On Sunday, Jan. 30, 70 teens gathered at the Islamic Center of Long Island in Westbury, NY to meet each other, learn about different faiths, engage in community service, and discover what goals and passions they share.

 The event was organized by LI-CAN (Long Island Congregations, Associations and Neighborhoods) a multi-faith, multi-racial, non-partisan, community organizing group made up of dues-paying religious and non-religious institutions throughout Nassau and Suffolk Counties (representing 25,000 families). LI-CAN is committed to training and developing leaders, to addressing community issues, and to holding public and corporate officials accountable on Long Island.

 Muslim, Christian, Unitarian Universalist, and Jewish youth participated in a day-long event that was considered by all to be a major success. The day began with fun mixers and ice-breakers, where the diverse students met each other and chatted about their favorite movies, music, charities, and school activities. It wasn’t long before the room was filled with smiles and laughter. Soon after, teen presenters from each faith group taught a single prayer and its importance to them. Following a detailed explanation of the Muslim prayer service, everyone present was invited to observe the Maghrib service that is held at sunset. It was a peaceful, meditative, and enriching experience for all.

The teens then put their hands to work by making 300 sandwiches for the Interfaith Nutrition Network’s soup kitchen. The hustle and bustle of this project was a great way for teens to have fun while helping those in need. Caring for those who are less fortunate is an important value in all of the faith groups that participated and it provide great common ground.

Once all lunch bags were decorated and packed, teens shared an eclectic and delicious halal and kosher dinner: falafel, tikka, cake and cookies! Over their meal participants were asked to discuss issues they face in their schools and communities such as bullying, over-programmed leisure time, stereotyping, driving under the influence, college pressure, sexting, etc. Teens discovered that although they came from different backgrounds, and had different religious beliefs, they all faced similar problems. Small groups brainstormed how to take action on these issues, and a follow-up event is in the works for the spring. Inspired by these conversations, the youth feel empowered to make positive change that will benefit everyone. 

Here is what the teens had to say about the experience:

Today was a good experience because different religions came together and it just shows that we really can coexist. Everyone thinks we’re all so different but by talking to each other we discovered that we’re really all the same. We’re all teens who are experiencing the same problems. It was good to share. We left feeling like we’re all in it together.

-       Lyla

Today was a very interesting event. I got to meet new people of other religions and ask questions about their beliefs and practices. Not everything you read online is true. Getting it first-hand from them was really important. I’m so glad I came.

-       Lexidor

 All the teens here realize that religious discrimination exists at all levels in our schools and in our communities, whether people do it consciously or unconsciously. We are tackling that problem here and now. That’s what makes this LI-CAN event so special. We’re literally making the world a better place because these seventy teens are going to put it into action what they’ve learned today.

-       Sarah

The groups that participated included UStrong 4 Change (St. Martha’s in Uniondale), Islamic Center of Long Island, Temple Sinai of Roslyn, Unitarian Universalist Congregation at Shelter Rock, Reconstructionist Synagogue of the North Shore, and Temple Beth Israel of Port Washington.

For more information or to get involved, please contact Jeannie Appleman, Lead Organizer of LI-CAN by email at licaniaf@yahoo.com  or by phone at 516-375-9150.