Islamic Society leader slated to speak at interfaith breakfast
Islamic Society leader slated to speak at interfaith breakfast
Monday, April 17, 2006
By ALEX PESHKOV
apeshkov@repub.com
WESTFIELD – Imam Wissam Abdul Baki of the Islamic Society of Western Massachusetts will speak at the 21st annual Interfaith Breakfast Wednesday at Westfield State College.
The breakfast, sponsored by the Westfield State College Foundation, will start at 7:30 a.m. in Scanlon Banquet Hall.
The event serves as a fund-raiser for the Albert and Amelia Ferst Interfaith Chapel on campus and raises some $7,000-$10,000 for the Interfaith Center each year.
“The center gives students access to their faith on campus through regular religious services, study groups and organizations,” said college spokesman Craig Phelon.
Born in JubJunine, Lebanon, an area famous for its scenery and harmonious interfaith environment, Baki has served the Western Massachusetts area Islamic community since 1997.
He has considerable international experience in support of his ministry, serving in both the Middle East and Latin America before coming to the United States.
Baki earned a bachelor’s and advanced degrees at the Islamic University of Al-Madinah in Al-Munawarah and later served on the faculty, teaching Arabic, as well as media and communication.
He was an imam and teacher in Peru, Bolivia and Venezuela and has been active in many national and international interfaith programs. He is also a member of the Professional Consultation Committee at Baystate Medical Center.
Tickets for the breakfast are $12 each and a table for eight can be reserved for $96. For more information, contact the foundation office at 572-5489.
