Intercultural Networks Group (ING)

As conflict in the Middle East continues to dominate headlines, Arab and MENA communities are at the center of global conversation, yet misconceptions, stereotypes, and knowledge gaps remain widespread. Now more than ever, organizations have a responsibility to build real understanding. ING is proud to offer two seminars designed for workplaces and classrooms: *Arab & MENA Peoples: Identity, History & Everyday Life* A deep dive into one of the world’s most significant and misunderstood regions, covering ancient civilizations, religious diversity, cultural life, geopolitics, and the communities that call the MENA region home. *Arab Americans: Community, Culture, and Contributions* A closer look at 3.7 million Americans whose roots span 22 countries, exploring immigration history, cultural identity, religious diversity, landmark contributions to American life, and the challenges the community continues to face. Both seminars are: ✔ Delivered live by our experienced team ✔ Designed for corporate teams, ERGs, and educational settings ✔ Nuanced, balanced, and conversation-driven In a time of division, knowledge builds bridges. Visit https://lnkd.in/giAe2DZb to learn more and bring these seminars to your organization. #ArabHeritageMonth #MENA #ArabAmericans #CulturalCompetency #InclusionMatters #WorkplaceEducation

April is Arab American Heritage Month, a time to recognize the history, culture, and contributions of Arab communities. Amid ongoing conflicts affecting parts of the Middle East, this is also an opportunity for organizations to lead with awareness, empathy, and inclusion. Many employees may be carrying personal or cultural impacts that are not always visible. Creating space for recognition, learning, and dialogue helps foster workplaces where people feel respected and valued. Intercultural Network Group offers Many Voices, One Community: Understanding Arab American Heritage and Culture, an interactive program designed to support meaningful engagement. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gsReDdVc

As April begins, we recognize a meaningful convergence of sacred observances. Passover (April 1–9) commemorates liberation and freedom in the Jewish tradition, while Good Friday and Easter mark important moments of reflection and celebration for Christian communities. For organizations, this is an opportunity to lead with awareness and intention. Supporting employees during religious observances—through flexibility, open dialogue, and accommodation—helps foster inclusive workplaces where individuals feel respected and valued. Intercultural Network Group offers Seasons of Faith: Supporting Employees Across Religious Traditions, an interfaith panel designed to help organizations thoughtfully navigate religious inclusion in the workplace. To learn more or schedule a session: mail@ing.org or read our latest note here: https://lnkd.in/gyAUtCR2

At ING, we have spent decades building bridges between Muslim Americans and people of other faiths. The war now engulfing Iran, Lebanon, and Gaza is not abstract to us or to the communities we serve. In a new editorial, our founder Maha Elgenaidi names the three religious ideologies driving this conflict, Apocalyptic Greater Israel, Christian Nationalist-Zionism, and the militant politicization of Shi'i Messianism, and asks what people of faith in America can actually do about it. The peacemakers have to show up. Here is what that looks like. https://lnkd.in/gQQJFxQ6

During unfolding global crises, institutional leadership matters. Iranian students and employees may be experiencing real-time trauma as they follow events affecting their families and communities, while Jewish students and employees may also be processing fear, grief, and concern about escalation or backlash. Schools and workplaces have a responsibility to respond with empathy, clarity, and immediate support, including flexible expectations, proactive outreach, mental health resources, and strong protections against harassment or scapegoating. In moments like this, silence can feel like absence. Compassionate action helps people feel seen, safe, and supported. Read more: https://lnkd.in/gRBRPsW6 

Ramadan began for many Muslims on February 18, 2026. This month-long observance will conclude with the celebration of Eid al-Fitr on Friday on March 20, 2026. Here is a helpful overview of what you should know, and what Muslim students or employees may request during this time: Ramadan Accommodations (see below).  As always, take your cues from the Muslims in your workplace and classroom. Muslims are not a monolith. Some will be fasting and may need accommodation; others may not be fasting but still observe and honor the month in meaningful ways. https://lnkd.in/gZssi64z 

ATTN: Educators and Muslim Parents: Designed by our high school intern, this 10-slide digital presentation introduces students in grades 5–12 to the essential aspects of Ramadan. It explains the purpose of fasting, the spiritual significance of the month, and how Ramadan may impact Muslim students in school settings. Created with youth leadership in mind, the presentation empowers Muslim students to share their experiences with classmates, while also serving as a ready-to-use resource for educators who wish to facilitate the discussion. Click below to access the digital presentation, and to download the presenter scripts if you plan to facilitate the session. https://lnkd.in/gwsQRg24

As we step into 2026, we are deeply grateful for your partnership and shared commitment to pluralism through education and engagement across faiths and cultures. We are proud to share that Islamic Networks, Inc. now continues publicly as Intercultural Networks Group (ING).   This name reflects our evolution into a pluralism-driven organization addressing interconnected forms of bias across communities, while advancing understanding across faiths, cultures, and identities. Thank you for walking alongside us as we continue this vital work. https://lnkd.in/gwp4XJ8n

*A Note of Solidarity with Jewish Communities* We are heartbroken and outraged by the terror attack in Australia that targeted the Jewish community. To our Jewish siblings: you should not have to carry fear simply for being visibly Jewish. Antisemitism, like Islamophobia and all forms of hate, must be named clearly and confronted consistently, no matter where it appears or who it targets. Moments like this test whether our commitments to pluralism, human dignity, and shared safety are real or merely rhetorical. Solidarity is not a feeling; it is something we practice. *Three Things People Can Do Right Now* 1. Reach out, personally and locally. Don’t wait for the “right words.” A simple message to a Jewish friend, colleague, synagogue, or community organization such as “I’m thinking of you and I stand with you” matters more than silence. Presence and care are powerful. 2. Speak up clearly against antisemitism, without caveats. Condemn the violence plainly. Avoid deflections, justifications, or “whataboutisms.” We can hold multiple truths at once, but violence against civilians and attacks on religious communities must always be unequivocally rejected. 3. Help create safer, more humane communities. Support Jewish institutions when they ask for help. Learn to recognize antisemitic tropes when they appear: in conversations, online spaces, or organizing spaces you belong to. And commit to the long work of bridge building so communities are not isolated when harm occurs. *A Final Word* Solidarity means showing up when it’s uncomfortable, inconvenient, or politically complicated. It means refusing a zero-sum mindset and choosing our shared humanity instead. To Jewish communities in Australia and around the world: you are not alone. Maha Elgenaidi and Zachary Markwith, PhD ING Directors

This Thanksgiving, we are grateful for the communities that partnered with us to advance understanding and belonging across the country. From higher education to K12, corporate teams and law enforcement, we have seen meaningful change rooted in empathy and shared learning. Read the full Thanksgiving reflection here: https://lnkd.in/gF_tNV5Y