DEARBORN — Chants were heard throughout the University of Michigan-Dearborn campus early last month, as students marched in solidarity with the oppressed of Pakistan and various places in the Middle East, like Bahrain, Palestine, Iraq and Syria. 

The event, titled “The Silenced Genocide: The Forgotten Voices,” was held by the University’s Students for Islamic Awareness (SIA) group and co-sponsored by the Arab Student Union (ASU).  It included a documentary, lecture, march and vigil with poetry. 

The documentary, titled “Rising Cries, a Call for Justice,” exposes realities about the ongoing Shia Muslim genocide in Pakistan and various regions within the Middle East. Pictures displayed at the event of the Bahraini, Palestinian, and Pakistani genocides came to life, as the documentary played and resonated in the hearts of those who watched. 

Participants hold posters during the awareness event at UM-Dearborn.

Zahra Dabaja, a student at the University said the documentary strongly showcased unity among all communities around the world and sent a message that we should stand up against oppression and violence for all of humanity.

Jason Smart, a 40-year-old Muslim convert, and the author of “Jesus, Through Our Eyes,” gave a lecture about governments standing idly by as oppression happens.  

During the march on campus, demonstrators held up signs that read, “Power to the Peaceful” and “Americans Against Genocide in Pakistan.” Other chants included, “One, two, three, four, innocent killings no more,” and “peace, peace Pakistan.”  Afterwards, demonstrators participated in a candlelight vigil in honor of the oppressed, during which poetry was read by youth, ranging in age from 13 to 20. 

A tribute to the oppressed was also given when a paper lantern was lit and released into the sky as a symbol of hope.

“We believe that it’s our obligation to inform people about the suffering of others; whether they’re Muslim or non-Muslim.  We are all very pleased with how the event turned out and hope to host many more events like this one,” SIA President Ali Assi said. 

Riyam Alwishah, an SIA member, spoke about the event’s purpose, stating “Today, we united from different ages and different backgrounds to convey our message. It is a message that will not only be heard, but voiced. We are the voice of the voiceless.”  

— This article was written by Fatima Fakhreddine, a journalism student at the University of Michigan-Dearborn.