of Qurban Bayram or Eid Al Adha (our Islamic language is not that good [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Source:<a href="http://www.protagon.gr" target="_blank"> www.protagon.com</a></p>
<p>Translation© Muslim Association of Greece</p>
<p>By Modestos Siotos</p>
<p><a href="http://www.greeksrethink.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/protagon-1.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-3909" src="http://www.greeksrethink.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/protagon-1.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="295" /></a></p>
<p>A week and a day after the election of a neo-Nazi in the city council of Athens, 13.000 Muslims prayed just to show their attitude in several areas of the city for the manifestation of Qurban Bayram or Eid Al Adha (our Islamic language is not that good yet but this will get better in time), the feast in other words for the sacrifice of Abraham’s son.</p>
<p>Only in the area of Propylaia over 1.000 gathered for the prayer, who laid sheets and took their shoes off, they prayed under the stare of an imam by the Islamic University of Egypt. The Athenians, astonished either enjoyed this cultural experience thinking “we are living in a beautiful city!” or they cursed reminiscing the years of 1821’s where the only Muslim is Athens, was the governor of the traditional village of that times.</p>
<p>In Attica square though, where fortunately there are still true Greeks, the Muslims prayed under the listening of “Greek popular music” (it has not been cleared out yet whether there were traditional Greek songs that were used for bullying or Natasha Theodoridou, who has a great carrier in Africa, so the music was a gift by a fellow Greek.) In the manifestation, members of the organisation Chrisi Augi tried to participate, but the fascist police forces did not allow so. Head of this group was the member of the city’s council N. Michaloliakos. By the way, he realises that the immigrants are the “earth’s damned people” and knowing that in Athens, the people are famished, the Leader volunteered to command his followers to throw poached eggs and bottles of waters so the Muslims would not feel any thirst or hunger during prayer.</p>
<p>A lady, who was staying in a building close by, woke up very early in the morning around 7 a.m. and holding a Greek flag she started dancing under the musical rhythms her neighbours. Due to this incident, the Mass Media, which as it is well known, they firmly defend the rights of the immigrants in the neighbourhoods of Athens, reminded to the Sate that at last, a Mosque in Athens has to be built. Otherwise –they threatened- the Christians will also start praying in public standing next to the Muslims though Ntinos Iliopoulos will saying from the Heaven’s “we are living in such a nice atmosphere”</p>
<p>Translation : Myrto Zacharof</p>


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		<title>Athens: Eid Al Fitr at Kotzia Square</title>
		<link>http://www.greeksrethink.com/2010/09/eid-al-fitr-at-kotzia-square/</link>
		<comments>http://www.greeksrethink.com/2010/09/eid-al-fitr-at-kotzia-square/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 07 Sep 2010 23:23:26 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>ImanK</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Announcements]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Featured]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Athens]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Eid]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Eid al-Fitr]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Greece]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Greek Muslim]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Greek Muslims]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[imams]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Islam]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Kotzia square]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Muslim Association of Greece]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Muslims]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Ramadan]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Ramazani]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Αΐντ Αλ Φιτρ]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Ιμαμης]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Μουσουλμανική Ένωση Ελλάδας]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[μουσουλμανοι]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[πλατεία Κοτζιά]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Ραμαζανι]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Ραμαντάν]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[أثينا]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[رابطة المسلمين في اليونان]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[رمضان]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[عيد الفطر]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ميدان كوتزي]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.greeksrethink.com/?p=3782</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Διαβάστε στα Ελληνικά/ عربي

The Muslim Association of Greece,
is celebrating the end of Ramadan. The Eid Al-Fitr is at at Kotzia Square,
 Athinas street across from the Mayor’s House.
 Two distinguished imams who are honored guests from Egypt
 will lead the prayer and make the festive speech.
 Easy access by buses and by metro at stations Omonoia or Monastiraki.
 Friday morning, September [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://equalsociety.com/el/2010/09/07/%ce%b1%ce%90%ce%bd%cf%84-%ce%b1%ce%bb-%cf%86%ce%b9%cf%84%cf%81-%cf%83%cf%84%ce%b7%ce%bd-%cf%80%ce%bb%ce%b1%cf%84%ce%b5%ce%af%ce%b1-%ce%ba%ce%bf%cf%84%ce%b6%ce%b9%ce%ac/">Διαβάστε στα Ελληνικά</a>/ <a href="http://equalsociety.com/ar/2010/09/%d8%b9%d9%8a%d8%af-%d8%a7%d9%84%d9%81%d8%b7%d8%b1%d9%81%d9%8a-%d9%85%d9%8a%d8%af%d8%a7%d9%86-%d9%83%d9%88%d8%aa%d8%b2%d9%8a%d8%a7/">عربي</a></p>
<h3 style="text-align: center;"><a rel="attachment wp-att-891" href="http://www.greeksrethink.com/2008/10/q-why-would-a-greek-chose-a-religion-that-is-so-antithetical-to-his-own-culture/890-revision/"><img title="kotzia2" src="http://equalsociety.com/en/wp-content/uploads/kotzia2.jpg" alt="kotzia2" width="413" height="300" /></a></h3>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">The Muslim Association of Greece,</h3>
<p style="text-align: center;">is celebrating the end of Ramadan. The <strong>Eid Al-Fitr</strong> is at<strong> </strong>at Kotzia Square,</p>
<p> Athinas street across from the Mayor’s House.</p>
<p> Two distinguished imams who are honored guests from Egypt</p>
<p> will lead the prayer and make the festive speech.</p>
<p> Easy access by buses and by metro at stations Omonoia or Monastiraki.</p>
<p> <strong>Friday morning, September 10,  7.30-9.30am</strong></p>
<p>Everyone is welcome! </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">  </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>


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		<item>
		<title>New Greek Muslim needs your advice</title>
		<link>http://www.greeksrethink.com/2010/06/new-greek-muslim-needs-your-advice/</link>
		<comments>http://www.greeksrethink.com/2010/06/new-greek-muslim-needs-your-advice/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 14 Jun 2010 16:19:36 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>ImanK</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Featured]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Religions]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Allah]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Arabs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Christmas]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Czech Republic]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Easter]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Greece]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Greek]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Greek convert]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Greek Muslim]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Islam]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Muslim]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Paksitan]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[religion]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.greeksrethink.com/?p=3679</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[This came in through our old blog site.  Can you give her some advice?
 
My name is Aisha(19 years old) and I am Greek currently living in Czech Republic for my studies. When I was in Greece i had no idea about Islam, due to the lack of information about it in Greece. I just thought [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><em>This came in through our old blog site.  Can you give her some advice?</em></p>
<p><em> </em></p>
<p><strong>My name is Aisha(19 years old) and I am Greek currently living in Czech Republic for my studies. When I was in Greece i had no idea about Islam, due to the lack of information about it in Greece.</strong> I just thought that it is a religion for Arabs&#8230; However Allah gave me the opportunity to see this beautiful way of life in Czech Republic.</p>
<p>As most of the Greeks understand being a muslim in Greece is not very common. In about 1 month i will go back to Greece and i will have to face my Christian parents. Although they are not very religious, they don&#8217;t go to church except Easter and Christmas and sometimes not even then, the idea of having a different religion from the rest of my family (and the rest of the Greek citizens) and the idea that i will make it so obvious by wearing the hijab will not give a very good reaction according to their behaviour&#8230;</p>
<p>I would appreciate it a lot if you could give me some advise on how to talk to them and what to tell them because they don&#8217;t know anything for islam except that it is a religion that people from Pakistan that live in the city center,where most of violence occurs in Athens. May Allah help me and make it easy for me.</p>
<p>Moreover, showing off in Greece is something that I use to do but i find it meaningless anymore. Girls nowdays in Greece have lost their mind and walk almost naked in the street,driving the attention of every female person that passes next to them.</p>
<p>However this is something very common, but wearing the hijab isn&#8217;t.. I don&#8217;t know what my non-muslim friends will be with the idea of going out with a girl that covers her body&#8230; Iknow them since i was a little child and they will understand but i will have to explain them in the right way&#8230; do you have any suggestions?</p>
<p>Even a very small advice might be very usefull for me so please help a new muslim girl that needs your help.  please take in consideration that i reverted to islam 2 weeks ago</p>
<p>The following text is for muslim women:</p>
<p>In Czech Republic like in Greece there are not a lot of muslims especially girls. Can you please send me a few basic information about basic things concerning the islam?</p>
<p>not for the social life but the every day life and things that muslim gilrs do!</p>
<p>Peace be upon all of you!!</p>
<p>Thanks to all of you spending time even reading about my story.</p>
<p>ALL PRAISES BE TO ALLAH!</p>
<p>Salam!</p>


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		<title>Iman Kouvalis on Muslimas Oasis</title>
		<link>http://www.greeksrethink.com/2009/12/iman-kouvalis-on-muslimas-oasis/</link>
		<comments>http://www.greeksrethink.com/2009/12/iman-kouvalis-on-muslimas-oasis/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 02 Dec 2009 12:09:46 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>ImanK</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Featured]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Q & A]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[cemetery]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[equal society]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[EU]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Global Greek Muslim Community]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Greece]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Greek culture]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Greek heritage]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Greek Muslim]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Greek Muslims]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Islam]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[mosque]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Muslim Association of Greece]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.greeksrethink.com/?p=3275</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[I was interviewed by Muslimas Oasis so I thought I would share.  
 

Source: Muslimas Oasis
I&#8217;ve had the privilege of working with Iman for the past couple of years doing web design work for her company Optimize It Designs. Iman is a successful and ambitious sister and an inspiration to many. I am excited to [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><em>I was interviewed by <a href="http://www.muslimasoasis.com">Muslimas Oasis</a> so I thought I would share. <img src='http://www.greeksrethink.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':)' class='wp-smiley' /> </em></p>
<p> </p>
<p><img class="aligncenter" src="http://www.muslimasoasis.com/wp-content/uploads/banner468x60.jpg" alt="" width="468" height="60" /></p>
<p>Source: <a href="http://www.muslimasoasis.com/2009/11/iman-kouvalis-of-greeks-rethink/">Muslimas Oasis</a></p>
<p>I&#8217;ve had the privilege of working with Iman for the past couple of years doing web design work for her company Optimize It Designs. Iman is a successful and ambitious sister and an inspiration to many. I am excited to bring you this interview where she talks briefly about the flourishing Global Greek Muslim Community she has developed through Greeks Rethink and what it means to be a Greek Muslim.</p>
<p><strong>Tell us a bit about Greeks Rethink, how it started and the work you do for the Greek Muslim Community.</strong></p>
<p>It all started with a question. Where are all the Greek Muslims? The majority of us are scattered around the world but we have a passion to connect with each other. I started two years ago and now our website is a meeting place for people who want to learn about Greeks who have rethought life.</p>
<p><strong>Do you primarily work with Muslims in Greece or Greek muslims abroad?</strong></p>
<p>Our work is for Greek Muslims globally but we are aligned with the Muslim Association of Greece (www.equalsociety.com) who is the association that takes care of the national Islamic issues in Greece.</p>
<p><strong>You&#8217;re a Greek Muslim revert/convert mashaAllah! Tell us a bit about your experience as a Muslim in relation to your Greek culture and heritage?</strong></p>
<p>We are between East and West. If you&#8217;ve ever watched My Big Fat Greek Wedding, that&#8217;s pretty accurate to who we are. <img src='http://www.greeksrethink.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':)' class='wp-smiley' />  Greece brought a rich civilization to the world as did Islam so I enjoy being part of both.</p>
<p><strong>We see a lot of abuses of Religious Freedom around the world, increasingly in Europe, what is the situation for Greek Muslims in this regard?</strong></p>
<p>Greece is the only EU country without a mosque in its capital city. With 700 000 Muslims in Athens, this is a tragedy. The Muslim Association of Greece is working tirelessly for years to promote a positive image of Islam and Muslims in Greece.</p>
<p><strong>What other sorts of issues do Muslims face in Greece?</strong></p>
<p>Apart from the mosque issue, Muslims do not have a cemetery and have to ship their dead to external countries or at least eight hours away. The hard reality is that Greece has many misconceptions towards Islam but the average Muslim neighbor enjoys friendship with the average Greek neighbor.</p>
<p><strong>What sort of feedback have you gotten about your work? From the Greek state? Muslims? Non muslims?</strong></p>
<p>Through the Muslim Association of Greece, we have had positive attention from major media networks globally, global Muslim networks and Greek authorities. Even many non-Greeks have told me that they visit our website regularly.</p>
<p><strong>In your experience how does the Greek culture compliment Islamic culture, what are the similarities?</strong></p>
<p>Our traditional heritage and etiquettes are similar to Islamic etiquettes, not to mention great food and a rich history of thinking, reflecting and civilization.</p>
<p><strong>Islam spread to much of Europe in the past, what part does Islam play in Greek history?</strong></p>
<p>Islam was part of Greece for about 500 years during the Ottoman Empire period. Today, you can still see remnants of Islam in Greece through its museums, foods and words.</p>
<p><strong>What sort of goals do you have for the future of your work?</strong></p>
<p>Our annual goal includes the building of five websites:</p>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.greeksrethink.com">www.greeksrethink.com</a> (Connecting Greek Muslims)</li>
<li><a href="http://www.equalsociety.com">www.equalsociety.com</a> (Muslim Association of Greece)</li>
<li><a href="http://www.ora-islam.gr">www.ora-islam.gr</a> (About Islam in the Greek language for Non-Muslims)</li>
<li><a href="http://www.islamfriends.gr">www.islamfriends.gr</a> (Islamic culture and civilization in the Greek language)</li>
<li>Fifth website is still a secret to the public! <img src='http://www.greeksrethink.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':)' class='wp-smiley' /> </li>
</ul>
<p><strong>How can other organizations like yours that cater to specific ethnic groups of Muslims learn from Greeks Rethink?</strong></p>
<p>If you want to run a project like Greeks Rethink, the best thing to do is to contact someone who has already done something like this and ask them a lot of questions. Before I started, I spent six months with high-powered people just learning from them. But to give you a few hints, try this: think big, plan big, start small, make a team, get some business skills and make lots of dua.</p>
<p><strong>Tell any Greek Muslim readers out there how they can get involved, InshaAllah?</strong></p>
<p>Visit www.greeksrethink.com and introduce yourself at our forum. Greek or not, I&#8217;m sure you&#8217;ll be intrigued by what you find at our website.</p>


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		<title>Elena Pouliasi: my journey to Islam</title>
		<link>http://www.greeksrethink.com/2009/09/elena-pouliasi-journey-to-islam/</link>
		<comments>http://www.greeksrethink.com/2009/09/elena-pouliasi-journey-to-islam/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 26 Sep 2009 11:34:46 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Anna</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Featured]]></category>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.greeksrethink.com/?p=3092</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The experiences of Greek student after her decision to accept Islam 
Source:  Kathimerini.gr 
Διαβάστε στα Ελληνικά
 
&#8220;Shall I write your name?&#8221; &#8220;Yes write it.&#8221; &#8220;And your parents?&#8221; &#8220;Eventually they will get to know the truth. I did not fall into drugs!&#8221;
Twenty-three year old today, Elena Pouliasi is young and beautiful girl &#8211; you can see that even [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong><em>The experiences of Greek student after her decision to accept Islam </em></strong></p>
<p>Source: <a href="http://news.kathimerini.gr/4dcgi/_w_articles_ell_2_20/09/2009_330097"> Kathimerini.gr</a> </p>
<p><a href="http://www.greeksrethink.com/2009/09/%ce%bf%ce%b9-%c2%ab%ce%b1%ce%bb%ce%ae%ce%b8%ce%b5%ce%b9%ce%b5%cf%82-%cf%84%cf%89%ce%bd-%ce%ac%ce%bb%ce%bb%cf%89%ce%bd%c2%bb-%ce%ba%ce%b1%ce%b9-%ce%b7-%ce%bc%ce%b1%ce%bd%cf%84%ce%af%ce%bb%ce%b1-%cf%84/">Διαβάστε στα Ελληνικά</a></p>
<p align="center"> </p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><strong><img class="alignleft" src="http://www.greeksrethink.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/elenaweb.jpg" alt="" width="200" height="267" />&#8220;Shall I write your name?&#8221; &#8220;Yes write it.&#8221; &#8220;And your parents?&#8221; &#8220;Eventually they will get to know the truth. I did not fall into drugs!&#8221;</strong></p>
<p>Twenty-three year old today, Elena Pouliasi is young and beautiful girl &#8211; you can see that even under her hijab. It has been less than a year since her decision to accept Islam, decision that cost her enough friends and posed the risk of rupture with her family.&#8221; This is my truth though,&#8221; says to &#8220;K&#8221;.</p>
<p>For the past three years, Elena is in England for studies. In her neighbourhood and university, Muslim population outclass in number. &#8220;Like most Greeks, I had too grown with the mentality that the Muslims are strict and oppressed people. I saw women with headscarves and I thought that they do not have a life. But the people I met there were quite different.&#8221; Her two best friends in London were from Saudi Arabia &#8211; she describes them as &#8220;incredibly intelligent and talented.&#8221; They naturally wore the headscarf. Elena could not understand and neither wanted to challenge their religion. Herself from a little girl believed in God. &#8220;I began to read about Islam in order to convince them, to prove that in the subject of their religion they are misguided.&#8221;</p>
<p>She began to read the Quran in his Greek translation. &#8220;I began to realize that I had learned it&#8230; differently. I saw, as an example, love and respect for the women and mothers. Almost unconsciously I stopped drinking and eating pork. I did not know what the truth was and until I find it, I decided to remain open at all. This process lasted roughly eight months. &#8220;I lived as a Muslim. I was careful where I go out, I was more careful with the clothes I wore; I stopped swearing, and became more generous and polite.&#8221;</p>
<p>On May 15<sup>th</sup> she officially became a Muslim. The subject of hijab worried her. In the beginning, she wore it outside, but used to remove the scarf when she entered her office (alongside her studies in International Business and Management, she also runs a translation office). &#8220;I did not want the behaviour of my colleagues to change towards me. But now I wear hijab all the time. Why? Because it makes me feel better. I feel secure&#8221;.</p>
<p><strong>Personal cost</strong></p>
<p>Her decision did not come without personal cost. &#8220;It was something that affected my family too. Even though I have not announced it, my mother understands that I have changed. I lost also many friends. The only consolation is that they were not real friends, or if they were they would like to be with Elena as she really is, not only with Elena that used to go out on Friday night and get drunk.&#8221;</p>
<p>It is not that she does not understand them. &#8220;Most people have a tendency to believe that to become a Muslim you must have been brainwashed.</p>
<p>However, nobody put the Quran in my hands, it was my choice.</p>
<p>They say to me, &#8220;but you were born Greek!&#8221; I say to them, &#8220;but I am Greek.&#8221; Becoming Muslim does not mean that my life is over and that I should devote myself in reading Quran, bear children and become fanatical. On the contrary, I get angry with the Muslims who are extremists.&#8221; Before we close,&#8221; she points out, &#8220;They will ask you for sure, if I became Muslim because I fell in love.  Answer them that I did not. Most women become Muslims before they meet their prince.&#8221;</p>
<p><strong>Many are baptized Christian Orthodox</strong></p>
<p>In www.greeksrethink.com, the global online community of Greek Muslims, you find enough testimonies of Greek Orthodox that at some point made the conscious decision of embracing Islam. Most are Greeks of abroad and, in their narrations, describe rather with gloomy colours the way that they were faced by their families. &#8220;This is an experiential, hard road to change your religion and which in any case should be treated with respect,&#8221; says in the &#8220;K&#8221; professor of Comparative Philosophy in University of Athens Mr. Marios Begzos. In Greece, however, we are open only in words; instead there is great difficulty in the assimilation of the &#8216;other&#8217;. Especially Muslims, who in our conscience are acknowledged as Turks therefore there are negative records in our subconscious.</p>
<p>The natural routes between the two religions have two directions. Many Muslims every year are baptized Christian Orthodox in a church of our country, although as emphasized in the &#8220;K&#8221; Chairman of the Board Movement Citizens&#8217; Coexistence and Communication in the Aegean Mr. Stratis Potha, in most cases the reason is marriage.&#8221;For Muslims especially, that is something not easy to reveal to their family.</p>


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		<title>Hotdogs, souvlakia and shawarmas: my life, my culture</title>
		<link>http://www.greeksrethink.com/2009/07/from-hotdogs-to-kebabs/</link>
		<comments>http://www.greeksrethink.com/2009/07/from-hotdogs-to-kebabs/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 06 Jul 2009 21:43:47 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>ImanK</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Featured]]></category>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.greeksrethink.com/?p=2298</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[

A few days ago I was invited to a New Muslims dinner with Canadian converts to Islam.  It was refreshing to see a culture opposite to your typical Arabic culture.
(That means we were eating pasta, deviled eggs, taco dip and banana bread instead of your usual shawarma, rice and hommus mix.     ) 
It [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong><a title="IMG_5638" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27510199@N03/3690514257/" target="_blank"></a><a title="Yansımalar / Reflections..." href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27612206@N02/3665201883/" target="_blank"><img class="alignleft" style="border: 0px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3343/3665201883_f28a7f821f_m.jpg" border="0" alt="Yansımalar / Reflections..." /></a></strong></p>
<p><strong></strong></p>
<p><strong>A few days ago I was invited to a New Muslims dinner with Canadian converts to Islam.  It was refreshing to see a culture opposite to your typical Arabic culture.</strong></p>
<p><em><strong><span style="color: #888888;">(That means we were eating pasta, deviled eggs, taco dip and banana bread instead of your usual shawarma, rice and hommus mix.  <img src='http://www.greeksrethink.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':)' class='wp-smiley' />  </span></strong></em><em><strong><span style="color: #888888;"> )</span></strong> </em></p>
<p>It was funny because at one point one of the Canadian-born sisters was sitting next to me and because we were relaxing so much she crossed her leg and the back of her foot happened to be facing me.  We both laughed because she said she was sorry so I won&#8217;t take offense.</p>
<p>Right away, I knew what she was referring to.  In the Arabic culture, if your foot is facing another person, that is one of the most demeaning insults you can make to a person.  <em>(Remember the whole Iraqi journalist-slash-Bush-slash-shoe-throwing incident?)</em> I told her not to worry because I&#8217;m not Arabic to begin with.</p>
<p><strong><a title="Man on edge" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/71182065@N00/288487711/" target="_blank"><img class="alignright" style="border: 0px;" src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/103/288487711_c224d1c840_m.jpg" border="0" alt="Man on edge" /></a><br />
</strong><strong>But it was interesting because the other Canadian sister beside me saw us and said, &#8220;Oh, that&#8217;s why my father-in-law was so angry when I did that to him?!&#8221;.  She was a brand new convert and got her first shockwave of Arabic culture.</strong></p>
<p>When people first convert, some think that they have to become &#8220;more Arabic&#8221; to become more pious.  Instead of sister, they call you &#8220;ukhti&#8221;.  Instead of hotdogs, it&#8217;s kebabs.  Instead of a baseball cap, it&#8217;s the traditional headdress Saudis wear.</p>
<p><strong>I thought like that too at first but with proper knowledge of Islam, I started to realize that I don&#8217;t have to be an Arab.  There is nothing wrong with being an Arab, but I can just be myself - a Canadian Greek Muslim- as long as I take the good from each culture.</strong></p>
<p>For example, in the Canadian (and sometimes even Greek) society these days, it&#8217;s very normal to see some kids violently swearing at their parents and yelling at them or treating them with no respect whatsoever.  Obviously, this is totally against Islamic principles.</p>
<p>But then there are other cultural things in Canada that I like, like saying please and thank you.  <span style="color: #000000;"><em>(I was told not to say thank you in </em><em>Athens</em><em>, otherwise they will consider me to be a foreigner!)</em></span></p>
<p>And then it gets really confusing for non-Muslims (and sometimes Muslims too) to try to figure out what is culture and what is Islam.</p>
<p>For example, my Canadian friend was telling me one of those &#8220;horror stories&#8221; of a Muslim friend in the Indo-Pak region that is being completely denied of her financial maintenance rights from her husband.  Obviously this is completely unIslamic but without proper knowledge, someone can easily look at that and so, oh, see what Islam does to Muslim women?!</p>
<p><strong>So, in the end, culture and religion is not a black-and-white issue, choose-one-or-the-other idea.  Muslims come from cultures in every country and every continent and they are as different as fingers of my hand. No one is better than the other, but we are one hand and one nation united by one belief,</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em><span style="color: #888888;"><strong>There is no object worthy of worship </strong></span></em></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em><span style="color: #888888;"><strong>except the one true God (who created everything).</strong></span></em></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em><span style="color: #888888;"><strong></strong></span></em></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #888888;"><strong><span style="color: #000000;">The next time you see one of the 30 million Chinese Muslims, what will you think?</span></strong></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em><span style="color: #888888;"><strong></strong></span></em></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em><span style="color: #888888;"><strong></strong></span></em></p>


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		<title>Ship leaves Cyprus to Gaza, IDF navy intercepts</title>
		<link>http://www.greeksrethink.com/2009/07/ship-leaves-cyprus-to-gaza-idf-navy-intercepts/</link>
		<comments>http://www.greeksrethink.com/2009/07/ship-leaves-cyprus-to-gaza-idf-navy-intercepts/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 01 Jul 2009 13:38:40 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>ImanK</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Featured]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[World News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Arion ship]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Cypriot]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Cyprus]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Embassy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Free Gaza]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Gaza]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Greece]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Greek Muslim]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[IDF Navy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Islam]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Larnaca]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Muslims]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Spirit of Humanity]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.greeksrethink.com/?p=2253</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Greeks Rethink Note:  The ship is part of the Free Gaza movement headed by Greek Professor Vangelis Pissias.  Please watch video below for his interview and mission.

 
 
 Διαβάστε στα ελληνικά. 
Source:  Jerusalem Post
An IDF Navy unit took over a ship that was en route to breaking the naval closure on the Gaza Strip, the IDF said in [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><em>Greeks Rethink Note:  The ship is part of the Free Gaza movement headed by Greek Professor Vangelis Pissias.  Please watch video below for his interview and mission.</em></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe src="http://blip.tv/play/AYGMxw2XoCk.html" width="480" height="299" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://a.blip.tv/api.swf#AYGMxw2XoCk" style="display:none"></embed></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> <a href="http://www.enet.gr/?i=news.el.article&amp;id=59143">Διαβάστε στα ελληνικά. </a></p>
<p>Source:  <a href="http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=JPost/JPArticle/ShowFull&amp;cid=1246296538815">Jerusalem Post</a></p>
<div class="wp-caption alignleft" style="width: 258px"><img src="http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?blobcol=urlimage&amp;blobheader=image%2Fjpeg&amp;blobheadername1=Cache-Control&amp;blobheadervalue1=max-age%3D420&amp;blobkey=id&amp;blobtable=JPImage&amp;blobwhere=1230456525179&amp;cachecontrol=5%3A0%3A0+*%2F*%2F*&amp;ssbinary=true" alt="Photo: AP" width="248" height="165" /><p class="wp-caption-text">Photo: AP</p></div>
<p>An IDF Navy unit took over a ship that was en route to breaking the naval closure on the Gaza Strip, the IDF said in a statement Tuesday afternoon.</p>
<p><strong>International activists cover boxes of medical supplies to protect them from the rain aboard a boat before setting sail for Gaza from the Cypriot port of Larnaca, Monday.<br />
</strong></p>
<p>After the Navy contacted the ship and realized it was headed to Gaza, the troops clarified that the Strip is under naval closure and that because of security concerns it will not be allowed to reach the beach of Gaza.</p>
<p><strong>The ship, named Arion and referred to by the Free Gaza movement which sponsored its trip as the Spirit of Humanity,</strong> continued sailing to Gaza despite the Navy&#8217;s warnings, and after refusing to heed consecutive calls not to sail to the Strip, Navy troops mounted the ship and navigated it to the Ashdod port.</p>
<p>The Arion&#8217;s crew and passengers will be transferred over to relevant authorities, the military statement said.</p>
<p>The IDF added that any entity wishing to transfer humanitarian aid can do so through land crossings, after coordinating with the relevant Israeli authorities.</p>
<p><strong>The Cypriot Embassy in Tel Aviv issued a statement following the incident, saying &#8220;The Embassy of the Republic of Cyprus in Israel would like to inform that the &#8220;Spirit of Humanity&#8221; boat, sponsored by the Free Gaza Movement, that attempted in the early hours today to reach Gaza was given permission by the competent Authorities of the Republic of Cyprus to sail off the port of Larnaca in Cyprus on the basis of its declaration that its intended destination was the port of Port Said in Egypt.&#8221;</strong></p>
<p><strong></strong></p>


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		<title>To the President and then to Euro Court</title>
		<link>http://www.greeksrethink.com/2009/05/to-the-president-and-then-to-euro-court/</link>
		<comments>http://www.greeksrethink.com/2009/05/to-the-president-and-then-to-euro-court/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 31 May 2009 23:48:48 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Guest Author</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Featured]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[World News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Athens]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Europe]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[European Court]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Greece]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Greek]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Greek government]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Greek Muslim]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Islam]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[mosque]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Muslim Association of Greece]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Muslim cemetery]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Naim El-Ghandour]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Αθήνα]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Ισλάμ]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Μουσουλμάνοι]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.greeksrethink.com/?p=1906</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Source: Kathimerini
http://news.kathimerini.gr
The Chairman of the Muslim Association of Greece Mr Naim Elghandour reveals through &#8220;K&#8221; the intention to appeal to the European Court if their demand for an Islamic Mosque in Athens is not met. &#8220;The time is running out ,putting as deadline  the answer of The President of The Democracy in a related letter [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Source: Kathimerini</p>
<p><a rel="nofollow" href="http://news.kathimerini.gr/4dcgi/_w_articles_ell_2_31/05/2009_316853" target="_blank">http://news.kathimerini.gr</a></p>
<p><img class="alignleft" src="http://www.google.co.uk/images?q=tbn:0FmvLecvoYM42M::www.traveljournals.net/pictures/l/6/62663-european-court-of-human-rights-strasbourg-france.jpg" alt="" width="130" height="98" /><strong>The Chairman of the Muslim Association of Greece Mr Naim Elghandour reveals through &#8220;K&#8221; the intention to appeal to the European Court if their demand for an Islamic Mosque in Athens is not met. &#8220;The time is running out ,putting as deadline  the answer of The President of The Democracy in a related letter of the Union.</strong><br />
&#8220;The President of The Democracy is our last hope,” stresses Mr Elghadour “If there is no answer ,or if we see that despite his positive attitude ,still nothing is being done, the only way is The European Institution. <img class="alignright" src="http://www.google.co.uk/images?q=tbn:5Rs9qr8NIeJHXM::www.vosizneias.com/content/2009/01/eup.jpg" alt="" width="120" height="120" /></p>
<p><strong>However already via specific websites <span style="color: #3366ff;">(</span><span style="color: #3366ff;">such as the popular greeksrethink.com</span></strong>) <strong>Muslims who live in our country are in a race to mobilise their  “brothers” abroad.</strong><br />
The Global Greek community is large and scattered in every corner of the globe(Canada, USA, UK, Australia and elsewhere.) “ We are asking for their support  in our cause ” says the Chairman of MAG . “Initially just to ask  the priest in their local parish if they would accept the creation of an Islamic Mosque in Athens.” Given recent statements by Archbishop Ieronymos who spoke about the obvious and inalienable right of every human being to freely worship his Lord. The Greek Muslims have secured a positive response from their priests.</p>
<p><strong>“Listen! Things are simple” says Mr Elghandour. </strong>“ Thirty years have passed since allegedly started the construction of the Islamic Mosque but we are still at talks. I consider that the demand is not only ours but of every freedom loving person on the planet”.</p>
<p><strong>Athens , a city in which live more than 700,00 Muslims , is the only European country without a Mosque and a Muslim Cemetery.</strong> For their worship needs the Muslims are served by app 100 informal mosques operating in various parts of the Capital , in apartments, garages, warehouses and basements. Even this way of exercising their religious duties is not without a hindrance. A few months ago the Prefecture in Athens fined the owner of  a basement in Nea Ionia ,which was being used as an informal mosque 60,000 and 30,000 Euros as there was no special licence for the premises.<br />
The decision sparked off one of the largest (up to then) mobilisation of Muslims in Athens involving more than 1000 believers demanding an official place of worship.</p>
<p><strong>We all remember the strong opposition of the Municipality and  of the residents of Paeania, when in 2000, by law 2833 it had been decided the construction of the Islamic Centre with the expenses to be borne by Saudi Arabia</strong>.<br />
This project never materialised and the only reminder of the story is the cross on the slope of the mountain which continues to welcome those who leave the airport with Athens as their destination.</p>
<p><strong>However neither the last chapter seems to have a happy ending for the Muslim community.</strong> This project which in 2006 passed in the Parliament according to which the Islami Mosque would be constructed at a naval base in  Botanicals ( where at the moment there is a supermarket and offices of the Greek Navy) and gave provision to a series of safeguards to prevent such as  the Imam being a civil servant.<br />
In the beginning we were told that there were 57 acres.<br />
From discussion to discussion  and while ministers were changing the area kept on  being reduced  and finally it was down to  16 acres.<br />
<strong>“Even if it is 16 acres or 16 yards , please let us built at last” pleads Mr Elghandour.</strong></p>
<p><strong>Difficult…….. The navy claims that it needs 5 million Euros to relocate , money that nobody is willing to spend</strong>. “ We told them that we can mobilise our people to find the money and give it to them but they replied that it ….sin. At the same time they can not find the money. In response to a recent question by a member of parliament, Mr Perikles Korovesi , the Defence Ministry said that they would investigate if the construction of the Islamic Mosque  raises an issue of safety  to the base.<br />
“ Now all of a sudden they  are afraid that the Muslims might go  to the supermarket  and steal macaroni and rice” says frowning  The Chairman of MGA , Mr Elghandour. And the letter we have sent to the Minister of Education remains unanswered.</p>
<p><strong>“The truth is that we have not fallen to zero. We have fallen below zero.</strong> And for you to know, the  American Embassy and other International Human  Rights Organisations have approached us asking about these problems and I have answered “ No thanks, there is the possibility that  there is a mistake.”<strong> Because we are Greeks  and we have no intention to expose our country or be reported in the state department.<br />
“We love Greece. The problems are ours and we do not need “the neighbourhood” to know.</strong><br />
But this is not appreciated by the Government” concludes Mr Elghandour.</p>


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		<title>Halal hugs and kisses</title>
		<link>http://www.greeksrethink.com/2009/04/halal-hugs-and-kisses/</link>
		<comments>http://www.greeksrethink.com/2009/04/halal-hugs-and-kisses/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 05 Apr 2009 16:41:45 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>ImanK</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Featured]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Greece]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Greek Muslim]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Greek Muslims]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Islam]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Muslim]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.greeksrethink.com/?p=1709</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[
I can&#8217;t believe it&#8217;s been one year.  I posted my first blog entry on April 8th, 2008.  Since then we&#8217;ve gotten 120 members, 7 admin team members, 62, 939 views to our website and 1604 blog comments. 
This is not counting how many views we get to our forum.  I&#8217;m guessing that would bring the number [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img class="alignleft" src="http://www.boomspeed.com/1631951/hugs05.jpg" alt="" width="242" height="236" /></p>
<p>I can&#8217;t believe it&#8217;s been one year.  I posted my first <a href="http://greekmuslim.wordpress.com/2008/04/08/whats-the-blog-all-about/" target="_blank">blog entry </a>on April 8th, 2008.  Since then we&#8217;ve gotten <strong>120 members, 7 admin team members, 62, 939 views to our website and 1604 blog comments</strong>. </p>
<p>This is not counting how many views we get to our forum.  I&#8217;m guessing that would bring the number up to 100, 000 views.</p>
<p>It&#8217;s wierd to look back at my past posts.  I usually cringe or laugh at what ridiculous things I&#8217;ve written!  But here&#8217;s what I wrote:</p>
<p> </p>
<blockquote>
<div class="snap_preview">
<p>Lately, I’ve been thinking about Greek Muslims more and more. We ARE out there, but where? Every once in a while, I either get an e-mail from a Greek Muslim I’ve never met before or I’ll receive a notice about a new youtube video create by a Greek Muslim. The thing I hate though, is that I try to save all of this stuff in one place but I end up forgetting where it all is.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>What’s this blog for?</strong></p>
<p>So, I decided to first start a blog for Greek Muslims, if nothing else, where I can collect all of the videos, books, articles etc. about Greek Muslims and post it in ONE place. That’s the purpose of this blog.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>So, what’s the benefit?</strong></p>
<p>When I first converted to Islam, I wish I had a place to go to online to find out that 1) there ARE other Greek Muslims and 2) connect with them. And so, the benefit of this blog is that this is the online place to find it all.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>We’ll try our best to keep you updated with all the new videos, articles etc. we find and also try to post up some reflections of what it means to be a Greek Muslim and some of the hardships you might run into with your family.</p>
<p>So, stay tuned and keep coming back for more.</p>
<p> </p></div>
</blockquote>
<p>We&#8217;ve come a long way since then.  Thank God.  And thank YOU for being part of our community.  Halal hugs and kisses. <img src='http://www.greeksrethink.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':)' class='wp-smiley' /> </p>
<p> </p>
<p>p.s.  Sorry, but I just couldn&#8217;t resist being all lovey dovey for this post!</p>


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