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By Aminah Imran This past weekend, the Middle East Refugee Aid (MERA) group hosted a health fair at the Muslim Youth Community Center (MYCC) in Raleigh. MERA is a nonprofit organization started by a group of UNC students with the intent of providing equitable access to healthcare resources for refugees, particularly those hailing from the Middle East. Salma Hakam, the Director of Public Health at MERA and a senior at UNC, reflected on the difference between the 2023 health fair and the one held this past weekend, stating that it did not draw as much attention last year since it was held only a few months after their public launch. Over the past year, they’ve undergone extensive networking with organizations all over the Triangle area, successfully getting their name out in the community. This enabled them to hold this year’s health fair at the well-known MYCC in Raleigh. Who was at the Fair? Healthcare representatives, both prominent and local, had a presence at MERA’s health fair. Among them was Atrium Health, which had the goal of educating the youth about cancer and preventative measures. They hosted three interactive booths, each with a unique purpose. One was meant to show kids the effect that smoking has on the lungs, another discussed the different types of stress and demonstrated stress relief techniques through yoga, and the third was a bracelet-making station with UV beads meant to show when the sun’s UV rays are reaching them. Ali Mahmoudi, a representative from Atrium Health, stated that they hoped to leave a lasting impact by increasing the general public’s knowledge through these small but life-changing lessons. UNC’s Equitable Cardiac Health Outcomes club (ECHO) hosted a station that taught the core basics of cardiopulmonary resuscitation, better known as CPR. They explained that CPR is administered when a person goes into cardiac arrest and that performing it increases a person’s chance of survival by 80%. They hoped that their presence at the fair would empower the public with knowledge for emergency situations, thus creating a safer community with improved life expectancy. Dermatology Solutions of North Carolina Cares, Inc., is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the prevention of skin cancer, primarily through the provision of free skin cancer screenings to North Carolina residents. Their presence at the fair focused on spreading the message of sun safety by giving out free sunscreen, providing resources that teach people how to protect themselves from the sun and what to look out for. Representing the organization at the fair was Hana Kabir, who said she hoped to educate people of color in particular on the importance of taking care of their skin. Carolina Nursing primarily focuses on issues related to blood pressure, blood sugar, and vision. They aimed to spread the word that they hold a free health clinic every Tuesday, as well as the first and third Saturday of each month. Some additional services they offer are A1C tests, a common test used to diagnose Type I or Type II diabetes, and lipid panels, which measure the level of fats like cholesterol in your bloodstream. Maria, who was representing Carolina Nursing at the fair, stated that she believes “we are one, we are whole… and we need to act like that.” She believes that participating in events like this fair helps spread the message of peace, unity, and love. Several pre-dental students from UNC were present at the fair to educate the youth about proper oral health and hygiene habits, with the belief that teaching them at a young age will build lifelong habits. Their booth featured engaging demonstrations, including a “fun science experiment” that showed how bacteria and sugars interact and develop into an “icky foam” that resides on your teeth. They also had interactive models for kids to “floss” and “brush” the imaginary plaque off the teeth models. They finished off with a quick presentation packed with facts and useful information for both kids and their parents. Their primary goal was addressing the lack of education in many communities and inspiring a new trend of health-conscious generations. Looking to the Future: Salma Hakam spoke on behalf of MERA to share the organization's goals for the future. Locally, MERA hopes to empower the communities they serve as well as those who intend to serve alongside them through health literacy programs and creating more sustainable movements towards their goals. She suggested they could achieve this in numerous ways, such as creating programs in nutrition education or providing first aid training for their volunteers. Hakam mentioned they intend to increase their efforts abroad by raising money and collaborating with organizations that provide medical and food aid to those less fortunate across the globe. In terms of growth, MERA is looking to onboard more team members, creating a network of positions that would help them to increase their output of local resources that are free to the community they serve. For their next annual fair, they would like for it to be a coordinated event between a variety of organizations. As MERA continues to move forward, their efforts to serve both local and global communities exemplify the endless possibilities that arise through unity, collaboration, and dedication to uplifting those in need.

By Daneen Khan (with reporting contributions from Samee Ghaffar and Mohammad Qureshi) Over a thousand community members gathered Saturday for a race where they ran not for personal glory but for the people of Palestine. The racers were participating in Gather Good for Palestine’s Watermelon 5K Fest at the WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary. Gather Good, a nonprofit organization based in Raleigh, NC, said on its website that it organized the event “to raise aid and honor Palestinian resistance and humanity.” They did not respond to Haqq’s request for comment. The nonprofit partnered with Heal Palestine, an organization committed to providing health, education, aid and leadership for Palestinian youths. Through their efforts, the Watermelon 5K raised over $50,000 through entry fees and donations, all of which were donated to benefit children and mothers in Gaza. The 5K kicked off around 11 in the morning. Alongside the race, Gather Good also held a free Culture Fest that began around 1 p.m. Attendees for the festivities came from a variety of ages and backgrounds. Racers wore white shirts and bibs with their race number and the names of Palestinian martyrs, while the organizing team donned green shirts. Some visitors also brought keffiyehs, waved Palestinian flags or wore watermelon-themed accessories. One racer, UNC alum Ferras Dahnoun, said seeing so many people come out for the event was beautiful. He said he began his race walking with his family, and for the second half, he was motivated by thinking about the struggles of Palestinians. He wasn’t the only participant who found strength in remembering why he was running. Racer Leen Hijaz said she did feel tired, but then she thought about how the children in Gaza must be feeling at that moment. “I thought about how they’re so much more tired than I am, so I can’t be complaining about a little race,” she said. After the race, a community member gave a short speech to the crowd. “What I love most about this gathering is it has people from all kinds of lives,” he said. “I see so many different nationalities and ethnicities, and this makes it very, very special.” Local businesses, including Mediterranean Deli, Bakery and Catering, Baba Ghannouj Mediterranean Bistro, Foursquare Property Management and RDU Auto covered the race's costs. Their contributions allowed all proceeds to go towards donations. Multiple local vendors, including Sunflower Coffee, Asali Desserts and Ayman’s Halal Truck, sold food and drinks to attendees. People who didn't race spent time with their family and friends, created Palestine-themed artwork and contributed to a live mural and auction. Many volunteers assisted with setting up, organizing the racers and serving food. One volunteer, Ehab Arif, said his favorite part of the event was knowing he was helping the community for a great cause. “We’re doing groundbreaking things out here,” he said. Arif said his biggest takeaway from the day was knowing that the 5K was about more than just people attending and that the event showed real humanity. “It’s about community. It’s about fun. It’s about doing good things for other people in places where we don’t even see them, but they still need our help, so we’re going to provide it,” he said. All racers and various attendees also received keys attached to watermelon-print ribbons. A Palestinian immigrant, Dr. Ahmed Abumohsen, gave a speech to the crowd where he said the keys represent the “right to return.” After he spoke, he encouraged those with keys to raise them to the sky to symbolize their unity with the people of Palestine. His audience obliged, raising their keys with pride as instrumental music echoed across the field. “We are here today as a community, which shows you the power and strength of our gathering and the unity,” he said to the crowd. “As long as we have love, as long as we have peace, as long as we have resilience and as long as we have faith, we will have a free Palestine.” Check out our full coverage of the event here:

By an anonymous community member This publication was not written by the Haqq faculty. As a Pakistani Muslim student at UNC-Chapel Hill, I've been deeply moved and saddened by the recent events on campus. What began as a peaceful “Triangle Solidarity Encampment” for Palestine has evolved into a profound expression of solidarity and belonging within our community. For once, I found myself struck by the outpouring of support and the sense of togetherness that permeated the encampment. It provided a safe and rare space where individuals from diverse backgrounds came together, united by a common cause, a shared sense of empathy for a Free Palestine, and a demand for the University to disclose and divest its funding from Israeli and Israel-supporting organizations and companies. One important memory that will forever remain engraved in my heart from the encampment is the Jummah prayer. Amidst the tents, banners and posters that scream with messages of Palestinian resistance, the call to prayer echoed through the air, beckoning us to stand in reverence and solidarity. As we gathered for Jummah, I felt a sense of connection with not only the Muslim Ummah but also the diverse community around us. What struck me most during that sacred moment was the presence of non-Muslim community members who formed a protective circle around us as we prayed. It was an amazing demonstration of tolerance and peace, highlighting how humanity transcends across religious and cultural differences. I had a genuine sense of compassion and togetherness that day in that circle of solidarity, along with a deep feeling of gratitude and humility at realizing that we were not alone in our fight for justice. For 4 days, the encampment stood as a symbol of peaceful resistance, a commitment to justice and the principles of freedom of speech enshrined in the First Amendment. Despite the UNC administration’s message insinuating that the encampment’s removal restored a historic and beautiful campus, the protest neither blocked or obstructed campus pathways in that area. I witnessed the community picking up any trash and providing snacks/resources for students passing by. However, the actual peace was shattered into violence by the law enforcement authorities arriving the next morning, unjustly arresting students who were merely exercising their constitutional rights. The peaceful protest on the last day of classes, April 30, was intended as a continuation of our call for justice. It turned into one of chaos and violence due to the excessive response orchestrated by Interim Chancellor Lee Roberts. Rather than engaging in dialogue and listening to our concerns, the decision to escalate tensions by summoning law enforcement only served to inflame the situation. This led to extreme violence coming from law enforcement, who vowed to protect the community, but instead exhibited a show of police brutality on unarmed protestors and UNC students. I witnessed the police descending upon the scene, armed with tear gas and pepper spray. My fellow peers, who had gathered with hopes of peacefully advocating for change, found themselves subjected to brutal and indiscriminate violence. The scene I witnessed was nothing short of a disgrace, with police resorting to pushing a wheelchair-bound student down in the middle of the turmoil, dragging students' by the hair, and disrespecting the Palestinian flag by spitting on it. Following such acts of violence, our community was gripped by shock and betrayal. We had come together in a sense of unity and solidarity, only to be met with aggression and hostility from those entrusted with ensuring our safety. What a shame. Our bonds of unity and the determination of our beliefs are what keep us going when things become difficult to handle. The notion of resilience shines brightly in our hearts, guiding us forward on the path toward justice and equality despite the brutality and persecution we endured. "The believers in their mutual kindness, compassion, and sympathy are just like one body. When any part of the body suffers, the whole body feels pain.” These are the beautiful words I am reminded of, as a Pakistani Muslim, from our Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him). Our greatest strength is found in our interconnection: the ability to withstand external pressure to split us apart as an entity. Even if the journey ahead may be challenging, I remain confident and full of optimism. The struggle and resistance of Palestinians are not in vain. We have within us the seeds of change and the vision of a better world and a Free Palestine. Long live Palestine.

By an anonymous community member This publication was not written by the Haqq faculty. As a Palestinian student studying at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, the events that unfolded on April 30th, 2024, left a profound impact on me. Amid the bustling last day of classes’ activities on campus, a wave of solidarity swept through, echoing the sentiments of my homeland thousands of miles away in Palestine. The series of on-campus protests were sparked by Israel's ongoing assault on Gaza. They have been consistent in their message for liberation in Palestine and the demand for UNC to call for an immediate ceasefire, boycott and divestment from Israeli and Israel-supporting companies. These protests have ranged from Sit-ins, Walk-outs, Vigils, Petitions and Marches. They all call for the end of UNC’s support for human rights violations and war crimes, as well as their careless lack of regard for their Palestinian student body, members of which have been deeply affected by the ongoing genocide. UNC’s refusal to comply with these demands has resonated with all of us. It is shameful that the tuition we pay for our education directly contributes to the occupation and ethnic cleansing of our country and people. UNC’s empty claims of regular and respectful communication and support were persistently evident over the past months when our demands were blatantly ignored. Now, after months of protest, a new form of demonstration has made our voices impossible to disregard. Standing in alliance with unjustly detained Columbia students and against institutional repression, I, with many others, showed my support for the “Triangle Solidarity Encampment” held at Polk Place. Tents dotted the area, each serving as a symbol of our determination to amplify our voices in the face of adversity. Watching over a thousand of my peers, faculty, and staff gather to show their unwavering solidarity despite administration escalation, police presence, and targeted intimidation filled me with a sense of pride and empowerment. On Tuesday morning, however, 36 demonstrators were detained for refusing to comply with the directive to vacate Polk Place. Of these, 30 were cited for trespassing and released on-site, while 6 were arrested and transported to the detention center by the Orange County Sheriff's Office. The encampment was then cleared, and the area barricaded by metal fences. Despite the initial dispersal, our goal remained unshaken. Driven by our commitment to justice and solidarity, we returned to the site of the encampment on Tuesday afternoon, refusing to be silenced. With determination in our hearts, we gathered once more, standing in unity against oppression and injustice. Later that day, a silent vigil was held outside Wilson Library. This was followed by a protest outside South Building and a march around Polk Place, which led to the dismantling of the barricades. The barriers meant to deter us only served to fuel our determination, symbolizing the obstacles we face in our fight for freedom. As Palestinian students and allies, we stood unified, reclaiming the space that had become a symbol of our resistance. Watching my fellow students stand in defiance, and demanding an end to the violence, although in violation of University policy, was no doubt a powerful assertion of solidarity with a people enduring unimaginable suffering. The Palestinian flag was also raised in solidarity, replacing the American flag. This action stemmed directly from University leadership's neglect of the UNC chapter of Students for Justice in Palestine. It was further motivated by UNC's historical refusal to display the Palestinian flag at the Kenan-Flagler Business School and the Gillings School of Global Public Health, despite the presence of Palestinian students among both attendees and alums. Raising the flag served as a symbolic gesture that spoke volumes, demonstrating the unwavering support of my peers for the Palestinian cause. Subsequently, I felt appalled to witness that instead of engaging respectfully with these students and considering our requests, our community faced a forceful and aggressive response from law enforcement under the leadership of Interim Chancellor Lee Roberts. The officers present resorted to excessive and violent physical tactics, including pushing, shoving, grabbing, pulling hair, and pepper spraying, all while their body cameras remained deactivated. Since the events on Tuesday, a joint statement from Chapel Hill and Carrboro town council members and elected officials has been issued, condemning UNC's aggressive response to pro-Palestine demonstrators, advocating for free speech rights, and denouncing the use of police force. They criticized UNC's actions, urging adherence to the American Civil Liberties Union’s guidance to protect academic freedom and ensure fair treatment of protesters. Additionally, the statement called for charges against arrested individuals to be dropped and emphasized the importance of restorative procedures rather than punitive measures. It's a reassuring sign that local leaders recognize the gravity of the situation and are advocating for the protection of our rights to free speech and peaceful protest. Together, we continue to raise our voices, demanding accountability from our university. As a Palestinian student, these protests and the actions of my community have served as a reminder of the resilience and strength of our allies willing to stand up and speak out against oppression. Their courage and determination have inspired myself and countless others, reminding us that our voices matter and that together, we can bring about meaningful change. These actions have shown that the fight for justice knows no boundaries, and together, we will continue to resist until Palestine is free and our voices are heard.

By Daneen Khan First aid courses, CPR demonstrations, vision screenings and blood pressure tests: these were just some of the free healthcare resources five UNC students organized for their local refugee community. The services were part of a November health fair organized by MERA, or Middle East Refugee Aid. Five months later, the organization received a Robert E. Bryan Public Service Award from UNC for the event. Each year, seven people and two groups – one being a student organization – are honored with the award for an effort exemplifying “outstanding engagement and service” in North Carolina, the award's website states. MERA’s board accepted the distinction on April 4. UNC seniors Bilal Azzam and Tala Jazairi founded MERA in June of 2022, but Azzam said the last year has been significantly impactful for them. Their initiatives stretch far past The Triangle, with a heavy focus on aiding refugees in Palestine, Sudan and Jordan. Azzam said that he founded MERA when looking for a way to merge his passions for health and business. “I needed and wanted to do something in the realm of health disparity and creating equitable access,” he said. Azzam is Palestinian and spent six years growing up in Egypt. He comes from a family who has experienced the global refugee crisis firsthand. His father, he said, grew up in a refugee camp in Lebanon. He said hearing stories about the inequalities his family faced made him aware of the difference in resources he has at UNC. The University has angel investors through the Carolina Network. Carolina Legal Services is free for students. And with venture capital and student government funding, Azzam said he realized how much can be accomplished by students. “I realized that if I created some type of mechanism that can diffuse those resources to areas that would make it more equitable, such as the Middle East, then that would be a really strong agent of change,” he said. With that, MERA was born. Since then, MERA’s board has expanded from Azzam, their director of medical aid, and Jazairi, their director of dental aid, to include three more students. UNC junior Salma Hakam was the first addition, joining the team as their director of public health. After her, sophomores Aabia Saeed and Adam Sherif joined. Saeed is MERA's treasurer, and Sherif is the partnerships and development lead. Azzam said that because of the small board, everyone has a dynamic where they can communicate and help each other. “It’s a very tight-knit board,” he said. “Everyone there has respect for each other, and it kind of became like a family.” Organizing such a large-scale healthcare event with a team of five students was a very “all-hands-on-deck” situation, he said. First, the team had to meet to brainstorm what a refugee health fair could look like. Azzam said Jazairi suggested dental services, Hakam advocated for experts on-site, Saeed worked on the budget, and Sherif discussed how best to reach out to the refugee community. Azzam said he and Sherif then contacted clinics, and Jazairi contacted dental services. Everyone collaborated on logistics until it was finally time for the event. Over 130 people attended MERA's health fair. The organization partnered with multiple local groups, including the Zakat Foundation of America, the UNC Emergency Medical Services and Mobile Health, Carolina Nursing and MyEyeDr. The event offered multiple services, including blood pressure checks, on-site professionals to discuss health concerns, COVID and influenza vaccines and language translators. Organizers served hot food and handed out groceries, toy bags and hygiene products. Everything was completely free. Azzam described the event as a very comprehensive healthcare opportunity. He said MERA's team was really proud of its success. “It proved to the whole board that we actually can create an agent of change,” he said. When he looks to the future of MERA, Azzam said he sees an end goal of creating literacy in refugee camps by taking preventive measures. He said MERA wants to hold more healthcare fairs and is planning a dental bus event. Although the health care was local, MERA’s efforts have a heavy international focus. As a senior, Azzam also plans to spend time abroad after graduating to directly connect with Middle Eastern refugee camps. “Continuing to provide for the refugees in rural areas in North Carolina is really important for us, “ he said, “but also establishing an international presence, and continuing to do that because that was always the end goal for MERA.”

By Daneen Khan When UNC sophomores Mariam Matin and Ndumbeh Boye first met, they bonded over near-daily trips to the gym. As they progressed on their fitness journey, Matin said she and Boye began wanting to eat more protein to improve their dietary health. However, she said she found it challenging to find healthy Zabiha Halal options in UNC’s dining halls. Halal food has been prepared in a way that is permissible according to Islamic principles. “Zabiha” refers to the conditions for slaughtering and preparing the meat of an animal. Matin said she has eaten Zabiha Halal her entire life, but Boye said she only started once she entered UNC. After hearing from friends and researching the term, she said she decided to eat exclusively Zabiha, too. “Initially it was a little difficult because I realized just how much I couldn't eat and how much of a lack [of Zabiha Halal options] there were on campus and even in Chapel Hill,” she said. Once they realized the lack of accessible meals, the two friends took matters into their own hands. They founded their aspiring nonprofit, Halal Heels, in Feb. of 2023. “It just made sense that we both would do something together,” Matin said. “I think we're both very entrepreneurial.” The organization's goal was simple: they wanted to increase the accessibility of healthy, delicious Zabiha Halal meals to feed their community in a charitable way. This year, HH has been working on an “Inspired by...” series. They put their own twist on popular restaurant menus, like Wingstop and Panda Express. Today, they’re setting up their version of Raising Cane's iconic menu, including options like classic and hot honey chicken fingers complete with homemade Cane’s sauce. All their profits, Matin said, go toward Sadaqah Jariyah, or “ongoing charity.” When somebody buys a meal, their money funds projects that continue to give back. “Even if someone donates a single dollar, it compounds,” Matin said. “Inshallah, it affects them in the afterlife and not just in this dunya.” For their first sales, she said HH prepared meals in UNC’s Ehringhaus Residence Hall kitchen until she got an apartment. The cooking process wasn’t new to Boye or Matin – both said they grew up helping their families in the kitchen.  But once their outreach grew, their organization reached its production limit. “We realized very quickly that we needed a bigger space to accomplish the goals that we wanted to accomplish in expanding our cause,” Matin said. The solution presented itself after a sale where she and Boye had leftover ingredients. They prepared extra meals to donate to the SECU Community House, a shelter for men experiencing homelessness in Orange County. The Community House, Matin said, not only appreciated the meals – they also offered their 24/7 commercial kitchen as a space for the girls to cook. “It was almost like a breakthrough moment because we really didn't know where to go from there without a bigger kitchen, and then it was just handed to us,” she said. After securing the larger space, HH produced a higher quantity of meals. Now, they sell around 60 to 70 boxes at each sale. They have organized collaborations, such as providing food for the UNC Muslim Students Association’s Monday and Thursday iftars. But they don’t just cook for the Muslim ummah – they also continue to feed the Community House and their non-Muslim customers. As their outreach grew, HH also expanded its board to nine total people, some of which include faith, impact, media and financial chairs. UNC sophomore Maab Sulieman, the organization’s media chair, first became involved with HH after meeting Boye and Matin during their first year at UNC. Their friend group would hold weekly dinners where one person would cook for the others in the Hinton James Residence Hall kitchen. Sulieman said Boye and Matin reached out to her when starting Halal Heels. She started as a volunteer before eventually joining the board. She said she thinks that Halal Heels has helped her understand how possible it is for students at big universities to turn their ideas into a reality. She said she’s never been a part of an initiative where she’s seen this growth from the ground up. “It's very much a reciprocal relationship,” she said. “Not only are we helping the Muslim community here at UNC, but we're also helping the broader community at Chapel Hill.”