Intercommunity Solidarity Day: A Day of Peace for City Built on Hope

IN THE NAME OF ALLAH, MOST GRACIOUS, MOST MERCIFUL

INTERCOMMUNITY SOLIDARITY DAY: A DAY OF PEACE FOR A CITY BUILT ON HOPE

BOSTON, MA 06.27.2007--- On the evening of June 27^th, MAS Boston organized an Intercommunity Solidarity Day, for the benefit of the ISBCC, celebrating the completion of the external construction of the ISB Cultural Center and symbolizing the solidarity of Bostonʼs faith communities. The event was co-hosted by Masjid Alhamdulillah, Masjid Al-Quran, and the Islamic Council of New England, and also co-hosted by Senator Dianne Wilkerson, City Councilor Chuck Turner, and community leader and activist Mel King.

The event was attended by approximately 300 faith leaders, public officials, and community members from a variety of religious communities. The program began with the recitation of verse from Surah Al Nur by Isslam El-Hadidy, followed by a heartfelt translation of the verses by Imam Abdullah Faaruuq. Opening remarks were made by Senator Dianne Wilkerson and Councilor Chuck Turner, who each expressed their support for the Muslim community and their pride in seeing Bostonians come together in a show of interfaith solidarity. Remarks were also made by Nancy Murray (American Civil Liberties Union), Ali Noorani (Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition), and Mel King, each of whom talked about the significance of the building of the mosque as an example of the upholding of the religious freedom held so dear in America.

Other highlights of the event included:

• Presentation of a donation check to the ISB on behalf of Supportthemosque.org, a grassroots fundraising and mosque support campaign organized by young Jewish community activists in Boston.
• Acapella performance by the Boston Workmenʼs Circle Community Chorus
• Prayers/Remarks by Rabbi Moshe Waldocks (Temple Beth Zion), Rev. Dr. Tina Saxxon (Church on the Hill), Rev. Jack Johnson (MA Council of Churches), Father OʼFlaherty (Archdiocese), Father Raymond Helmick (ICPL), and Imam Abdullah Faaruuq.
• Closing remarks by City Councilor Felix Arroyo, who emphasized the importance of affirming one anotherʼs rights to worship.

 At the close of the event, community leaders and guests gathered around to plant the Tree of Peace in front of the mosque, symbolizing the peace and friendship shared by all the communities present, and our hope for fruitful cooperation in the future

For more on the Intercommunity Solidarity Day Click Here