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AMV New York’s first Open House
By Samina F. Sundas
The New York chapter of the American Muslim Voice held its first annual Open House on the hottest summer day of June 28, 2008 to spread the miracle movement of friendship that attracted around 300 people from different faiths and walk of life. The program was suppose to be from 12:00 to 3:30 but lasted till midnight. Cahill road neighbors were so excited about the idea that they turned AMV open house into a block party and enjoyed themselves till midnight. 
Our guests left before the short thunder storm showers but neighbors welcomed cooling of the day and came out to have a second session of fun under the sun. The music was blasting, some adults were dancing and young adults were excitedly playing on the street for hours. Most of the neighbors mounted their canopies, parked their chairs & loungers enjoyed Pakistani food while visiting the each other.
Little kids enjoyed the safety of an enclosed street and rode their scooters, tricycles, had water fights, blew bubbles, flew kites on the yards and in the street. We received offers of help in the coming years from all neighbors. The fifty years resident Miriam who is eighty five years old appreciated our idea and efforts of spreading “the miracle movement of friendship." She appreciated Islamic and Pakistani hospitality of providing free food and an opportunity for all neighbors and strangers to interact with each other. A cancer patient from the neighborhood was so excited but due to her chemo therapy a day before could not attend the event but called to share her excitement and promised to be there next year. (May Allah grant her full recovery). That is why we call our open houses and peace picnics a "miracle movement."
The Delicious food was specially prepared by Kashmir restaurant of Manhattan. Thank you Shaheen Butt sahib.
The colorful event was cosponsored by the AMV National, AmeriChoice by United Healthcare, Kashmir Mission USA. We greatly appreciate our co-sponsors for their generosity, for attending the event and for their commitment in furthering AMV's "miracle movement of friendship.
This event was made possible by our co-sponsors. By co-sponsoring you have become our partner in bridging the gap between all communities. We encourage all of our fellow Americans to join hands with us in creating a peaceful and inclusive nation for our kids and their kids. You do not have to be a Muslim to join AMV. American Muslim Voice was established in July 2003 by Muslims to work for and with all Americans as a grassroots, nonviolent, inclusive, civil immigrant and human rights organization building alliances and genuine partnerships with like-minded groups and individuals to protect and preserve civil liberties and constitutional rights for all. Our goal is to bridge the gap between all communities and unites us all under the umbrella of our common humanity. Without a doubt, AMV’s most resounding achievement has been the development of lasting alliances, coalitions, and friendships with and among all types of Americans in its brief history.
Among those who endorsed the event included: American Friends Service Committee, Code Pink, Fellowship of reconciliation, Islamic Circle of North America, ICNA Relief, NY Board of Rabbis, NYC United for Peace and Justice. We greatly appreciate our endorsing organizations for attending the event, with outreach and for their commitment in furthering AMV's "miracle movement of friendship.
The New York Open House was part of the AMV campaign of hosting open houses, peace picnics and peace conventions annually to unite neighbors and strangers alike with the fulfilled promise of food and social engagement.
AMV New York’s president Malik Nadeem Abid thanked all those who helped in making this event successful. He particularly thanked the sponsors and co-sponsors & endorsers of the open house and guests for making AMV's 1st New York annual open house a huge success. She stated that it is our strong belief that we can build a peaceful harmonious and inclusive nation through the miracle movement of friendship, where all of us could feel accepted, cherished, safe and at home.
Successful events like these separate American Muslim Voice from the scores of other organizations that do not take the extra steps beyond interfaith dialogue. These events illustrate AMV’s vision of peace through sowing the seeds of friendship. (Pictures by Malik Nadeem Abid)
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