Holding signs that read “Baghdad is Burning” and “Pray for Peace,” chanting prayers and listening to speeches, about 100 Iraqi immigrants stood on the steps of the First Parish Church in downtown Portland on Sunday to remember those who were killed in a massive suicide bombing last week in Baghdad.
Children held candles, and a chalk map of Iraq was drawn on the brick sidewalk in front of the church, where flowers also were set down.
At least 222 people died in the blast July 3 after a truck carrying a bomb exploded in a popular shopping district.
The Islamic State terrorist group, also known as ISIS, claimed responsibility for the attack. It was one of the worst bombings in Iraq since the 2003 U.S.-led invasion.
Noor Ibrahim, 19, one of the speakers at the ceremony, said people should know that ISIS is falsely using the Islamic faith as justification for numerous terrorist acts.
“ISIS is not Islam,” Ibrahim said. “ISIS is not a religion. Murdering people is not a religion.”
The bombing happened in Karrada, a middle-class neighborhood, during the last days of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, a period of fasting. People were congregating at the mall to break their fast and prepare for Eid-al-Fitr, a celebration that follows Ramadan.
Hamdiyah Alwakeal of Portland said her 17-year-old nephew, Ali Alwakeal, died during the bombing, and she believes he was so close to the explosion that there are no remains of him.
Alwakeal said it’s important to remember families and friends who are still in Iraq, and to show support for those suffering from the attack. Alwakeal said she has become a U.S. citizen and has lived in Maine for eight years.
Many Iraqi immigrants – up to 5,000, according to some counts – now live in Maine, and popular spots to settle have been Portland, Westbrook and Lewiston. An Arabic-language newspaper started this year, and there are several Iraqi restaurants and shops.
Ibrahim said many Iraqis when emigrating to the U.S. gravitate toward Maine because of its low crime rate and welcoming attitude.
“Maine is a great place. People here are very accepting,” said Ibrahim, a liberal arts student at Southern Maine Community College who moved to the U.S. with her family in 2008. Ibrahim said the strong educational system in the U.S. is another reason Iraqis move here.
Mohammed Albehadli of Portland said the attack last week killed or wounded many young people who were enjoying themselves at the mall.
“This is very heartbreaking, and we need to remember them,” Albehadli said.
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