Abrahamic Reunion Compassion Los Gatos 2019 II

LOS GATOS, California — On Sunday, June 16, 2019, more than sixty Jews, Christians, and Muslims united at Los Gatos Islamic Center to prepare a meal for the hungry and homeless of San Jose. Orientation was led by Br. Kutub Mahmood of West Valley Muslim Association, Pastor JC Park of Venture Christian Church​, and Sr. Iris Bendahan of Congregation Beth David. Volunteers enjoyed getting acquainted with lively discussion in small buddy groups before Muslim afternoon prayers. Volunteers then worked in buddy groups to prepare a tasty halal chicken dinner with green and fruit salads for our friends who live outside. After all food was prepared and ready for transport, volunteers convoyed to Cityteam Men’s Recovery Center to serve dinner. Rabbi Hugh Seid-Valencia of the APJCC offered the ha motzi before recovery center residents dined. Pastor JC Park offered a prayer of thanksgiving before guests dined. After seconds were served, volunteers enjoyed dinner together. Then Br. Kutub Mahmood offered a closing dua of thanksgiving.

Many thanks to Chef Reynolds Stewart who oriented volunteers to kitchen facilities at Cityteam; to event leaders Br. Kutub Mahmood, Pastor JC Park, and Sr. Iris Bendahan; to Sr. Taj Noori for making countless preparations; to Loves and Fishes for donating a wealth of wholesome food; and to all AAi donors who made the event possible. Most of all, thanks be to God الحَمْد لله‎ ברוך השם for providing us the strength and resources for this united effort to serve our neighbors in need.

Photos courtesy of Br. Qamar Noori, Joseph Grappa, Iris Bendahan, and Megan Robinson. Photo curation by Annah Liyah.