۱۰ فروردین ۱۴۰۳ |۱۹ رمضان ۱۴۴۵ | Mar 29, 2024
Iraqi immigrants in Portland honor those killed in Baghdad suicide attack

Holding signs that read “Baghdad is Burning” and “Pray for Peace,” chanting prayers and listening to speeches, about 100 Iraqi immigrants stood on the steps of the First Parish Church in downtown Portland on Sunday to remember those who were killed in a massive suicide bombing last week in Baghdad.

Hawzah News Agency-Holding signs that read “Baghdad is Burning” and “Pray for Peace,” chanting prayers and listening to speeches, about 100 Iraqi immigrants stood on the steps of the First Parish Church in downtown Portland on Sunday to remember those who were killed in a massive suicide bombing last week in Baghdad.

Children held candles, and a chalk map of Iraq was drawn on the brick sidewalk in front of the church, where flowers also were set down.

At least 222 people died in the blast July 3 after a truck carrying a bomb exploded in a popular shopping district.

Noor Ibrahim, 19, one of the speakers at the ceremony, said people should know that Daesh is falsely using the Islamic faith as justification for numerous terrorist acts.

“Daesh is not Islam,” Ibrahim said. “Daesh is not a religion. Murdering people is not a religion.”

Hamdiyah Alwakeal of Portland said her 17-year-old nephew, Ali Alwakeal, died during the bombing, and she believes he was so close to the explosion that there are no remains of him.

Alwakeal said it’s important to remember families and friends who are still in Iraq, and to show support for those suffering from the attack. Alwakeal said she has become a U.S. citizen and has lived in Maine for eight years.

 

Mohammed Albehadli of Portland said the attack last week killed or wounded many young people who were enjoying themselves at the mall.

“This is very heartbreaking, and we need to remember them,” Albehadli said.

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