Islamic Association of the Finger Lakes - A Brief History
This Islamic Association of the Finger Lakes (IAFL) serves the Muslim community of the greater Finger Lakes. This short video details some of IAFL’s early history, core beliefs, and their contributions to the larger community locally.
This glimpse into the traditions of The Islamic Association of the Finger Lakes was produced by Im. Zaman Marwat, Najeeb Rehman, Aayla Sheikh, and Dan Gallagher through The ARTS Council of the Southern Finger Lakes’ Community Documentation Workshop.
The Community Documentation Workshop, made possible through a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts, began in 2021 as an 8-part workshop series designed to teach residents how to gather and share stories in ways that unify our diverse region, advance cultural equity, and reflect the dignity and resilience of the people within our community.
As our friends, collaborators, and community partners complete their documentaries, The ARTS Council is proud to amplify their stories.
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Congregation Kol Ami – Jewish Life in Elmira
Like many faith communities, since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, Congregation Kol Ami has had to adapt to the conditions of everyday life. This short video illustrates how they have reinvented worshiping and their very popular Jewish Food Festival.

Southern Tier Indian Cultural Association – “The Whole World Is My Family”
The Southern Tier Indian Cultural Association (STICA)was was founded by Indian immigrants in the 1980s seeking to preserve Indian cultural traditions in the region. This short video looks at the early history of STICA told through the voices of some of its founders.