When One Community Is Targeted, We Show Up
On October 8, Rev. Samaya joined more than 60 faith leaders and community members at the MAC Islamic School in Bridgeland after the school received two hateful, Islamophobic emails. She spoke at the gathering on behalf of the Calgary Interfaith Council and the Calgary Alliance for the Common Good, offering a message to the students, families, and staff: you are not alone.
Student representatives shared the school’s values and programming, and it was heartening to see people from Calgary’s diverse faith communities come together in care and support.
In a follow-up message, the school’s director, Mazen Jishi, shared how much the gathering meant, particularly to families feeling anxious and uncertain. He spoke of sidq—genuine sincerity—and the importance of students witnessing their wider community standing beside them.
Our faith traditions call us to welcome the stranger and care for those in need. We are grateful to be part of interfaith work that puts those values into practice. When one community is targeted, we can choose to show up for one another. Here are some links to coverage by the media about this event.
· City News
