Students celebrate Ramadan
In celebration of the Muslim holiday Ramadan, ADITI and the Muslim Students’ Association hosted the annual Ramadan dinner on Saturday in Douglass Dining Center.
“There were a decent amount of people there,” ADITI Cultural Chair and junior Sarel Gaur said. “ADITI was proud to unite with MSA to bring so many people together. We look forward to teaming up with them in the future – possibly at our spring show MELA.”
Catered by Pakistan House, students enjoyed traditional rice, chicken and curry dishes.
The guest speaker was Dr. Mustafa Elfar, who told stories about growing up in a non-traditional Islamic household and living as a Muslim in America.
“Overall, the sold-out dinner was successful, and people enjoyed the food and activities,” MSA President Abdulla Almarzouqi said.
Also at the dinner, ADITI showed a slideshow that educated people of the causalities from the South Asian Earthquake.
In addition to the feast on Saturday night, MSA held a Ramadan Fast-a-Thon during the day. Students who were willing to fast the whole day signed a pledge form.
For each pledge, $1 was donated to Hurricane Katrina and earthquake relief.
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Muslim calendar and is celebrated by observing the Fast of Ramadan – for the entire month, Muslims fast during the daylight hours and at sunset and just before sunrise, eat a small meal and celebrate with friends and family.
Peace vigil held
against war in Iraq
A peace vigil was held in memory of those who have died in Iraq over the past four years outside of Wilson Commons on Thursday. The idea for the vigil was sparked by the death of the 2,000th soldier.
Faculty, staff and students were given the opportunity to speak their minds and voice their concerns about the current situation in Iraq.
Organized by Students for Social Justice, the vigil gave people an opportunity to discuss ways to end the conflict as well bringing home the troops.
Many of those who attended spoke their minds on how this war has been a direct attack on our patriotism as Americans.
“We need a major change now,” SSJ Business Manager and senior Adam Bink said. “With Vietnam, we saw everything. We saw dead bodies and we were given information that made us aware of what exactly was going on over there. With this war, 2000 soldiers have died and that isn’t even including the hundreds and hundreds of Iraqis who have lost their lives. Something like this needs to be brought directly to public attention.”
SSJ President and junior Katie Sharp was unable to attend the vigil, but shared her thoughts regarding the vigil and the war in general.
“It isn’t the easiest thing to do, but we are really trying to make students on this campus aware of the situation in Iraq,” Sharp said. “We want students to feel comfortable coming out and discussing their thoughts and feelings, whatever they may be, on the war and its consequences. So many American lives have been lost.”
An estimated 45 people came to this vigil. Another one is planned for today with the hopes of making it a weekly event.
“We are trying to bring issues regarding the war to public discourse,” SSJ Programming Chair and senior David Ladon said. “It is a chance for us to grieve the loss of life. This vigil is one of many avenues we are taking to bring these injustices to light.”
