Photos by Daniel R. Gangler
Indiana Vigil
INDIANAPOLIS – Epworth United Methodist Church hosted an interfaith candlelight prayer vigil Dec. 11 in support of Syrian refugees.
INDIANAPOLIS – More than 200 Christians, Jews and Muslims gathered to welcome three new Syrian refugee families to Indianapolis Friday evening, Dec. 11 during an interfaith rally and candlelight prayer vigil at Epworth United Methodist Church in honor and support of Syrian refugee families.
Among those speaking were Ed and Paula Kassig, members of Epworth Church whose son, Abdul-Rahman Peter Kassig, was murdered by ISIS one year ago.
Photos by Daniel R. Gangler
Paula & Ed Kassig
INDIANAPOLIS – Paul and Ed Kassig, whose son Abdul-Rahman Peter Kassig was killed by ISIS in 2014, speak at the rally and interfaith prayer vigil in support of Syrian refugees.
“We want everyone to know that we are not here because of the Kassig family. Tonight, we asked to be allowed to speak for another family – the human family,” said Paula Kassig.
The younger Kassig was captured while working to help Syrian refugees. His parents are now advocating for those same refugees to be given asylum in his home state of Indiana.
“Keep your hearts open to those who could use a leg up. You will strengthen America as you welcome the newcomers,” said Paula.
This was the first time that members of the Syrian American Council of Indiana have publically spoken out against Indiana Gov. Mike Pence’s ban of Syrian refugees to Indiana. Despite the ban, Catholic Charities relocated a family to Indiana just this past week. The goal of the interfaith gathering was to encourage Gov. Pence to lift the ban and stop stalling the refugee program in Indiana.
Photo by Daniel R. Gangler
Basha
INDIANAPOLIS – With three Syrian refugee families standing behind her, Nora Basha, with the Syrian American Council of Indiana, speaks during a press conference before a rally and candlelight interfaith prayer vigil in honor and support of Syrian refugee families on Dec. 11. The event was held by the Syrian American Council of Indiana at the Epworth United Methodist Church.
Speaking on behalf of the council, Nora Basha, the daughter of a Syrian refugee who grew up in Indiana, said, "No Syrian wants to be a refugee. They just want safety for their children and a place to call home.”
She continued, "Our message to Gov. Mike Pence today is that we know that you are a good man with noble intentions and a responsibility to keep Hoosiers safe. We don't take that lightly. We know how much you have given for our state and its citizens however we are confident if you meet with these families and hear these stories you may reconsider where you stand today.”
Members of several families spoke during the rally. Through an Arabic translator, Syrian refugee Marwan Batman said he was overwhelmed with the amount of love and compassion he is receiving from everyone and he has friends, connections and relations here so he feels wonderful. He, a Muslim, also said this event at a Christian church made him feel comforted and welcomed. About half of his city’s population were Muslims and half were Christians. He said he had several Christian friends who are dear to him. The other families expressed their sincere gratitude to Hoosiers for welcoming them from their war-torn country.
Photos by Daniel R. Gangler
Batman
INDIANAPOLIS – Marwan Batman tells his story and gives thanks to those in Indianapolis for their support during a rally and interfaith candlelight vigil in honor and support of Syrian refugee families on Dec. 11, 2015. The event was held by the Indiana chapter of the Syrian American Council at the Epworth United Methodist Church.
According to news sources, the Batmans consist of a mother, father, and four children. They arrived in Indianapolis, their new forever home, from Syria one year ago. After escaping the civil war there, the family spent a year and a half interviewing with the United Nations in Lebanon. Another year was spent interviewing at the United States Embassy in Beirut before they were told Indianapolis would be their new home.
Of the families who recently arrived, one spent two years at a refugee camp in Jordan, another spent one year in Lebanon before meeting all the requirements to come to the United States.
Preceding the vigil, Epworth Church Pastor Bill Hoppes said, “As Christians we’re called to care for the poor, the hungry, the refugee. During this season of advent we remember that Mary, Joseph and Jesus were refugees, they fled persecution in their native country.”
About the event, Hoppes said, “Increasing dialogue, friendship, welcoming the refugees in our midst, befriending them and getting to know them, replaces fear with a sense of proactive love.”
The Syrian American Council invited Gov. Mike Pence to the event this week, but his representative said they had to decline due to a prior commitment. Indiana Attorney General Greg Zoeller was able to attend and greeted the refugee families. He did not speak at the vigil. The Council hopes to schedule a meeting between Gov. Pence and refugees living in Indianapolis in coming weeks.
The Rev. Daniel R. Gangler is a retired United Methodist communicator living in Indianapolis.