Testimonials
As a member of the South Asian community myself, I greatly enjoyed the screening because of my ability to relate to some of the jokes and cultural references. Though I am not Muslim (I am Hindu), I definitely could relate to the prejudices Arab, Sikh, and Muslim communities or individuals who look like they could be Arab, Sikh, or Muslim, have faced post 9/11.
- Rakhi Lahiri, South Asian Law Student Association (SALSA) at Northeastern University School of Law
“I used the video in the context of a series of lessons after studying Judaism, Christianity and Islam and its spread and before teaching about the modern Middle East. We compared conflicts of ideas versus land in the past with Al-Andalus and then with the modern Middle East.”
- Tara Tana Beacon High School, New York City
“Ours is a nearly homogeneous student population and they know little about Islam as a religion, the Middle East as a region, and Arabic as a language and culture. Your DVD will help change that.”
- Dave Harrigan, Litchfield, CT
“As you can probably imagine, the students were surprised by how much Islam is like Judaism and/or Christianity. The film has caused many of them to rethink their ideas about all religions.”
- Jeanne Fraser, Inclusive Schools Resource Teacher
"The conversation was productive and many non-Muslims realized that it was okay to ask a Muslim about their religion. One participant was embarrassed of her ignorance but realized that wanting to know about Islam is a healthy step. The Muslims in attendance reassured her that they are happy and anxious for people to inquire about Islam instead of keeping false or curious ideas in their minds."
- Vicente Garcia, Program Director, Americans for Informed Democracy
"It was very touching throughout and everyone was interested and excited about what they learned."
- Muslim American Society Youth Participant
"UPF's films are of superb quality…The films have helped my organization and our larger community in promoting dialogue and achieving greater understanding of our growing Muslim population."
- Lila De Klaver, Executive Director, YMCA of Greater Pittsburgh
“I used the video [Cities of Light] in the context of a series of lessons after studying Judaism, Christianity, and Islam and its spread and before teaching about the modern Middle East. We compared conflicts of ideas versus land in the past with Al-Andalus and then with the modern Middle East.”
- Tara Tana, Beacon High School, New York City
“I found (as did my students) the video to be extremely informative. I knew and always talked about the Muslim influences in Spain but never had a video that explained the history. I am planning to share it with our Spanish teachers as well as the Theology department ...”
- Alicia B. Iacono, Social Studies Department Chair, Mount Saint Mary Academy, Watchung, New Jersey
“Ours is a nearly homogeneous student population and they know little about Islam as a religion, the Middle East as a region, and Arabic as a language and culture. Your DVD will help change that.”
- Dave Harrigan, Litchfield, CT
“At the end of the discussion, people were very excited to speak about 'take-aways' and action items.”
- Bary Kolb, Community Dialogue Facilitator
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