The United Nations' designation of March 21 as the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination holds profound significance, rooted in a tragic event that unfolded in Sharpeville, South Africa, in 1960. On that fateful day, 69 peaceful demonstrators lost their lives as police opened fire during a protest against the oppressive apartheid "pass laws." The UN's recognition of this day, marked by the adoption of Resolution 2142 (XXI) in 1966, underscores the global commitment to combatting racial discrimination in all its forms.
Despite the progress made since the enactment of this resolution, the world continues to grapple with persistent divisions, conflicts, and inequalities. These challenges serve as poignant reminders of the urgent need for unity, understanding, and dialogue, particularly in regions plagued by long-standing disputes and violence. It is within this context that Al Jamia Masjid Vancouver, in collaboration with Canadian Memorial United Church and Centre for Peace, convened an interfaith iftar and dialogue session on March 21.
The event ostensibly sought to nurture dialogue and solidarity among communities. The participants gathered first at Centre for Peace for a dialogue session aimed at promoting mutual understanding and addressing pressing issues, particularly the Palestine-Israel conflict. Leaders and representatives from diverse religious, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds shared their perspectives and insights, fostering an environment of respect and cooperation and to build solidarity among communities and to pay tribute to those who have perished and continue to perish, enabling us to collectively amplify our voices and prayers in the struggle for the survival of those enduring occupation, genocide, and oppression, advocating for universal human rights and peace.
The session was moderated by Al Jamia Masjid Vancouver's Director, Haroon Khan, and Minister Cathy Merchant of CMUC.
Recognition of the UN International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination was conveyed by Imtiaz Popat of the Coalition Against Bigotry-Pacific.
Key Participants:
Among the attendees were elected officials, community leaders, activists, and religious figures, from Vancouver's diverse Muslim, Christian, Jewish, Sikh, Hindu, Buddhist, Agnostic, First Nations communities, Government officials, Activists, and others, irrespective of race, religion, gender, orientation, or nationality. Each Distinguished guests brought a unique perspective and commitment to advancing peace and justice. Their presence underscored the importance of collective action and dialogue in addressing complex geopolitical challenges.
CMUC sanctuary is nestled in the heart of Vancouver and was erected by the congregation at Canadian Memorial United Church (CMUC) on the grounds of a historic church constructed by the late Rev. (Lt.-Col G.O. Fallis (CBE, ED, DD), a WW1 Veteran, as a memorial to those who served and perished in World War One.
WW1 was dubbed at that time as "The war to end all wars." More than a century after the armistice of 1918, the world has witnessed numerous conflicts, wars, and hostilities, edging closer to obliteration than ever before in recorded history. CMUC upholds the mission towards peace for all communities at this center.
Al Jamia Masjid Vancouver, the inaugural Muslim place of worship in British Columbia established in 1963, was privileged to collaborate with the aim of fostering consciousness and constructing connections. The dialogue session was succeeded by prayers and worship amidst delightful cuisine and camaraderie at the Al Jamia Masjid. Al Jamia Masjid Vancouver, a symbol of faith and community, opened its doors to host an interfaith iftar—a communal meal marking the end of fasting during the holy month of Ramadan.
Closing Remarks:
As the dialogue session drew to a close, participants expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations and reaffirmed their commitment to ongoing collaboration. Despite the formidable obstacles that lie ahead, they remained hopeful that through unity, empathy, and dialogue, lasting solutions could be found.
Conclusion:
The interfaith dialogue held in Vancouver served as a testament to the transformative power of solidarity and understanding in fostering peace and justice. By bridging divides, nurturing empathy, and building meaningful connections, communities can work together to overcome seemingly insurmountable challenges and create a more equitable and harmonious world.
We were genuinely humbled and honored by all attendees of the dialogue session who articulated their thoughts and convictions with fervor and dedication for the Liberation of Palestine and freedom From the River to the sea for Palestinians, Jews, Christians, and all communities.
Participants and Speakers included:
Charlene Aleck -Elected council for Tsleil Waututh Nation
Vancouver Granville -MP Taleeb Noormohamed
Imtiaz Popat of Coalition Against Bigotry - Pacific, Community Leader, Documentary Filmmaker
Kombii Nanjalah of Great Lakes Society
Shawkat Hassan, Palestinian, Former UNWRA executive and community leader
Avril Orloff and Yehuda Mansell Co-Founders of the Vancouver Friends of Standing Together
Arwa Shurab, Palestinian community leader, founder of ngo HERVOICE
Adam Soliman, Lawyer, Founder, BC Muslim and Arab Professionals
Jane Heyman, Nomi Fenson and Jennifer Roosma as well as Vicki Robinson from Women Waging Peace.
Sameh Genina, Community Leader, formerly with Red Cross and UN
Manjit, Harjit and Sital Dhillon, Sikh Comminity Leaders, Advisory South Asian Canadian Museum
Laith Sarhan, Lawyer, activist with Vancouver for Granville 4 Palestine & Palestinian Youth Movement
Rev. Sandra Nixon Coordinating Minister at Trinity-Grace United Church
Kabir Qurban, Teacher, Community Advocate for Muslim Foodbank, Filmmaker
Jafar Bhamji, Alameen Post
Special thanks to:
Rabbi Laura Duhan Kaplan, Temple Or Shalom, Christine Boyle, Stephen Quinn, Tarek Ramadan, Musa Ismail, Bilal Cheema, Rev. Beth Carlson-Malena, Rev. Jeff Rock, Rev. Marianna Harris, George Bartlett, Richard Duke, Asad Khan, Justin Hui, Fahad Rasheed, Nasim Tyab, Zunaira Mustaqeem, Ihsan Newman, Khurram Butt, Ali Mirza, Abid Chaudhry, Board of Directors, Al Masjid Al Jamia Vancouver, Pakistan Canada Association, people like you