Advocating for Peace: The Crucial Call to Support a Ceasefire in Gaza

Where: New Bethel Missionary Baptist Church, 174 Branch Street, Pontiac, Michigan 48341
When: Wednesday, November 15th at 11:00 A.M.

In the wake of ongoing conflicts in the Gaza Strip, Rev. Dr. Keyon S. Payton, a local Baptist pastor and former regional AIPAC executive, and Imam Mohammad Ali Elahi, spiritual leader of the Islamic House of Wisdom (IHW) in Dearborn Heights, one of the largest religious institutions in the state of Michigan, urge Michigan faith-leaders and residents alike to unite in support of an immediate ceasefire. The humanitarian crisis unfolding demands urgent attention and collaborative efforts to bring about lasting peace in the region.

The toll on innocent civilians, including children, the elderly, and the disabled, is heart-wrenching. It is imperative that the Michigan community, the largest concentration of Jews, Christians, and Muslims in America, stands together to condemn all violence and prioritize dialogue as the pathway to resolution. A ceasefire not only saves lives but also paves the way for humanitarian aid to reach those in desperate need.

By supporting a ceasefire, we send a powerful message that the pursuit of peace transcends political boundaries. Our collective responsibility is to foster an environment where dialogue and diplomacy prevail over violence. Together, we can end the cycle of suffering and build a foundation for a more stable and secure future for all.

Dr. Payton and Imam Elahi, along with a host of other interfaith clergy and community leaders are calling upon our elected officials, NGOs, and individuals to amplify the call for a ceasefire in Gaza. Through joint efforts, Michigan can create a ripple effect of change that extends beyond borders, demonstrating the greater commitment to peace, compassion, and the well-being of all humanity.

New Bethel Missionary Baptist Church
174 Branch Street
Pontiac, MI 48341

Dr. Keyon S. Payton is an influential pastor, social justice activist, and community organizer who is committed to ending the cycle of trauma by introducing evidenced-based strategies that work to eliminate barriers to equitable health and prosperity for all communities. For more information, visit www.itej.org, which is a national nonprofit organization that Payton founded and is designed to educate, organize, and mobilize religious, business, political, and student leaders to advance policies that will address cosmopolitan ethics, reconciliation, violence, trauma and economic justice for structurally disadvantaged communities.

This release was published on openPR.