for my coming to find it. How did this happen?. The Muslim activist, who has access to files of the progressive Quaker groups workers and volunteers, has claimed for years to be of Latin, South Asian and Arab descent. you are more dynamic and artist in influence Former NAACP Spokane chapter president Dolezal was accused of faking her African-American ancestry despite being allegedly Caucasian. Community members and Saraswatis former friends have questioned whether Saraswati was gathering intelligence for far-right groups, or whether she was just an opportunist changing her tune once the focus on terrorism started to die down in 2016, and former President Donald Trumps campaign and election perpetuated anti-Muslim bigotry, prompting more support for the community from progressive circles. Please logout and login again. Raquel Evita Saraswati, 39, who was born Rachel Elizabeth Seidel,is the chief equity, inclusion and culture officer of the American Friends Service Committee, which fights violence, inequality and oppression, the Intercept reported. If Saraswati made a living through things such as consulting jobs or news gigs that gave her publicity, she could have simply been following the money as progressive circles searched for more Muslim representation. Womanism is about being willful, intentional, committed to the survival and wholeness of people, celebrating emotional expansiveness and flexibility, being a seeker of knowledge, a lover of the Spirit and a believer in womens strength. Saraswatis stature was particularly prominent in more established and powerful institutions in the city, from the Mayors office to the William Way LGBT Center. A3oothou Bilallahi min ash-shaytan ar-rajeem. She was a bronze-hued, Jersey-born spokesperson for Muslim and LGBTQ causes in fashionable hijabs, an. Recently per the US state department data about 90% of the people who were killed by the terrorists in the past 5 years were Muslims. Required fields are marked *. Tell us a little bit about yourself.I am a Muslim activist and writer, focusing primarily on issues related to the rights of women and girls in Muslim-majority societies and communities. When youre writing a story like this, there are so many layers to it, she said, adding that you have to get all of those layers to tell the most truthful story. Hope your breath refreshens the world for a very very long time. Most such can be shrugged off or . While outright bigotry is absolutely a problem, so is the ignorance of those with good intentions and that ignorance might even be more dangerous. Read my comment above more of the rock! i hope that all is over. But some have pointed to this exact quote as a perfect characterization of the problem with DEI work in predominantly white institutions. Doing so is particularly harmful to the Muslim community, which is already racialized despite it being a faith that is followed by people of all ethnic backgrounds. If you're a scraper, please click the link below :-) You confuse me. All too often, those who rightly seek to ally with Muslims end up providing platforms to those who present a progressive public face, but who oppress women, LGBTQ2SIA individuals, Black people and other marginalized groups within my faith community. This is absolutely true in a time of heightened anti-Muslim bigotry. The Clarion Project, a D.C.-based nonprofit that claims to expose violent extremism, was even spotlighted for its bigotry by the Southern Poverty Law Center. Thank you. The queer, Muslim woman held iftars during Ramadan, creating a space and providing mentorship for other queer Muslims in the community. And because of that, we had very personal conversations as a Black Muslim who grew up queer and nonbinary in Philadelphia. Raquel Evita Saraswati is a Muslim queer activist who has worked in various interfaith communities and serves as an appointee to the Mayors Commission on LGBT Affairs. She is one of our 2019 Women of the Year! Since then, we have stood with communities taking bold action to overcome violence, inequality, and oppression. We need to cultivate spiritual vibrancy, our capacity for vulnerable, full love for ourselves and one another, and to do that like it is our most sacred daily work because it is. jazakallah ou kheiryan. girl you were so awesome in high school and youre still so active and inspiring. The controversy surrounding Raquel Evita Saraswatis heritage also sparked immediate backlash online, with some social media users dubbing her the new Rachel Dolezal.. "Raquel Saraswati, . But Saraswatis media appearances dont require much digging, particularly around the time she was appointed to the Mayors commission in 2017 which raises skepticism about how much vetting was actually done by Philly-based organizations, and concerns about the level of awareness around what anti-Muslim rhetoric looks like. All too often, progressive and well-meaning people ally with organizations and individuals in marginalized or targeted communities without consulting those on the margins of those communities like LGBTQ2SIA people, dissidents, women, minority sects, racial and ethnic minorities, etc. Her mother shared that Saraswati's father is dead, and she had a relationship with him before marrying Flory Perone, who passed away in 2006. Amaris Castillo is a writing/research assistant for the NPR Public Editor and a contributor to Poynter.org. My husband has always said Men need to cherish women, fight for women, protect women, and love women; We women are all queens. Support responsible news and fact-based information today! I find it very curious that those who have said things that are explicitly anti-Islam, or who indulge in very harsh commentary about Muslims at large and to this day are not in the position I am in as someone who has been very clear that Islam is opposed to injustice and commands that we work against oppression.. Nissa. Being LGBTQ2SIA and/or being a person of faith does not mean that a person isnt engaged in the oppression of those with less privilege. She works to eradicate crimes honor and gender-based violence (including female genital mutilation), end forced and child marriages, and protect the separation of religion and state. Mikati, a reporter for The Philadelphia Inquirer, noticed that the sender was anonymous. ultimate bliss bliss bliss for you. While there are certainly things I would articulate differently as a 39-year-old than I did 10 to 15 years ago, I have never perpetuated hate against my own faith, Saraswati wrote in an email to The Inquirer. You are a wonderful, intelligent, sweet woman, and we both wish you well. We have another Rachel Dozeal a white activist pretending to be an ethnic minority. Learn your deen. Raquel Saraswati, has been misrepresenting her identity." Raquel Evita Saraswati (born Rachel Elizabeth Seidel), pictured in . Your login session has expired. There is a new libe of buttonhijabs which is awsome. Salaams Justin Case from StopIslamaphobia.Blogspot.Com: Thank you for your comment. But also how she used that false identity to legitimize herself everywhere from those right-wing spaces to the progressive spaces that she ended up infiltrating, and then ultimately gaining the trust of people from marginalized identities.. She's having a meltdown because her relatives confirmed she's white. Yall heard someone was named Raquel Evita Saraswati and believed it was a real? She was a bronze-hued, Jersey-born spokesperson for Muslim and LGBTQ causes in fashionable hijabs, an. Raquel Saraswati is the Chief Equity, Inclusion and Culture Officer at a Quaker social justice group, American Friends Service Committee; Saraswati, who is gay and a Muslim, . Muslimfishing? Facebook / Raquel. Saraswati was a white woman, they said, of German and Italian descent. She somehow was always able to position herself as the most oppressed, and simultaneously the most woke, she said. Saraswati also worked for the Islamic Forum for Democracy, an organization that claims to combat the causes of Islamic radicalization, but perpetuates anti-Muslim tropes and allies itself with other right-wing groups, including the Clarion Project. It may just be that she got the memo a little bit late, and matured in her thinking about her politics, said Sofia Ali-Khan, former Philly resident and author of A Good Country, noting that Saraswati converted to Islam in high school. ago She looks kind of dumb in the face She attended and helped organize protests, including a vigil in West Philadelphia after the mass shootings at Christchurch mosques in 2019, and a jummah prayer at City Hall after George Floyds murder. Im so moved by you, and your wonderful representation of how beautiful I believe Islam to be. Sana Saeed, an Al Jazeera journalist who tweeted criticism of Saraswati in 2015. Mikati said Saraswati maintained that she has not lied about who she is or where shes from, although she didnt clarify where shes from. And what was the motivation of her former colleagues in publishing the open letter? A partnership between Poynters International Fact-Checking Network and Google and YouTube continues to support fact-checking initiatives worldwide. Race Race Faker Dubbed 'Raquel Dolezal' Quits Philly-Based Social Justice Charity 'CULTURAL VULTURISM' Raquel Saraswati, a white woman born Rachel Seidel, has been caught posing as Latina,. The official blog of Raquel Evita Saraswati. Great work on here, best of luck in doing what you do. Assalamualaikum California residents do not sell my data request. At least two people had mentioned Saraswati to Mikati in the months after she began her new job as a community and engagement reporter with the Inquirer in August 2022. For the love of Allah, you wear a Hijab and promote the acceptance of Gays, you confused. Subhanallah you do some amazing things it seems, Keep doing what your doing you truly are an inspiration.. if only there were mpre sister with your passion and drive inshAllah, macha lah can you contact me at my E-Mail. Shauna King? And I say that based on her wider reputation for genuinely doing good work, and wanting to contribute to progressive spaces.. I maintain that the response I am receiving is significantly more critical and harsh than that received by many men and those who have not identified as LGBTQ+. Post-9/11, the government wanted Muslim spokespersons to convince Muslim communities there was something wrong with Islam, and that there was only one way to practice Islam which was a highly secularized version, and one that entailed unconditional cooperation with the government, said Sahar Aziz, a Rutgers Law professor and author of The Racial Muslim: When Racism Quashes Religious Freedom. I am also committed to doing everything I can to address not just bigotry against LGBTQ2SIA people, but also bigotry within our own community. Im a muslimah from Jakarta, Indonesia. 191 55 comments Add a Comment EnterEgregore Saraswati is a major Hindu goddess. good job raquel keep going wish you all the best How Many Victims Might Delco Pastor David Zandstra Have Had? The Inquirer also quoted Saraswati in 2019, when she served as chair of the Mayors Commission on LGBT Affairs. Misogyny, xenophobia, racism, and ableism are all issues within our community, which prevent people both from being safe and from thriving within it. Her presence has allowed us to report on breaking news stories affecting Quaker communities, like the controversy surrounding Raquel Saraswati's brief time at AFSC and the killing of Carol Clark, clerk of Philadelphia's Unity Meeting. Raquel Evita Saraswati, 39, who was born Rachel Elizabeth Seidel, is the chief equity, inclusion and culture officer of the American Friends Service Committee, which fights "violence,. Muslim activist Raquel Evita Saraswati, 29, is the chief equity, inclusion and culture officer of the American Friends Service Committee (AFSC), a Quaker organisation that fights globally for. What she did will further marginalize people.. insya 4JJ Rahmah and Hidaayah 4JJ will always with you my sister, If you feel exhausted, remember how hard Rasulullah Muhammad (blessed by HIS name) never tired in teaching islam, if you do some mistake, istighfar, learn more, and if possible make it right, if not consider it as a lesson. I have a daughter and I DARE some bastard to even PRETEND that he going to mutilate her. Saraswati said in an email that I hear that people feel hurt and confused, but maintains that she has not misrepresented herself, pointing to the advocacy work she has accomplished in Philadelphia as a Muslim woman. The controversy surrounding Raquel Evita Saraswati's heritage sparked immediate outrage on social media, and netizens took to Twitter to call her out for the same. The woman was a queer Muslim, and Saraswatis presence compelled her to reach out. So essentially trying to decolonize journalism and uproot all of the harmful ways that journalism has been practiced when it comes to these communities in the past.. Im so proud of you and the values you stand for. I currently serve on two committees: civil rights, immigration, and faith; and race relations. The woman, who goes by the name Raquel Saraswati, was the chief inclusion officer of Philadelphia-based . However, he noted that Saraswati is standing by her identity and assuring that she is loyal to AFSCs mission, which the company firmly believes. Then their friend went on to say that employees at Saraswatis workplace published an open letter claiming Saraswati was white. And we didnt on our desk in particular didnt want to approach it in that way at all.. To find people who know Saraswati personally, Mikati said she reached out to as much of the community as she could. Interested in reading more about you. When they do that, they are making it clear that they are not our allies, they are actively creating unsafe spaces, and they are not listening. Asalaamu alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa baraktuhu, Im another amatuer blogger here (Jannahdreams.blogspot.com) and Ive just stumbled across your blog. The activist also allegedly worked with the American Islamic Forum for Democracy, a group that has been accused of promoting Islamophobia in the past. I just dont get it. And now all of a sudden, its a white woman with a right-wing history. I do direct intervention work and support organizations focused on combatting gender-based violence, including honor-based violence, forced and child marriage, and female genital mutilation (FGM), in all communities and cultures where those crimes occur. The situation was the same for other people, particularly queer Muslims, whom Saraswati befriended. She never publicly apologized.. Thanks for sending me to your blog!!! Saraswati was reportedly born as Rachel Elizabeth Seidel and is currently 39 years old. "But I think the bigger story here is how someone with her particular and recent background of being involved with far-right and right-wing organizations and platforms was able to successfully become a part of a very progressive local movement, as well as a very . It is both a tremendous honor and an enormous responsibility. And, on a quiet day, if you listen very carefully you can hear her breathe.. The Saraswati Affair causes all of us as leaders to examine our shared role providing authentic services and in determining the integrity of our programs.. The revelations about not only her race, but also her history of participating in anti-Muslim dialogue on far-right platforms, has raised questions about the shortcomings of diversity, equity and inclusion work in white institutions including the vetting of applicants for spots on the Mayors commission. However, Twitter user @/davenewworld_2 claimed that Saraswati deleted her statement before going private on social media. They had first met Saraswati years ago, when Muhammad was organizing with the Black and Brown Workers Cooperative, addressing racism in LGBT spaces across Philadelphia. In an email sent to USA Today before Saraswati's resignation, AFSC spokesperson Layne Mullett confirmed that . How do you express this identity inwardly and outwardly in society?It wasnt until I hit 30 (gasp) that I even entertained the notion of using the word femme. I confess that it still feels rather strange, but when pressed to explain my gender beyond simply saying Im a woman, it fits. If Mikati were to pursue this story, it was important for her to not produce an article that was harmful, especially since race and ethnicity are such complex topics. Raquel also assures us that she remains loyal to AFSCs mission, which we firmly believe., He added that AFSC does not require any employee to prove their heritage as a condition of their employment, or in order to be valued as a member of our team.. She was a token Muslim voice in that milieu. Marginalized people dont need to learn resilience we have mastered it. She said that she would respond to the accusations as soon as she is capable and is currently preparing to provide the most helpful and thorough answer. Sabrina Vourvoulias, the Inquirers senior editor for communities and engagement, also felt it was a story the team should look into further, especially given that Saraswati has served on the Philadelphia Mayors Commission on LGBT Affairs. The first was that she hadnt connected with Saraswati yet. You are absolutely beautiful and I love what you stand for! A judge dismissed a 2020 lawsuit a month after it was filed, writing that the claims within 'rise to the level of the irrational.'. I thought at the time we had points of connection around a shared spiritual identity.. 2023 NYP Holdings, Inc. All Rights Reserved, VP Harris backed AP HS course about slaves skills before Florida controversy, NYC health department joins the virtue-signaling and calls for reparations, West Virginia woman who is blind runs 5K race: This is just the beginning, Gerrymandering bid from NY Democrats now in top courts hands. She garnered media attention after appearing on Becks show following 9/11 and appearing in a 2013 film produced by the Clarion Project, an organization specializing in "rabidly anti-Muslim films," per the Southern Poverty Law Center. Oskar Pierre Castro, a human resources official who hired Saraswati for AFSC, said he was reportedly told that she is a queer, Muslim, multiethnic woman., He added that the recent discovery made him feel conned and deceived. AFSC rep Layne Mullett also told The Intercept that the organization has received documentation alleging that Raquel Saraswati has been misrepresenting her identity.. She works to eradicate honor and gender-based violence (including female genital mutilation), end forced and child marriages, and protect the separation of religion and state. (x) [], I just saw you on Huckabee and I thought you did a wonderful job. Raquel Saraswati, her mom said I can't imagine why she is doing this? Mark Graham, chief marketing and communications officer of AFSC, said the situation has prompted them to review their internal processes, including vetting. Individuals and institutions who oppress LGBTQ2SIA people rely on the conspicuous silences of those who directly witness and are aware of these abuses, but who arent willing to stand in real solidarity. This story was updated to add clarity on The Intercepts early reporting on Raquel Evita Saraswati. I cannot respect women who submit to the male claim that women are dangerous and must be covered in order for the muslim man to control his sexual urges. BOOoooo ! Mikati said Saraswati, who answered questions via email, was cooperative. What a beautiful AND enlightened sister. She spoke with people about covering Philadelphias Muslim community and how to make sure she covered all of its diversity, including queer Muslims. We, as Muslims devoted to protecting women and girls, must be relentless in our zero-tolerance policy for violence against women and girls. Youre very insightful and informative. People can change their names, but we cannot change the facts of our ethnic and racial identity. 'White Woman' Is Pretending To Be Person Of Color, Mom Says Raquel Evita Saraswati is the chief equity, inclusion and culture officer for a Quaker organization. It speaks about how Allah (swt) destroyed the homosexuals. We approached it very cautiously initially, said Vourvoulias, who is Mikatis editor. If you feel already done many thing, then look at the sea, your deeds and knowledge is only like a glass of water compared to the sea. She was a bronze-hued, Jersey-born spokesperson for Muslim and LGBTQ causes in fashionable hijabs, an. Shes also received nasty emails from more conservative people who had a bone to pick with progressives and leftists., I think that I answered all the main questions that I did have, and that I could have had at the beginning, Mikati said. You can continue your project to confuse people about Islam. This is a woman who was representing herself as a Muslim spokesperson, but she wasnt speaking on behalf of anyone but herself.. Saraswati had been mentioned as someone the journalist should connect with. If you're a human and see this, please ignore it. May Allah give you as much as you carry of the true Islam in your heart!!!! That is indeed something I do on a regular basis. Raquel Evita Saraswati, 39, who was born Rachel Elizabeth Seidel, is the chief equity, inclusion and culture officer of the Philadelphia-based American Friends Service Committee (AFSC), which . More recently, Republican Long Island Rep. George Santos has been caught in a web of lies, including claiming that he is Jewish later insisting that he meant he was Jew-ish., Media commentator Sana Saeed first brought up Saraswatis identity 2015, when she tweeted: Can we talk about Raquel Dolezal in the Muslim community.
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