Belleville, ON, Nov 9 — The Islamic Society of Belleville hosted an impactful Interfaith Summit at 33 Moira St W to shed light on the humanitarian crisis and ongoing injustices in Palestine and Gaza from a faith-based perspective. The event brought together religious leaders, faith communities, and activists to advocate for peace and justice.
The summit featured distinguished speakers, including:
- Dr. Hakim Belhadjhamida — Imam, Muslim Scholar, and President, Islamic Society of Belleville
- Mr. Frank Hiebert — Belleville United Church, Belleville
- Rev. Wayne Kleinsteuber — Presbyterian Church, Deseronto
- Rev. Jeff O’Hare — Christ Church Anglican, Belleville
- Rev. Nazir Masih — 7th Day Adventist Church
- Laura Sky — Representative of the Jewish Community
- Khalil Rahman — Founder and Representative, Islamic Society of Belleville Community
Jewish and Muslim community members also contributed valuable reflections on how their faith traditions advocate for peace, justice, and nonviolence. Among the participants was Sean Kelly, CJBQ radio host, city councilor, and diversity advocate, who joined in the call for community solidarity and understanding.
Speakers highlighted the severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza, sharing the devastating reality of over 20,000 children killed, with hundreds of thousands lacking essential resources such as food, shelter, and medicine. Together, they called for meaningful action toward peace and emphasized the importance of sustained interfaith dialogue on this urgent issue.
The event, organized in collaboration with Belleville for Justice and Peace, a group of local peace advocates, attracted over 100 participants from across the community. Belleville for Justice and Peace has been leading weekly protests at Bell Blvd and N. Front St. every Sunday from 1:30 to 3:30 PM for the past year, continuously advocating for global justice and peace.
Where: Islamic Society of Belleville, 33 Moira St W, Belleville ON
