Muslims, Christians, Jews and others gather for ritual and to build solidarity in the movement for justice and freedom for Palestinians.
On March 21st, the Philadelphia chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Philadelphia) plans to join Rabbis for Ceasefire, Jewish Voice for Peace- Philadelphia, POWER Philadelphia, and Families for Ceasefire-Philly for an interfaith event marking Ramadan, the Lenten season, and Taanit Esther (a Jewish fast day).
At the Philadelphia gathering, members of faith groups will read poems, sacred texts from the three traditions, and engage in community building activities for adults and children. The dinner will start at 7:15 pm at sunset time when Muslims break their fast. The gathering will call on President Biden and Congress for an immediate permanent ceasefire, to halt weapons funding to Israel, refund UNRWA and overall increase humanitarian aid to Gaza.
WHAT: Multifaith Iftar for Ceasefire
WHEN: Thursday, March 21st, 6:30pm
WHERE: First Unitarian Church of Philadelphia, 2125 Chestnut Street Philadelphia
CONTACT: Asiyah Jones, Ajones@cair.com
In a statement, CAIR-Philadelphia Student Leadership and Advocacy Projects Coordinator Asiyah Jones said:
“This multifaith gathering is a continuation of the cross generational, multifaith movement we see on our streets, calling on our elected officials to stop their complicity in the slaughter of Palestinians. We are dedicated to carry this movement forward and make it a voice for all oppressed in our cities and worldwide.”
Rabbi Linda Holtzman of Rabbis for Ceasefire said:
“In the story of Esther, we learn that when she saw injustice, Esther fasted, gained strength to stand up to demand justice even when it endangered her, and made a difference. At this Iftar, the Jewish community joins with Muslims and Christians to break our fast to gain strength to continue to demand a Ceasefire. The killing must stop; the starvation must stop; the lack of healthcare must stop. We will not give up until this unjust killing ends.”
Rev. Hannah Capaldi of First Unitarian Church of Philadelphia said:
“Interfaith solidarity strengthens our movement to demand a lasting ceasefire. As UUs, we affirm the dignity of all people and believe there is truth in all the world’s religions. We’re honored to host this Break-fast and welcome Philadelphians of many faiths who join in compassion, courage, and the call for justice in Palestine.”
National Convening groups include: Adalah Justice Project, Council on American Islamic Relations (CAIR), Kairos Center, Muslim Community Network NY, and Rabbis for Ceasefire. Co-sponsors: Faith for Black Lives, Hindus for Human Rights, Fellowship of Reconciliation.
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