In a '' The New York Times '' article , journalism professor Samuel G. Freedman wrote , " For anyone who bothered to look for it , Almontaser left a clear , public record of interfaith activism and outreach across the boundaries of race , ethnicity and religion . Her efforts , especially after the September 11 attacks , earned her honors , grants and fellowships . She has collaborated so often with Jewish organizations that an Arab-American newspaper , '' Aramica '' , castigated her earlier this summer for being too close to a ' Zionist organization , ' meaning the Anti-Defamation League . Almontaser has twice been profiled on Voice of America as an accomplished Muslim American . " In 2004 Almontaser received the Revson Fellowship award for her contributions to City life . Almontaser told her story in her own words on National Public Radio ( Brian Lehrer Show ) and Democracy Now ! Brooklyn Borough President , Marty Markowitz expressed support for Almontaser , calling for her to be reinstated , noting Almontaser " was dumped on , and she does n't deserve it " and that he has " witnessed her work , bringing Muslims and Jews and other religions together . " Then New York City Councilman John Liu noted that the Department of Education " and this administration acted totally irresponsibly and violated the trust placed in them in what they allowed to happen to Debbie Almontaser . " Along with local politicians , there was an outpouring of community support for Almontaser , with hundreds of individuals and organizations signing statements in support of Almontaser and the Khalil Gibran International Academy ( KGIA ) . A diverse community group called '' ' Communities in Support of the Khalil Gibran International Academy ' '' ( CISKGIA ) formed in order to show support for the school as well as Almontaser 's rights . The group maintains that KGIA requires more and better support from the Department of Education and New Visions in order to succeed , and it was a strong voice for Debbie Almontaser 's reinstatement throughout the controversy
September 11 attacks
September 11 attacks
Debbie Almontaser