Source: The Washington Post

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/11/20/AR2005112001310.html

On November 21, 2005 The Washington Post reported, "Last week, five Girl Scout troops from the All Dulles Area Muslim Society in Sterling hosted an Eid party for five Herndon area troops, their mothers and troop leaders, to share a meal and help demystify Muslim cultural and religious traditions. The annual event, in its fifth year, was one of the activities many Muslim families -- especially those with one or more immigrant parents -- say are important to help integrate their sons and daughters into the rituals of American childhood... Many Muslim immigrants have sought to bridge their old and new worlds since they began coming to the United States in large numbers during the 1960s. But since Sept. 11, 2001, as they have faced increasing hostility and scrutiny, parents and community leaders say, cultural integration is more vital than ever... In the Washington area, home to about 250,000 Muslims from several countries, [Muslims participate in activities which] include scouting, basketball, football, cricket and table tennis. The Muslim society's center, which attracts Muslims from across Virginia, the District and Maryland, has hosted Muslim comedians and Muslim concerts and held interfaith exchanges with churches and an Eid festival with a moonbounce. 'This is part of the normal progression of our community,' Jaka said. 'They're wholesome community activities that are compatible with who we are, which is wholesome Americans.'"