DEARBORN HEIGHTS — More than 150 religious, social and business leaders, in addition to community members, gathered for a day long conference at Islamic House of Wisdom in Dearborn Heights on Monday, April 7.

Some national public speakers spoke during the conference and answered questions during the panel discussions, including  Dr. Barney Field, Dr. Nick Phillip, Dr. Michael Ross, Rev. David Kasbow, Dr. Jennifer Roback Morse, Ms Kathy LeLonde and the Master of Ceremonies for the conference, Vic Faust of WXYZ 7.  

Imam Elahi, the spiritual leader of the Islamic House of Wisdom, admired the diversity of the audience that came from different places and faith traditions. He emphasized the revitalization of family values and reflected on the principles of love, respect, responsibility, integrity, trust, patience, forgiveness and passion for truth and justice. 

Also, a topic of discussion during the conference was a controversy that made national news this week, when a local parent complained about a flyer being distributed at Dearborn Public schools promoting an easter egg hunt. 

Elahi expressed disappointment in the media, stating that they never highlight stories about interfaith outreach between the Muslim, Christians and Jewish communities, which has been part of IHW’s agenda for several years now. Elahi told The Arab American News that an accurate depiction of the interfaith communities was apparent at the event, despite the media’s agenda to spin it in another direction. 

“I know where the real community is and I know what real Islam is. It’s not what I heard from the media and it’s not what I heard regardling the Easter egg situation. I was very uncomfortable because that became the national news. They don’t show the accurate reaction of the community, they are just looking for something negative,” Elahi said.