Washington, D.C. Religious Community Called Upon to Join One Another in the Reach for Peace
WASHINGTON-(Business Wire)-September 2, 2009 - Members of the 9/11 Unity Walk, ML Resources Social Vision, All Dulles Area Muslim Society, and Islamic Society of North America are calling on people of all faiths and background from across the Washington, D.C. area to join one another on Thursday, Sept. 3, at the Sixth & I Historic Synagogue for “Fast2Feed.” The event begins at 7:00 p.m.
The event, an interfaith Iftar (breaking of the fast) and community service rally, is organized by local religious and community groups to support President Obama’s United We Serve campaign and encourages cooperation across religious barriers. Through engagement and inspirational speakers, participants will connect under the shared goal of lifting up those in need and establishing a more peaceful and tolerant world.
“When people of faith come together as one, they have the power to make a positive impact on their community,” said Kalsoom Lakhani, Director of ML Resources Social Vision. “Through Fast2Feed, we are encouraging individuals to go beyond dialogue and engage in action.”
Fast2Feed is part of Interfaith Service Week, a nationwide effort to break down religious differences and join members of the community together in service. Throughout the week, religious and community groups from all backgrounds are coordinating service events to support needy individuals across Washington, D.C.
“The 9/11 Unity Walk is privileged to join in the national momentum to rally people together around service,” said Meg Poole, Chair of the 9/11 Unity Walk Board. “It is our hope that through Fast2Feed, people can realize the potential for – and power in – interfaith service movements.”
The event will feature speeches and discussion from leading religious and community figures, including Major Steve Morris with The Salvation Army, Dr. Sayyid Syeed of the Islamic Society of North America, Rabbi David Shneyer from the AM Kolel Congregation, Hannah McConnaughay of Interfaith Youth Corps, and a representative from President Obama’s Administration. Participants will also join their Muslim brothers and sisters in the breaking of the fast.
“Fast2Feed is exemplifying the shared values of peace, understanding, and community support held by all religions by bringing people together for a Muslim Iftar, at a historic Jewish Synagogue, in support of a Christian charity, The Salvation Army,” said Dr. Sayyid Syeed, National Director for Interfaith and Community Alliances of the Islamic Society of North America (ISNA).
“Together, we are calling on people of all faiths to look beyond their differences at goals we all hope to achieve. No matter where you come from or what faith you follow, we must all strive for peaceful and prosperous communities for our families. Fast2Feed and Interfaith Service Week is the first step on that journey,” Dr. Syeed said.
Rizwan Jaka, Board Member with the All Dulles Area Muslim Society (ADAMS), noted, “My organization is honored to join the Fast2Feed Interfaith Ramadan Iftar at the Historic Synagogue as a part of the National Call to Interfaith Service. We believe it is imperative that People of All Faiths work together on a regular basis to help those in need, and we all need to continue to work to build bridges of respect, understanding, harmony, love and peace.”
The event is free and open to members of the public, however, participants are encouraged to bring canned goods or non-perishable food items, which will be donated to The Salvation Army’s Emergency Assistance Programs, supporting communities in need. Fast2Feed is supported by Interfaith Youth Corps, Americans for Informed Democracy and The Salvation Army.
Individuals planning on attending the event are asked to please notify Meg Poole with the 9/11 Unity Walk, at meg@911unitywalk.org, as space is limited.
Interfaith Service Week began on Aug. 31 with the Grate Patrol and Sherman Avenue Feeding Program. Members of all faiths and background are invited to participate in events throughout the week. For more information on how to take part in Interfaith Service Week, contact Kalsoom Lakhani, director of ML Resources Social Vision, at klakhani@mlresourcesllc.com.
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