Last weekend, islanders gathered at the Vashon Presbyterian Church for a panel discussion with Muslim women who shared their experiences about living in the United States.

Topics included how they practice their faith and what it means to them, raising children in a predominantly non-Muslim culture and their goals, work and experiences as part of American society. Panelists included Dr. Amal Fahad, a Microsoft engineer and Iraqui immigrant; Jamila Al Mustafa, a Syrian refugee whose family is considering moving to Vashon; Zahra Abidi, who was born and raised in Pakistan and now serves as program director at The ZAINAB, an organization dedicated to educating people about the teachings of Islam; and several other women.

The event was organized by the Vashon Resettlement Committee, an organization aiming to bring refugees to Vashon.