Why You Should Go To the Arabian Canadian Bazaar on January 18

Written by Chelby Daigle

Published in News

Muslim Link is one of several sponsors of the Arabian Canadian Bazaar taking place Sunday, January 18th at St. Elias Banquet Hall. This a charity event organized by the Syrian Association of Ottawa in collaboration with Human Concern International in the hopes of raising over $25,000 for humanitarian aid for Syrians. Other sponsors of the event include Autorebex International, Iraqi Student Association of Carleton University, Muslim Student Association of Carleton University, Bab Elhara Cafe, Youth Gentler and Softer Hearts, H&M Photography, and Sweet Castle.

People who attend the event will get a chance to explore the diversity Arab cultures in Ottawa through dance, music, poetry, and of course FOOD! There will also be henna by artist Sana Khan and activities for the little ones like a bouncy castle. Artwork, crafts, clothing and jewellery will also be on sale.

This is very much a youth driven initiative and a number of clubs and societies at Carleton University have taken the lead in organizing and marketing the event.

Muslim Link was able to connect with Raghad Issa, the Vice-President of the Palestinian Students' Association at Carelton, to discuss why PSA is support the Bazaar.

Tell us about your club

We are the Palestinian Students' Association (PSA) of Carleton University. Our aim is mainly educational and we strive to raise awareness and spread the word with our current generation in order to enable the growth of our next upcoming generations.

Why is PSA supporting the Bazaar?

Well, first of all it is an Arabian Canadian Bazaar and it is our obligation as students to make sure that Palestine is always present as an Arab country of its own - especially within the Canadian context. Secondly, one of PSA's principle strategies constitutes supporting other associations with their events and giving out a helping hand while also sharing great moments with them.

Why is such an event important for university students to attend?

What is more beautiful and humane than helping and supporting brothers and sisters of ours? The Bazaar is mainly a charity event and students must be more open and excited to the idea of being involved with such a noble event.

What are you looking forward to at the event?

As mentioned earlier, giving out a helping hand is almost counted, as a pillar in humanity's unspoken rules, and doing that in the name of PSA must show a lot. As PSA, we are looking forward to seeing as many faces as possible and interacting with our beloved visitors. We aim to spread awareness but also love - which is no easy task. Thus, we are looking for a successful event that is aiming to an honorable deed.

Be sure to check out the Arabian Canadian Bazaar and drop by Muslim Link's table when you do!

This article was produced exclusively for Muslim Link and should not be copied without prior permission from the site. For permission, please write to info@muslimlink.ca.

Chelby Daigle

Chelby Marie Daigle is Muslim Link’s Editor in Chief and Coordinator. Under her direction, Muslim Link adopted its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Policy so that the website strives to reflect the complexity of Muslim communities in Canada. She knows that she fails to do justice to this complexity every day but she will continue to try to improve as she recognizes the frustration of being both marginalized in the mainstream and also marginalized in Muslim communities. As Coordinator, she works to build relationships with Muslim and mainstream organizations and manages the website's social media, event listings, and directories. She organizes regular Muslim Link gatherings. She also works closely with the Publisher to find ways to keep Muslim Link sustainable. Find her on Twitter @ChelbyDaigle