Showing posts with label Location: Iceland. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Location: Iceland. Show all posts
Iceland: Al-Jazeera making documentary on Icelandic Ramadan
Iceland: Al-Jazeera making documentary on Icelandic Ramadan
Via the Iceland Review:
Via the Iceland Review:
Arabian television station Al Jazeera is currently making a documentary on the lives of Icelandic Muslims which will be aired in December.
The documentary features how Muslims honor Ramadan at the edge of the Arctic and then the crew will travel to New Zealand to study the religious practices of Muslims at the other end of the world during this holiest month of the Islamic calendar, Fréttabladid reports.
Among interviewees in Iceland are Ólafur Ali Halldórsson, who leads prayer at the Muslim Association of Iceland, and filmmaker Egill Noor Prunner.
(source)
Labels:
Holidays,
Location: Iceland
Iceland: Muslim Associations Asked to Collaborate on Mosque
Iceland: Muslim Associations Asked to Collaborate on Mosque
Via Iceland Review:
Via Iceland Review:
Two Muslim societies in Iceland, the Association of Muslims in Iceland and the new Islamic Cultural Center of Iceland, have applied for lots in Reykjavík to build a mosque. City authorities have requested that the mosque be a joint project between the two associations.
Labels:
Location: Iceland,
Mosques and Imams
Iceland: Multinational Women Cook Up Delicacies in Akranes
Iceland: Multinational Women Cook Up Delicacies in Akranes
Via Iceland Review:
Via Iceland Review:
The restaurant Veröldin okkar (“Our World”), known as mother’s kitchen, opened in Akranes in west Iceland last month and has proven popular among locals.
The restaurant’s purpose is to provide employment for and break the social isolation of immigrant women and at the same time offer guests a selection of multinational dishes, Morgunbladid reports.
“It was my idea; I’m a genius,” laughed the project’s initiator Amal Tamimi. “There are many unemployed women here and it is a known fact that those who are unemployed are at a greater risk of becoming socially isolated, which can lead to various problems, such as anxiety, depression and social phobia.”
(more)
Labels:
Culture and Art,
Location: Iceland
Iceland: Slaughterhouses to offer halal slaughter
Iceland: Slaughterhouses to offer halal slaughter
Via Iceland Review:
Via Iceland Review:
This fall, slaughtering according to Islamic tradition will take place in a number of Icelandic slaughterhouses, ruv.is reports. Not much must be altered regarding the slaughtering methods, but with the so-called Halal method in use, new markets will open for Icelandic mutton all around the world.
This fall, the method will be applied partially or entirely in various slaughterhouses including those in Selfoss, Hvammstangi and Saudárkrókur.
According to the slaughterhouse manager at Hvammstangi, it is a common misconception that the Halal method is inhumane. Quite on the contrary, it fulfills every standard regarding the humane treatment of animals as well as the handling of alimentary products.
This fall, all sheep slaughtering at Sláturfélag Sudurlands at Selfoss will be done according to the Halal method. During the process, a Muslim will be present, reciting a prayer out loud or in silence. With all the meat thus certified, the slaughterhouse’s goal is to enter large new markets in the Islamic world(more)
Labels:
Halal Food,
Location: Iceland,
Muslim World
Iceland: Mosque opened at University of Iceland
Iceland: Mosque opened at University of Iceland
With the rapid approach of the holy month of Ramadan, a prayer room has opened for Muslims at the University of Iceland. A student in the Finnish language department at the university made a formal request at the Student Council for a prayer room which was later approved by the university. A Holy Quran and prayer rugs were set up in the university's Chapel making it into a multi faith prayer room, making Icelandic history in the process.
"We are really very happy that we have a prayer room at the University of Iceland," Head of the Islamic Association in Iceland Salmann Tamimi told IceNews. "It gives the opportunity for Muslim students who have to pray 5 times a day to be able to perform it at the right times. It helps the other non Muslim students and teachers to have a better understanding of Islam, which we are really in need of." Salmann Tamimi is a graduate of the University of Iceland.
(more)
Source: IceNews
With the rapid approach of the holy month of Ramadan, a prayer room has opened for Muslims at the University of Iceland. A student in the Finnish language department at the university made a formal request at the Student Council for a prayer room which was later approved by the university. A Holy Quran and prayer rugs were set up in the university's Chapel making it into a multi faith prayer room, making Icelandic history in the process.
"We are really very happy that we have a prayer room at the University of Iceland," Head of the Islamic Association in Iceland Salmann Tamimi told IceNews. "It gives the opportunity for Muslim students who have to pray 5 times a day to be able to perform it at the right times. It helps the other non Muslim students and teachers to have a better understanding of Islam, which we are really in need of." Salmann Tamimi is a graduate of the University of Iceland.
(more)
Source: IceNews
Labels:
Location: Iceland
Iceland: First 'all-Icelandic' Muslim marriage ceremony
Iceland: Icelanders marry in Muslim ceremony
The article doesn't say, but I'm guessing both husband and wife are converts to Islam.
Last weekend was an important moment for the Muslim community in Iceland, because the first 'all-Icelandic' couple got married at the Muslim Association mosque. The head of the association, Salmann Tamimi, performed the ceremony to join Hjalti Bjorn Valthorsson and Gunnhildur Aevarsdottir in matrimony.
"Of course there have been Icelanders who have converted and married members of our communion, but this is the first all-Icelandic pair we have married," Tamimi told Frettabladid. He said that the number of Muslims in Iceland has increased rapidly over the last couple of years. "Two or three years ago you could count them more or less on the fingers of one hand, but now there are between 30 and 40 (Muslims in the Association)," he said. "Things seem to be improving for Muslims, both here in Iceland and elsewhere these days."
(more)
Source: IceNews (English)
The article doesn't say, but I'm guessing both husband and wife are converts to Islam.
Last weekend was an important moment for the Muslim community in Iceland, because the first 'all-Icelandic' couple got married at the Muslim Association mosque. The head of the association, Salmann Tamimi, performed the ceremony to join Hjalti Bjorn Valthorsson and Gunnhildur Aevarsdottir in matrimony.
"Of course there have been Icelanders who have converted and married members of our communion, but this is the first all-Icelandic pair we have married," Tamimi told Frettabladid. He said that the number of Muslims in Iceland has increased rapidly over the last couple of years. "Two or three years ago you could count them more or less on the fingers of one hand, but now there are between 30 and 40 (Muslims in the Association)," he said. "Things seem to be improving for Muslims, both here in Iceland and elsewhere these days."
(more)
Source: IceNews (English)
Labels:
Location: Iceland
Sweden/Iceland: Taking in Palestinian refugees
Sweden and Iceland have promised to provide sanctuary to Palestinian refugees who left Iraq and then got stuck in a no-mans land on the Iraqi-Syrian border.
Around 155 of refugees from the camp of al-Tanf are due to land in Sweden within the next few weeks, according to a representative from the United Nations organisation UNHCR, a middle-eastern media organisation.
Iceland is to receive a couple dozen refugees from another camp in the area, al-Walid.
According to the Swedish Board of Migration, these 155 Palestinians are part of this year's refugee quota for 278 Palestinians.
Following the fall of Saddam Hussein, many Palestinians fled Iraq, but were not taken in by other countries in the region, and ended up living in dire circumstances on the Iraqi Syrian border.
Amnesty International reported on these Palestinians' plight last year, and told of refugees being kidnapped, tortured and murdered by Shiite Muslim group
Source: SR (English)
See also: Iceland: "We Have Enough with Caring for Ourselves", Iceland: Town receives Palestinian refugees
Around 155 of refugees from the camp of al-Tanf are due to land in Sweden within the next few weeks, according to a representative from the United Nations organisation UNHCR, a middle-eastern media organisation.
Iceland is to receive a couple dozen refugees from another camp in the area, al-Walid.
According to the Swedish Board of Migration, these 155 Palestinians are part of this year's refugee quota for 278 Palestinians.
Following the fall of Saddam Hussein, many Palestinians fled Iraq, but were not taken in by other countries in the region, and ended up living in dire circumstances on the Iraqi Syrian border.
Amnesty International reported on these Palestinians' plight last year, and told of refugees being kidnapped, tortured and murdered by Shiite Muslim group
Source: SR (English)
See also: Iceland: "We Have Enough with Caring for Ourselves", Iceland: Town receives Palestinian refugees
Labels:
Immigration,
Location: Iceland
Iceland: “We Have Enough with Caring for Ourselves”
Magnús Thor Hafsteinsson MP for the Liberal Party and former chairman of the office of social affairs in Akranes, was against the arrival of 30 refugees from Iraq to Akranes this summer. He has been highly criticized for his opinion on the matter. In the latest issue of Heimaskagi, the Liberal Party's newspaper, he explains his point of view.
"Based on the short notice we were given, little time for preparation, not enough information about the people and their background and the current situation in Akranes, I don't believe it's the right time to agree to accommodate refugees. As chairman of the office of social affairs, I cannot recommend this" Hafsteinsson wrote in Heimaskagi.
"This is impossible.We are talking about 60 people in two years in a village where the budget is tight. To even think of bringing people in from refugee camps, who have experienced so much and have to be under constant care of the administration of social affairs, is nonsense. This would mean that the total amount of foreigners in Akranes would rise to ten percent of the entire population, ten percent of which would be refugees." Hafsteinsson wrote.
Hafsteinsson ends his article by concluding "It is our main duty as a community to care for our own people[…] I'm not going to look into the eyes of our people and make budget cuts while accommodating around hundred immigrants at the same time. If the community of Akranes wants to help people; we should rather aid the Red Cross or those organizations that work in refugee camp, instead of bringing the problem to our town"
Hafsteinsson has resigned as chairman of the office of social affair in Akranes. The town council held an open meeting earlier this week to discuss the arrival of the refugees. The meeting ended with ovation. Morgundbladid reports.
Source: Iceland Review (English)
See also: Iceland: Town receives Palestinian refugees
"Based on the short notice we were given, little time for preparation, not enough information about the people and their background and the current situation in Akranes, I don't believe it's the right time to agree to accommodate refugees. As chairman of the office of social affairs, I cannot recommend this" Hafsteinsson wrote in Heimaskagi.
"This is impossible.We are talking about 60 people in two years in a village where the budget is tight. To even think of bringing people in from refugee camps, who have experienced so much and have to be under constant care of the administration of social affairs, is nonsense. This would mean that the total amount of foreigners in Akranes would rise to ten percent of the entire population, ten percent of which would be refugees." Hafsteinsson wrote.
Hafsteinsson ends his article by concluding "It is our main duty as a community to care for our own people[…] I'm not going to look into the eyes of our people and make budget cuts while accommodating around hundred immigrants at the same time. If the community of Akranes wants to help people; we should rather aid the Red Cross or those organizations that work in refugee camp, instead of bringing the problem to our town"
Hafsteinsson has resigned as chairman of the office of social affair in Akranes. The town council held an open meeting earlier this week to discuss the arrival of the refugees. The meeting ended with ovation. Morgundbladid reports.
Source: Iceland Review (English)
See also: Iceland: Town receives Palestinian refugees
Labels:
Immigration,
Location: Iceland
Iceland: Town receives Palestinian refugees
The refugees are of Palestinian origin, coming from Iraq.
The town council of Akranes has agreed to receive a group of thirty refugees from Palestine.
The town council agreed on this after a meeting yesterday, but there has been some disagreements among the townspeople about the matter. Mayor Gísli S. Einarson is pleased with the results of the town council meeting but he is uneasy about the petitions that have been circulating Akranes lately, collecting signatures from townspeople who are against the arrival of the refugees, Fréttabladid reports.
Most of the content in the petitions are false statements from Magnus Thor Hafsteinsson, MP and the vice president of the liberal party, Einarsson states.
Source: Iceland Review (English), Fréttabladid (Icelandic)
See also: Reykjavík: First immigrant in city council, Iceland: First Immigrant in Hafnarfjördur Town Council
The town council of Akranes has agreed to receive a group of thirty refugees from Palestine.
The town council agreed on this after a meeting yesterday, but there has been some disagreements among the townspeople about the matter. Mayor Gísli S. Einarson is pleased with the results of the town council meeting but he is uneasy about the petitions that have been circulating Akranes lately, collecting signatures from townspeople who are against the arrival of the refugees, Fréttabladid reports.
Most of the content in the petitions are false statements from Magnus Thor Hafsteinsson, MP and the vice president of the liberal party, Einarsson states.
Source: Iceland Review (English), Fréttabladid (Icelandic)
See also: Reykjavík: First immigrant in city council, Iceland: First Immigrant in Hafnarfjördur Town Council
Labels:
Immigration,
Location: Iceland
Reykjavik: Islamic call to prayer
A sound sculpture by art student Thórarinn Jónsson in the form of a recording of Islamic prayers will sound from the balcony of the Iceland Academy of the Arts in Reykjavík for the next few days.
According to Jónsson, the main motive behind his work is to provide a counterbalance to the negative image of Islam in the Western world, Morgunbladid reports.
"The calls of prayer in the Middle East are sung in a very beautiful and lyrical way," Jónsson said. The recording will be played five times a day for one week (beginning last week) for about one minute at a time.
Jónsson has studied at the Iceland Academy of the Arts since February. He was suspended from the Ontario College of Art and Design (OCAD) in December after planting a fake bomb—an art project—in the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM).
Source: Iceland Review (English)
According to Jónsson, the main motive behind his work is to provide a counterbalance to the negative image of Islam in the Western world, Morgunbladid reports.
"The calls of prayer in the Middle East are sung in a very beautiful and lyrical way," Jónsson said. The recording will be played five times a day for one week (beginning last week) for about one minute at a time.
Jónsson has studied at the Iceland Academy of the Arts since February. He was suspended from the Ontario College of Art and Design (OCAD) in December after planting a fake bomb—an art project—in the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM).
Source: Iceland Review (English)
Reykjavík: First immigrant in city council
As a side note to this story: In 1978 Jerusalem was under Israeli rule, and any permanent resident of Jerusalem can apply for Israeli citizenship, if they so wish. After having lived in Israel under Israeli rule for close to twenty years, the Tamimi family immigrated to Iceland just a couple of years after the Palestinian Authority was established as an independent self-ruling authority.
Amal Tamimi is apparently Salmann Tamimi's sister. Salmann Tamimi, head of the Icelandic Muslim Association. Salman Tami was born in Jerusalem, Jordan, in 1955, and came to Iceland in 1971. (Grapevine, Amal's blog)
Amal Tamimi is apparently Salmann Tamimi's sister. Salmann Tamimi, head of the Icelandic Muslim Association. Salman Tami was born in Jerusalem, Jordan, in 1955, and came to Iceland in 1971. (Grapevine, Amal's blog)
Falasteen Abu Lidbeh has become the first immigrant to speak as a legally elected representative at Reykjavík City Council.
Lidbeh replaced Sigrún Elsa Smáradóttir, local government MP for the Social Democratic Alliance. Lidbeh was born in Jerusalem in 1978. She came here with her family from Palestine in 1995. Lidbeh had to start her education in secondary school when she was sixteen when her peers were graduating.
Her mother, Amal Tamini, preceded her in politics because she took a seat in the local government of Hafnarfjördur a few days earlier.
"I would have liked to precede her," Libdeh said to RÚV television.
"The key to Icelandic society is the Icelandic language. Although I have only been to school here for a very short time I have managed to grasp it pretty well. I was lucky because I made Icelandic friends who have been very kind to me and who have taught me Icelandic. That's how I have integrated with Icelandic society and I feel that I belong here. I can say with pride today that I am Icelandic," said Libdeh to Morgunbladid.
Libdeh is the representative of the Social Democratic Alliance in the human rights council of Reykjavík city. She was naturally selected to speak at the city council when extensive discussions about human rights took place there yesterday. She is therefore the first immigrant to take a seat in the city's government.
Libdeh has a particular interest in human rights and issues regarding immigrants. She is particularly devoted to issues regarding the children of immigrants.
"We have to ensure that they master the Icelandic language and have real choices in education and be equal to their peers so that they can become real members of society," she said in her speech at the city council.
She said that it was possible to reach housewives of foreign origin through the schools. "This group often lives in total isolation and has limited opportunity to integrate into society."
Libdeh opposes any kind of payments to people who stay at home and stated that kindergarten fees should not be so high as to prevent people from seeking places for their children in kindergartens which in Iceland are types of full day preliminary schools.
Source: Iceland Review (English)
See also: Iceland: First Immigrant in Hafnarfjördur Town Council
Labels:
Location: Iceland,
Politics
Iceland: First Immigrant in Hafnarfjördur Town Council
As far as I've managed to understand, Tamimi is a Palestinian Muslim (source). Hafnarfjördur is a suburb of Reykjavík.
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Foreign-born vice-councilmember for the Social Democrats in Hafnarfjördur Amal Tamimi took a seat on the town council on Tuesday. This is the first time that an immigrant has become a councilmember in Hafnarfjördur.
Tamimi said she had been nervous but that everyone had been happy to have her join the council, Fréttabladid reports.
At the meeting, Tamimi proposed that a specialist would be hired for being in charge of immigrant issues in Hafnarfjördur and to establish better connections with Althjódahús, the Intercultural Center in Reykjavík.
Her proposal is being considered.
Source: Iceland Review (English)
----
Foreign-born vice-councilmember for the Social Democrats in Hafnarfjördur Amal Tamimi took a seat on the town council on Tuesday. This is the first time that an immigrant has become a councilmember in Hafnarfjördur.
Tamimi said she had been nervous but that everyone had been happy to have her join the council, Fréttabladid reports.
At the meeting, Tamimi proposed that a specialist would be hired for being in charge of immigrant issues in Hafnarfjördur and to establish better connections with Althjódahús, the Intercultural Center in Reykjavík.
Her proposal is being considered.
Source: Iceland Review (English)
Labels:
Location: Iceland,
Politics
Iceland: American imam holds lectures on Islam
The Theology Department of the University of Iceland, in cooperation with the US Embassy in Iceland, will be sponsoring an open lecture entitled "Spiritualism in Islam" by the Imam Dr. Mohamad Bashar Arafat at the university today.
The lecture will be held at 12 noon in room 229 of the main building at the University of Iceland in Reykjavík.
The young people's organizations of the political parties in Iceland will be sponsoring another open lecture with Dr. Arafat entitled "Muslim Life in America" at Café Sólon in downtown Reykjavík tomorrow at 12 noon.
Dr. Arafat was born in Damascus, Syria. He graduated from the University of Damascus in 1987 with degrees in Islamic Studies and Arabic. The following year he graduated with a degree in Islamic Law. Later, he was awarded his PhD in Philosophy and Theology from Trinity College and University in the US.
Source: Iceland Review (English)
The lecture will be held at 12 noon in room 229 of the main building at the University of Iceland in Reykjavík.
The young people's organizations of the political parties in Iceland will be sponsoring another open lecture with Dr. Arafat entitled "Muslim Life in America" at Café Sólon in downtown Reykjavík tomorrow at 12 noon.
Dr. Arafat was born in Damascus, Syria. He graduated from the University of Damascus in 1987 with degrees in Islamic Studies and Arabic. The following year he graduated with a degree in Islamic Law. Later, he was awarded his PhD in Philosophy and Theology from Trinity College and University in the US.
Source: Iceland Review (English)
Labels:
Location: Iceland,
School and Education
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