A powerful evening of reflection, remembrance and raising awareness.
Thank you to all our wonderful guests, friends, and community who attended Monday evening’s collective dua for Palestine.
The evening began with a beautiful rendition of Quranic verses around justice as recited by Shaikh Mahmoud and translated by ED Henry Hane.
Board members Dr. Samina Sohail, Shakila Ahmad (Emeritus), and Dr. Amir Izhar gave the welcome and relayed ICGC’s commitment to upholding justice and standing in solidarity with Palestinians.
Palestinian American and past board member Zeinab Schwen shared her narrative and the impact decades of oppression have had upon her family.
Dr. Ashraf Traboulsi reminded us of the sanctity of Masjid AlAqsa and how dear it is for Muslims globally, relaying, “we are all Palestinians.”
ICGC youth Omar Zayed shared his perspective of being raised from Palestinian roots, and coming to realize the level of oppression in his parent’s homeland.
Cincinnati native and UPF development director Jawad Rahman reminded us of the importance of storytelling in shaping the narrative and encouraging us to use our voice to uphold justice.
Father Mark Soehner, minister provincial superior of the Franciscan Friars at St. John the Baptist Provence, relayed his community’s support for humanity.
Several of our ICGC youth, under the leadership of youth coordinators Isa ArRazi and Sadia Malik, recited the many names of Palestinian children that have been martyred. The chilling reminder that so many innocent children as young as 1 year old have lost their lives was devastating.
As the evening concluded with Imam Hossam Musa’s powerful dua for the oppressed, the hearts of our diverse community came together unified against oppression. We ask that Allah SWT brings lasting peace and justice to Palestine.
We thank our wonderful community, including members from the Jewish community, for attending this evening’s remembrance and dua.