AMAN Organizes vigil for Pittsburgh Synagogue victims

AMAN (American Muslims Assisting Neighbors) organized an interfaith vigil recently to remember victims of the Pittsburgh Synagogue .The vigil, held on the grounds of Masjid Meraj in Plainfield, was attended by a large number of people representing a cross section of faiths in and around Plainfield.
Mohammed Faheem, co-founder of AMAN and a Plainfield resident said his "heart dropped" when he heard the news about the shooting and he quickly got together with the management of Masjid Meraj to offer some solace to the community and in particular our jewish neighbors. Faheem and his wife Rizvana attended the Shabbat Shiva at the Aurora Synagogue and were struck by how similar the message of the Torah was to the message of the Quran and Bible and decided to invite clergy of various faiths to the vigil to provide some solace to the community.
Plainfield village trustee Larry Newton, police chief John Konopek, Rabbi Charles Rubovit from the Joliet Jewish Congregation, Pastor Linny Hartzell from Hope United Methodist Church, Judge Ben Braun, Judge Victoria Kinnison, Dr. Arshad Qureshi and Zaki Basalath spoke at the vigil. All speakers emphasized the commonality between Abrahimic faiths and stressed upon the need for unity and brotherhood. Chief Konopek reassured everyone that Plainfield police constantly practice for various scenarios and are there at all times to protect and serve.
The vigil started with the pledge of allegiance led by Juhie and Nuhie Faheem and reading out of the names of those killed and injured in the incident. A Star of David crafted by Greg Zanis with the names and pictures of the victims was displayed on the Masjid grounds during the vigil. Participants also signed a card with messages of sympathy.