'Building Bridges to Islam' Testimonials

“Thank you for an excellent program. I learned so much about your faith that was new to me - especially the history and also the revering of Mary. Congratulations on your work to establish bridges of understanding. It is the only way to bring PEACE to our world”. – B. Moody

“Quite informative - great way to spend this day!” – Sonya Hirschberg

“Very informative and worthwhile. I am so glad I came and hope to follow up by continuing to study more. I feel inspired and hopeful. Lunch was great!” – Ethel Draper

“If only the greater (larger) Islamic world would follow the known interpretation and definitions of Islam that we heard today - … and the Western would be so advanced – it would be wonderful. Please get your word out!! Today was very illuminating and stimulating!” – E. Jolk

“Most informative day. I learned so much. Ahmed Rehab is so articulate and informative. The entire panel added insights. Thank you”. – Dolores Hannan

“Very meaningful - many wrong ideas were corrected - serious moments and enjoyable moments (light hearted) were nicely balanced. Presentations were terrific. I certainly well recommend this program”. – Ted Zelewsky

“Many thanks for a truly excellent educational offering. You managed to keep it very neutral - but responded with care and intelligence to all questions. I learned a lot today and intend to spread the word on the good work CAIR is doing”. – Marianne Zelewsky

“Speaker was very good, very knowledgeable. Great session with excellent food. CAIR sounds like a great organization of hope and it is very successful”. – Richard S.

“Great overview. Excellent spokesperson. Open to all questions. Thank you”. – Roy Lundin

“I greatly enjoyed this opportunity to learn about the Islam religion and the historical context. P.S. The lunch was delicious. P.P.S. This reinforces my belief mankind is more similar than different”. – Beverly Nelson

“Efficient use of time. Welcome atmosphere. Delicious meal. Well presented information. Given time restrictions, it was an excellent day”. – Corinne Lyon

“Ahmed Rehab is a really effective and knowledgeable leader for this event! The openness to all questions of interest was much appreciated. I was interested in the fact that my problems with some of the Muslim beliefs are very similar to the questions I have about my own Christian faith”. – Eugene Krell

“This event met - exceeded actually - my expectation for informative, comprehensive (as opposed to simplistic) presentations. Thank you for the openness of attitude + the respectful way you handled all the questions! Very well done - I am glad”. – Anonymous

“I learned so much! I was not informed on Islam and I feel now I will be more understanding and intend to read more. I was surprised that Islam grew out of Judaism and Christianity, and as a Catholic, so pleased with your admiration of Mary. Loved this day!” – Suzanne Kadlec

“This program was very well planned and the speakers were excellent”. – Anonymous

“Very informative on Islam basic beliefs and lifestyles”. – Daniel Jenny

“This presentation has been very informative. I enjoyed learning so many things about Islam that I had not known previously. Good question and answer period. The lunch from Nefertiti was delicious”. – Patricia Chapman

“Very informative, excellent speakers. Thank you for the opportunity to broaden my knowledge of Islam. You are providing a valuable service”. – Anonymous

“Food was very good. Speakers interesting.Eye-opener”. – Anonymous

“Excellent program! Thank you for the open dialogue and method the material was presented”. – Anonymous

“The speakers were excellent! It was informative - educational in every way - very open and encouraging of participation”. – Janis O’Neill

“Excellent presentations which provided better understanding of Islam”. – Anonymous

“The program had great information. The instructor was very interesting and able to answer all questions”. – Anonymous

”Thank you for a very informing and interesting day. I learned a lot. The panel markers + speakers were very knowledgeable”. – Anonymous

“I loved the Q + A sessions. [T]his was a very informational program.” – Debbie Schaerper

“A wonderful program. I have a much better understanding of the Muslim world. Keep up the good work”. – Anonymous

“The content of the program was excellent, and the program's application to the wider world more helpful. The length of the program, its perspective and the events (lecture, lunch, morning prayer) was complete and right amount of time”. – Kate Kaltenbach

“Informative - SERVED its purpose. Well organized. Excellent moderator”. – Al Geller

“This was an excellent presentation which disseminated great deal pertinent information about Islam and Muslims”. – Anonymous

“I thought the program was very organized and informative. It reinforced what I already knew about Islam and also increased my knowledge”. – Sandra Detraz

“Very informational. Glad I came and learned a lot”. - Anonymous

“Thanks for an informative day”. – Mary Spyers-Duvan

“Lunch was terrific! Panelists were, too!” – Anonymous

“This has been very helpful in doing what the title names - building bridges of understanding. The day has been very worthwhile”. – Anonymous

“I thought the program was excellent and I appreciate what I have learned about Islam”. – Jeanne Berry

“Keep doing what you're doing. Really informative. Thank you”. – Barbara Zeller

“Very good presentation. Good information”. – Anonymous

“You deserve great credit for educating people about Islam and opening all of us to dialogue. Thank you”. – Elaine M. Stenzel

“Thank you for doing this program. I learned a lot”. – Marjorie Susa

“Very informative day. Excellent presenters. I hope you are reaching young people in Chicago”. – Anonymous

This was very informative - Ahmed Rehab is an excellent presenter. Questions were fielded well! – Anonymous

This was a wonderful supply of information. I appreciated seeing the mosque and boys' class and prayer and translation. The food was delicious. Especially appreciated the questions and thoughtful honest answers. – Anonymous

A day like this through Elderhostel or any other organization is an excellent way to build understanding of the Muslims. – Anonymous

Very good program. Very complete for time allocated. – Anonymous

Thank you for the wonderful talks and insights on Islam. I'm positive you are doing the right thing in helping the people to have a much better understanding of Islam. I thought it was an excellent presentation. I can't think of anything to improve on it. It has given me a much better understanding of Islam along with the books recommended for reading. Thanks again. – Anonymous

The program was very well presented - the schedule went right along and nothing was boring. The lunch was very good also. – Anonymous

“My understanding of Islam was expanded to a significant degree. I appreciate the knowledge at the presenters’ fingertips. Thank you for your fine hospitality and meal”. – Anonymous

“Speakers were engaging, very informative – helpful! Panel (at end) seemed imbalanced in participation by 3 panelists. [Underlying ferment] was honestly addressed in the afternoon session. Food was great. Schedule was comfortable. Hospitality was truly warm and welcoming”. - Vern Geurkink

“A very enlightening day! I liked the presentations, the questions and answers. I believe in education and exposure as ways to break down the misinformation and misconceptions between nations and peoples, this is an important event in the continuing process”. - Mike Garvey

“I appreciate the opportunity to learn about the Islamic religion and to have a chance for dialogue. This was handled very well with a feeling of openness. Ahmed Rehab was very articulate with his presentation. Thank you very much.” - Marilyn Larson

“Speakers were excellent – informative, organized, and easy to listen to. Order of information presented was logical. Length of program was just right – long enough to get a good overview but not so long that it was overwhelming. Great lunch, too!” - Ann Legg

“Very interesting day. Would be superb to have such a program available through a junior college, such as Harper College’s program ‘Lifelong learning’ which unfortunately (or fortunately) is for those over age 50”. - Barbara Twaddle

“This was a wonderful experience. I look forward for the USA to really know the Muslim community. I am happy to have a new clear understanding and now can express who you really are to friends and family. You are truly loving and a beautiful culture. Many blessings in your endeavor and success.” - Anonymous

“Program was very articulate, informed and well presented. Even more, it created understanding and respect for Islam, while conveying respect for other religions. Food was wonderful. Felt welcomed by hosts. Thankful to Elderhostel and CAIR for putting this together.” - Patricia Geurkink

“Consistently gave both depth and breath to the topic. Helped dispel some of the myths and mysticism. Consistently dwell upon similarities and differences with Judaism and various Christian faiths. Very adept at relating concepts to the experiences of the participants. VERY EFFECTIVE LEARNING EXPERIENCE!” - Donald Nylin

“Wonderful effort to bridge understanding between Islam and other religions. I applaud your effort!” - M. Young

“Excellent. Much needed”. - Bill Smallwood

“The program was informative but more important: upbeat. The ease with which commonalities between Judaism, Christianity and Islam were presented allows those with differences to reach common ground and acceptance. Thank you!” - Judith Gearon

“Excellent, understandable information. Thank you for the great openness to pointed questions. Presentations evoked respect as a response.” - Elaine Reis

“The unknown is scary. Education and interaction with those different from each other gives us realization that there are more likenesses then differences. If Christians, Jews and Muslims heard your more moderate views, how much better off would we be? The horrible and hurtful events happening in the world does a disservice to all”. - M.J. Hoag

“Thank you for an inspirational day.” - Joy Reis

“Excellent presentations – I learned a lot. Great lunch!” - Ann Stevens

“Excellent workshop - I have learned great deal. This type of event is very important for all of us to understand each other. I can see our similarities more so than our differences. We do have only ONE GOD – who created us all! You are doing God’s / Allah’s work. Continued success to you.” - Linda Maguire

“I especially enjoyed the fact that lecturers included Q. and A. sessions. Good explanations were given. Thank you for a fine chance to learn much about Islam”. - Alice Maguire

“Extremely, well run program. Well rounded and thoughtful. Provided food for reflection.” - Penny Choice

“The information provided was excellent.” - Anonymous

“Very informative day. I’ve learned many things about Islam that I didn’t know. The speakers were very good, knowledgeable and good presenters.” - Nancy Ruffalo

“Mr. Rehab did an excellent job of relating the subject matter to a group with limited exposure to the topic.” - Ted L. Loda

“We have found this to be a very informative and enjoyable experience. It’s been nice to know that our Muslim neighbors are really very nice, intelligent people, though we always really knew they were. We must be open to each other and develop more communication. We will encourage our friends and neighbors to attend one of these in the future. I think it could have a wonderful influence on a lot of people. Hope you continue to do many more of these programs!” - Patricia Walsh

“The speakers were very expert in their field.” - Henry Kwepper

“I respect your efforts to share knowledge about Islam. I have read much about Muhammad and his life. Thank you!” - Anonymous

“Enjoyed a very informative program.” - Anonymous

“All leaders make a favorable impression. You emphasized that we must meet each other as people – we must accept and respect differences. It takes a small “bang” to reverberate into a larger noise! Let’s all pray for greater tolerance and understanding. Thanks!” - Anonymous

“Absolutely wonderful”. - Anonymous

"A priviledge to be present! Superb moderator... outstanding presentation reminding us of NEED for More! Thank you" - Connie Dvorak

"Mr. Ahmed Rehab is an outstanding speaker - very knowledgeable - gave a positive, focused presentation of the Quran and was generous in answering all quesations from the audience." - Mari C. Fohrman, Elderhostel Ambassador

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