The event brought together an inspiring lineup of speakers who emphasized the importance of teaching about Palestine as an integral part of our Islamic identity. Imam Tom Facchine set the tone by highlighting the significance of sharing our own stories and framing our narratives through an Islamic lens. This was followed by Dr. Samar Al Majaideh, who introduced the “Teaching Palestine Toolkit,” and Br. Hameem Rahman from Yaqeen Institute sharing a unit on Navigating Palestine’s Struggle Through Faith.
Dr. Leila Shatara from Islamic Curriculum Initiative captivated us with her insights on K-12 resources that focus on personal stories and cultural representations, reminding us of the power of context in education. One of the most memorable moments was a beautiful presentation on Palestinian embroidery, or tatreez, which showcased the richness of our heritage. We also enjoyed a segment on “Fall in Palestine,” which transported attendees to the heart of the land, evoking a deep connection to Palestine.
Muraqaba‘s co-founder, Br. Wadud Hasan, addressed the essential question of “How to cultivate Afiyah in the classroom?,” providing practical strategies for educators to foster resilience among their students. Additionally, Dr. Fawzia Tung shared an engaging unit from The Al-Aqsa Project, complete with lesson plans, graphics, maps, and videos that equipped us with comprehensive teaching tools.
Overall, the conference deepened our understanding of Palestine as part of our Islamic identity, sparking meaningful conversations that we are eager to teach in our classrooms.
For those interested in accessing the resources shared during the conference please fill out this form:
This will ensure you receive updates on future events and curriculum.
Thank you for your support! We look forward to welcoming you to the 2nd Annual Palestine Educational Conference next year, In Sha Allah!
Jazakum Allahu Khair
Amaal Aref
Founder, Aref Educational Solutions
Host & Organizer, The 1st Annual Palestine Educational Conference
