Ilan Sharon, Minnesotans Against Terrorism
Ilan Sharon, a son of Jewish refugees from Libya and Egypt, was born and raised in Haifa, Israel. Following his army service where he ranked as a Captain, he started a software company in Israel that later merged with a Minneapolis based company.
As the Executive Director of Minnesotans Against Terrorism, Ilan speaks frequently on the issue of terrorism and the struggle for Peace in the Middle East. He presents to thousands, at various conferences, high schools, colleges, churches, synagogues and community events. Ilan and M.A.T has garnered wide spread media coverage including television broadcasts and radio shows.
What got you interested in fighting radical Islam?
Both my parents were born and raised in Muslim countries where some Muslims treated them nicely and some didn’t. I was born and raised in Haifa, Israel where to this day Jews, Muslims, and Christians live in coexistence. I used to visit Muslim cities in the area, and had Muslim friends. But still, we were in a constant war with the Muslim countries around us and I always hoped for a time where we could live in peace with our neighbors.
When the Oslo Peace Process started, I thought there was hope. In the early 90's my company was acquired by a US-based company and I relocated to the US, but visited Israel often. In September 2000 I was in Israel when the second intifada started. I recall watching on television how two Israeli reserve soldiers who accidentally drove to Ramallah, a Muslim city in the West Bank were lynched to death and their bodies were thrown out the window into a large angry crowd who continued to beat their corpses.
I couldn’t understand how after working towards peace for eight years, there was more hate than understanding. I could no longer visit the same Arab cities I had as a boy. I decided to research the issue; including getting a hold on what is being said on Palestinian television, radio, newspapers and in mosques. What I discovered shocked and horrified me. Radical Islamic organizations had taken hold of the media and the mosque pulpit to spread hate towards America, Israel, Christians, Jews, and anyone that is not a radical Muslim. Their plan succeeded and a new Palestinian generation was growing to be radical and very dangerous, which only pushed further any hopes for peace.
When I was back in the US I noticed the sweeping victory of the radical Muslim supporters and apologetics in the media. The main stream media was bending over backward to not portray the Palestinian radical Muslim terrorists as terrorists. This is when I realized how dangerous these groups might be and when I decided that I need to do something about it.
What drives/inspires you?
I am a trained software engineer, which is my favorite job, however, I believe that what I do now is more important and will make more of an impact on the future world for my kids and grandkids. When I finish a presentation or a project that has reached many people, I feel that I did the right thing and it keeps me going.
It is extremely rewarding when moderate Muslim students approach me following a presentation and thank me for the presentation. Some even ask if I can come back and talk to another group. I enjoy getting to know people with similar values and their passion keeps me going. Last but not least, the support I receive from my wife to continue doing what I am doing, despite the fact that I took a big “pay cut” from my previous “normal job” is a great source of strength.
How do you feel you are making a difference?
When we founded M.A.T., we utilized a detailed survey and feedback tools which allow us to measure the success of various projects. The results so far have been better than we originally anticipated. One of the ways that we can judge our success is that those that disagree with us are trying to prevent us from speaking out. Their fear signifies that we have something important and legitimate to say. In addition to winning awards, we have also received wide media coverage that has been very positive. The coverage from our campaigns has encouraged others around the nation to start similar initiatives and we are proud to be a positive example for change.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to make a difference but doesn’t know how?
That is the amazing thing about the great documentaries that I have had the privilege to be a part of. So many people tell me that they have wanted to do something for a while but felt that they either don’t know enough on the issue or are not comfortable to speak on it.
The documentaries Obsession and The Third Jihad are a useful resource as they tell the story in a professional, factual and interesting way. I encourage individuals to invite a few friends or family over, and have a movie night to watch one of the films. Many even gave the DVDs away as holiday gifts for friends and family. For others I encourage them to help financially support these projects. At M.A.T., we make it easy for everyone to get informed and involved in some way or another.
Is there hope for the future, if yes, where?
Yes, there is hope. There will be good times and bad, but if we continue to embrace good values and remember that we are doing it for our kids and grandkids, we will succeed. The oppressive style of tyranny in radical Islam will not allow its followers to flourish in the long run, at the end of the day, our western values of freedom and human rights provide the best environment for society to succeed, and we will.
What is the goal of your organization?
We have a nicely defined mission statement which you can read on our website (http://www.MATmn.org), but our real goal is… to go out of business! I know it sounds funny, but this is what we are hoping for, that there will be no need for us to do what we do. Yes, it might take some time, but hopefully I will get to see it happen.
Click here for a special deal on Obsession and The Third Jihad
Comments
Terrorism is killing the world, We should be united to fight against it.
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No great religion has survived and grown with out test of the basic intellectual validation and deduction of basic ever lasting human values . I think some sections of Islam does not allow the basic intellectual validation on some of the concepts of Islam . But the unanswered questions shall not die or go away .. The Unanswered questions shall remain and haunt for 100000's of generations to come .. More the people are education there would be more deeper questions and intellectual validation . All great religions have evolved over the period due to these basic questions .
So unless we engage our moderate Muslim sections and Muslim friends to accept on the basic questions and validations it would be difficult to change hardline Islam .. I suggest the Owner of the Web site to start Web Site " "Questions on Islam" which shall facilitate the discussions and bridge the divide
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When I was back in the US I noticed the sweeping victory of the radical Muslim supporters and apologetics in the media. catadioptric telescopes
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I am so glad to see the work being done against terrorism. The ideas that you have are so good. This is what makes this going to work in the future. Keep up the good work. avandia lawsuit settlement
It is a relief that we have people like Ilan Sharon who are working so selflessly to make our place a better and peaceful place to live in!! I wonder why there is so much hatred and violence in the name of religion when there is enough space for everyone to live peacefully!! I think that it will take a long time to convince the extremists in every religion that there is a better way to settle issues than by using violence and turning to terrorism!! portable generator reviews
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For anybody not a secret: reports "horrible" events are most attracted the attention of readers, listeners, viewers. However, it is recognized that chilling stories and colorful stories as presented by reporters, to some extent represent a kind of advertisement of terror, so mimovolnoy part of the blame for this ad falls on journalists.For example as I recently have watched on TVshow http://bytesland.com/view/Terror-Trap-2010-Dvdrip-Xvid-Shitty From different sides are surveyed, commented and savor theft century, the century of abduction and robbery of the century. Distorted public opinion, and gradually leveled ordinary human values: the amount stolen regulates the perception - of hatred for a thief to admire his actions.Evil is multifaceted. It pursues a man in the movies, radio and television news, and finally in my life. The proposed number of films, publications, broadcasts projects in human consciousness the idea of inexhaustible forces of evil. A regular kinopobedy good guys over the heathens once again show a preference for permanent walking around the problem rather than addressing the causes of its occurrence.
Having peace in the world is, indeed, one of the greatest achievements mankind could ever achieve. I fear, however, that world peace is unlikely anytime soon with so many different political and religious ideals existing. This post raises some interesting points in asking what a single person can do to help achieve peace. If people on opposing sides of the religious argument would take the time to understand the opposing points of view then a peaceful solution may become more possible. Those that wish to better understand the Christian religion can visit websites such as www.gospellight.com or purchase a Bible and read it in their spare time. Those that wish to better understand Islam (and please do not confuse Islam with Radical Islam) can do a Google search for "understanding Islam" and will have numerous websites to read through.
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I feel that he is an enthusiastic man with lots of will power and moral strength.The software about which he is talking will bring revolution in this era and will be remarkable in many respects.
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That Good must conquer Evil and in doing so lives must be lost! How long will the Free World continue to be spineless in confronting and defeating those that are murderous in nature to the 10th degree. We know who they Are. We know their teachings and doctrines yet we allow these countries to flourish? Much like a herd of cows with the "Mad Cow Disease" or "Mad Dog" they must be destroyed for the Good!
We must conquer and take control of these countries before it's too late. Our laws, guide lines and perceptions are Just. We know the Radical Muslims agenda is to kill all those that are not Muslims. So we are left with no choice but to kill all those that are of this nature, first!
Like I said, "Sad Sad Situation!"
As Bible prophecies for the "End Times" are being fulfilled and the world grows darker and more evil I just pray that our Saviour, Jesus Christ, comes soon to stop all the killing and hatred which continues to grow in intensity!
It is heartbreaking to see the persecution and murder of Christians and attacks on Jews by anti-semitic peoples not only in Israel but many parts of the world including Europe!
Come, Lord Jesus!!
Thank you for being on G_ds side. I lived in Israel for 10 mo.s and found the Jews people, for the most part, very very very caring people. I also feel really bad for the Muslims that are runing and ruining others lives with this hate. The children do not have a chance. May G_d get through to them as He did Paul. May G_d get through to us and we seek His face and repent and turn from our wicked ways that He can heal our land.
Blessings upon Blessings
Beverly
Yes a peace movement that is no longer needed, how wonderful that would be. Yet it will take many more dedicated people to even make peace temporary. Until this conflict is seen as the age old conflict of Good vesus Evil and the spiritual dimension is recognized no real understanding of how people, who when given a free choice usually choose freedom, willingly enslave themselves to Islam. There is conspiracy theories of Islam as the effort to wipe out early Christianity in the Middle East where it was born. The convincing thing about this particular theory is the existance of a great adversary and his brilliance in his attempts to enslave mankind. It is truly a wonder that the United States got founded by men with a good Christian Intellectual background and demonstrated for a time the prosperity that results from Biblical econonmics practiced by free people.