Wake County charity honors slain students with interfaith build
WAKE COUNTY, N.C. (WTVD) -- Faith leaders in Wake County are coming together to honor the three Muslim students murdered last month inside their Chapel Hill home.
Dozens of Wake County's religious leaders suited up to start building the area's newest Habitat for Humanity house. Eight different faiths from 20 different communities all worked toward a common goal.
"You have the Buddhists, the Baha'i, the Hindus, the Muslims, everybody building together," said Islamic Association of Raleigh member Fiaz Fareed.
For members of the Islamic Association, this year's interfaith build has a special meaning; three members of their congregation were killed last month.
Habitat volunteers Deah Barakat, Yusor Abu Salha, and her sister Razan were all supporters of this day since its inception.
"I remember very specifically the day Yusor came out with some friends and their blessings that were written on the inside of this home that are still there," said Renee Revaz, a Habitat Wake board member.
To honor their legacy, the organization is drawing up plans for a new home to be built this spring.
A design for another house in Abu-Salha's native country of Jordan is also in the works.
"God meant it that a lot of goodness came out of their departure, it just put so much relief on the family," said Imam Muamar Dahnoun, Islamic Association member.
With each nail, faith leaders are working to rebuild love and trust in the community.
"We have such a specific example of three people at a very young age who were doing their best to make the world a better place," said Revaz. "And so if we could follow their lead, what else can we ask for?"
Habitat for Humanity of Wake County needs to raise $77,000 to build the two homes in the students' honor. Anyone is welcome to participate.
If you'd like to make a donation, you can visit the Habitat website here.
