S. Maseeh Rehman led community members Sunday night in Sylvania during an annual fundraising dinner. The gathering brings people together to share Muslim traditions and promote peace across different faiths.
The event gives the Muslim community a chance to connect. It informs people of other religions about traditions, organizers said. Rehman said he wants people to feel inspired to fight for peace.
“The only way to bring peace is to promote peace, to have tolerance, to have acceptance,” Rehman said.
The group has hosted this day of learning for three decades. The evening includes presentations alongside the dinner. Author and political scientist Norman Finkelstein spoke at the event this year.
Finkelstein shared research and commentary on the politics of the Holocaust and the Israel-Palestine conflict. His parents were Holocaust survivors, Rehman said.
“It’s time to hear from people who really know it, who know their territory, who know the history,” Rehman said.
Political candidates attended the Sylvania dinner to seek votes. Senate, congressional and judicial candidates took part in the gathering. Attendees included several politicians running for office:
- Republican Ohio Senate candidate James Nowak
- Democratic Ohio State Sen. Paula Hicks-Hudson
- Republican Ohio Rep. and congressional candidate Derek Merrin
Hicks-Hudson is running for re-election. Rehman said hosting candidates serves the goal of civic engagement. Both political parties sat together in the same room.
“This is a very unique setup where you have both the parties come together, same time, in the same room, sit side by side. That is America. We may have difference of opinion. We may have difference of thought processes. But at the end of the day, we have to work together,” Rehman said.
Listening to speeches with differing opinions helps ensure peace, Rehman said. He urged attendees to participate in elections.
“Let them know that you may disagree with something, but it does not mean that you step back. Contribute. Be a part of the process. Go. Especially this is election year. Go and vote. Express yourself,” Rehman said.
Civic engagement dinners allow community groups to hear from public candidates. These forums offer public access to political debates. Organizers use ticket sales to support outreach.
Turnout grows each year in Sylvania. Rehman said he hopes the trend continues next year.
