Islamic Foundation held a Rally for Unity and Solidarity on New Year Day
On New Year day, January 01 2017; The Islamic Foundation Interfaith & Outreach Committee of Villa Park held a 2nd Annual community gathering on New Year's Day for Interfaith Solidarity.
More than 450 of visitors showed up at the Islamic Foundation to join together for Unity and Solidarity from different religious back grounds. Leaders came from Jews Communities, Oak Park Temple B'nai Abraham Zion, Churches leaders from Catholic, Presbyterian, Lutheran, United Methodist, and Unitarian communities attended and spoke on the united gathering for Solidarity and humanity.
Members of Islamic Foundation greeted everyone into the hall along with other volunteers. Chairman of Interfaith & Outreach Committee Mr. Azam Nizamuddin said during an interview with Muslim Abroad, "We are joining hand together pray for Solidarity, love and peace with all communities."
Master of ceremonies was Mr. Fayaz Ahmed and The Program started with a Quran Recitation and translation by Young Student Nadeem Nizam Uddin. Welcome and opening remarks were conduct by Azam Nizamuddin, Chairman of Interfaith & Outreach Committee of Villa Park. He highlighted the purpose and importance of the Event.
The Program Started by Elmhurst College Student Imaan Ahmed. She explains the common issues as young student facing in education sectors in everyday life.
Several Interfaith leaders delivered speech stressing the importance of Unity and Solidarity. Speaker included Andrea Lebowski from Jews Congregation, Liz Chaplin from DuPage Board, Nausheen Akhter from Northwestern Medicine, Annika Rothbaum from Oak Park Temple B'nai Abraham Zion, Rev David Handley from Presbyterian Church, Father Mark Cote from St-Alexander-Parish, Susan O'Donnell from event organizer at DuPage County. Jennies Anderson and Mike Graph came from local Churches.
Many of speaker share common values with the all religions and recounted their experiences about peace and Solidarity. Every time when people engage in interfaith dialogue and get to know each other's. Some of the Speakers said about registry of Muslim. "We're Not Going to Have a Registry Based on a Religion in this country. If the Government called for registry we will do register as Muslim. We are all stand together to protect our neighbors and our most fundamental rights". No American can be singled out by their race, religion and ethnicity orientation. Today we are here for Solidarity and respect for others. One of the speakers added. The purpose of this gathering is to increase our understanding of and respect for other religious systems and institutions.
Closing Remarks was conduct by Amir Zaheer. He thanks all the audience to great event. He wishes we will gather again soon.