Words of cooperation, partnership, and mutual respect were shared by AMMWEC's executive director Anila Ali, Rabbi Stuart Weinblatt, Israeli Ambassador Herzog, Bosnian Ambassador Sven Alkalaj, dignitaries from a range of nations and organizations, with religious services led by both Rabbi Wenblatt and Imam Faizul R. Khan.
The Ramadan fast and the Fast of Esther were broken with an Iftar meal of kosher Pakistani cuisine.
I recently completed a project for ECDC (the Ethiopian Community Development Council) to provide pictures for their website and publications.
These pictures are of volunteers, staff, and two refugee families they serve; one from El Salvador, the other from Afghanistan.
Thanks to Lullit Paulos, Emily Gilkenson, and Dr. Teferra of ECDC. Blessings on their good work.
I was the chief photographer for the project "Refugee Integration in Virginia," for the Ethiopian Community Development Council (ECDC). ECDC profiled a number of refugees to the state as well as organizations and individuals that provide support for new immigrants in need. The work was sponsored by a grant from Virginia Humanities.
A storytelling event and exhibition was held at ECDC's headquarters on July 15, 2022.
Pictured are: Ahmad Luqman, Engeela Sharifi and family, Kenneth Speicher, Lisa McQuail, Mohammad Dawar Hakimi, Reza Yawari and family, Todd Endo, Wendy Chan, and Zakira Qayum and family.
Thanks to Aleen Wright, Dr. Tsehaye Teferra, Dr. Azeb Girgai, and the rest of the staff at ECDC, and to the brave refugees and their kind-hearted helpers who participated in the project.
