Being Muslim in Sioux Falls - I am your neighbor, co-worker, friend.
Posted on Mar 01, 2017
A leader in the local Islamic community, Dr. Mohammad Zeeshan Qamar, spoke about "Being Muslim in Sioux Falls" when he addressed the Rotary Club of Downtown Sioux Falls on Monday, February 27. Dr. Qamar is a nephrologist at Sanford Health and director of interfaith dialogue at the Muslim Community Center of South Dakota. He discussed his experience as an immigrant and a Muslim in America over the past 13 - 14 years. Dr. Qamar also talked about the challenges Muslims face and their contributions as productive members of this society, along with some of the common misconceptions people have about Muslims.
Program Highlights February 27, 2017
- Dr. Qamar is a nephrologist at Sanford Health and director of interfaith dialogue at the Muslim Community Center of SD. He is from Pakistan, where he studied medicine, and moved to the US permanently in 2004. He is married with 2 children.
- There are 2-3,000 Muslims in South Dakota; 2,000 mosques in the US.
- The Muslim community in Sioux Falls is young and new. Young Muslims are taught they are Americans and Muslims at the same time and to be proud of both.
- Muslims are part of the fabric of America: They are outstanding in science, law enforcement, medicine, teaching.
- Seven children are LEGO champions in Sioux Falls, diverse children and are on their way to the national contest.
- Muslim Community Center of SD: 3932 S. Western Avenue, SF, SD 57105; 605-221-4044. Email: imam@mcc-sd.org
February 27, 2017 attendance:
- 63 out of 302 or 21%
- 40 out of 63 members in attendance were Paul Harris Fellows or 63%
- Other attendees: 2 Visiting Rotarians; 2 Roaming Rotarians; 3 Junior Rotarians; 8 Guests; 4 news media persons.
Next Week’s Program:
DON'T FORGET: March 6, 2017 meeting will be at the STATE THEATER. The Theater is providing lunch and tours after. John Swedeen, Executive Director