Greater Waco Interfaith Conference

05/05/2026

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04/27/2026

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04/15/2026

What a moving and well attended Yom Hashoah Program (Holocaust Remembrance Day) last night at the beautiful Temple Rodef Sholom. It began with the opening reading “At the rising of the sun and at its going down, we remember them. At the blowing of the wind and in the chill of winter, we remember them . . . As long as we live, they too will live; For they are now a part of us as we remember them “. (Written by Rabbi Sylvan and Rabbi Jack Reiner)
Mary Cunningham, President of the Greater Waco Interfaith Conference welcomed all. Opening remarks were made by Rabbi Sabine Meyers, Ph.d and representatives from different faiths lit six candles to represent the six million Jewish lives—mothers, fathers, children and grandchildren—whose futures were stolen. Each candle serves as an act of memory against the darkness and violence with the promise of “Never Again“.
Guest speaker and author Ron Schwarz gave a moving account of his father Charles Schwarz and his daring journey as he fled to France, then to the mountains of Switzerland.
Rabbi Ben-Zion Lanxer delivered a beautiful chant of the Jewish memorial prayer and Rabbi Sabine Meyer said the Mourner’s Kaddish.

04/11/2026

****Clear Bag Policy*****

Just a reminder of the upcoming community gathering in remembrance of the Holocaust. People of all faiths and backgrounds are welcome as we come together to honor those who suffered, learn from history, and strengthen our commitment to compassion and human unity.
Through reflection, readings, and shared remembrance, we honor the victims and survivors and renew our dedication to standing against hatred and prejudice.
The Guest Speaker this year is Ron Schwarz, the son and grandson of Holocaust survivors and author of "The Quiet Strength of Resilience" a memoir about his family's daring journey through Europe during the war.
There will be a book signing after the event.

I hope you will join us at the Temple Rodef Sholom, Tuesday, April 14 at 6:30, 1717 N. New Road, Waco, TX. Please note that there is a Clear Bag Policy in effect.

04/11/2026

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Baha’i woman Sara Sepehri detained in Shiraz fter home raid

Hengaw – Friday, April 10, 2026

Iranian government forces have detained a Baha’i woman, Sara Sepehri, in Shiraz and transferred her to an undisclosed location, according to information obtained by the Hengaw Organization for Human Rights.

Intelligence agents arrested Sepehri at around 5 p.m. on April 9, 2026, after raiding her home in Shiraz.

Sources said the agents first searched her mother’s apartment on the lower floor of the building before forcing entry into Sepehri’s residence by breaking the door. They conducted a full search and confiscated electronic devices as well as personal and work-related items.

Sepehri was under medical care at the time of her arrest, and the stress of detention may pose serious risks to her health. Her mother, who has a disability, is also in need of ongoing care.

Authorities have not disclosed the agency responsible for the arrest, the reasons for her detention, any charges against her, or her place of custody.

04/10/2026

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Please pray 🙏 Minou Andakhs Arrested by Security Agents in Sari

On Tuesday night, 31 March 2026 Ms. Minou Andakhs, a Bahá’í residing in Sari, was arrested by security forces and transferred to an unknown location. The arrest took place at her home without presentation of a judicial warrant, and her mobile phone was confiscated.

To date, no information has been released regarding her whereabouts or the nature of any charges against her.

Previously, on 28 December 2025, security forces had searched her home while she was absent, during which religious books and some personal belongings were seized.

Link to Baha’i International Community X Post: https://x.com/bahaibic_rights/status/2041522699743232418?s=46

04/10/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/1Dn57nMMNE/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Bahzad Yazdani and Romina Khazali Arrested by IRGC Intelligence Agents in Shiraz

On the evening of Saturday, 28 March 2026, IRGC Intelligence agents conducted multiple raids on the home of Mr. Bahzad Yazdani and Mrs. Romina Khazali, a Bahá’í couple residing in Shiraz and arrested them.

IRGC Intelligence agents first introduced themselves as police officers investigating a “thief on the roof” in order to gain entry to the home of Mrs. Khazali’s elderly parents, after which they compelled them to contact Mr. Yazdani and ask him to return home. On his return Mr. Yazdani was arrested, and later, after his wife and children had arrived, agents confiscated electronic devices, including laptops and mobile phones, belonging to the family and their guests.

The following day, Sunday, 29 March, approximately ten agents carried out another raid on the couple’s home as well as the home of Mrs. Khazali’s parents. They conducted an extensive four-hour search, confiscating religious books, photographs, and digital memory devices. During this operation, Mrs. Khazali was arrested, in the presence of her children, and transferred to an undisclosed location.

The actions of the agents created an atmosphere of fear and intimidation, leading the couple’s young son, who has a history of respiratory illness, to suffer an anxiety attack. The agents also interrogated the couple’s 14-year-old daughter.

The whereabouts of Mrs. Khazali remain unknown, while Mr. Yazdani has been detained in Adel Abad Prison.

As of the time of this report, no information has been released regarding the charges against Mr. Yazdani or Mrs. Khazali. However, during the search, agents claimed the arrests were related to “membership in the Bahá’í faith.”

https://x.com/bahaibic_rights/status/2041467764569727309?s=46

04/01/2026

“Baylor University is honored to be one of only two Texas locations to host the Americans and the Holocaust traveling exhibition from the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum (USHMM) and the American Library Association (ALA). On display April 11 - May 20, 2026, the exhibit examines the Holocaust through the lens of America's awareness of its origins, escalation, and the horrors perpetuated by the N**i regime on Europe's Jews.”

The website, with a full schedule of events is here. One of the panels includes our own board member, Chris Van Gorder.

A traveling exhibit from the American Library Association and the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum that examines what Americans knew about the Holocaust, when they knew it, and what it means for Americans today.

03/31/2026

09/07/2025

Next Sunday!!!

Our annual FESTIVAL OF FAITHS
Celebrating our community’s religious diversity

Sunday, September 14, 2025, 3-5 PM
Providence Pavilion
6901 Medical Parkway
Waco, Tx
(building closest to HYW 6 Post O ice
TOPIC: SACRED ORIGINS: HOW OUR FAITHS BEGAN

Join us for fellowship and celebration.

The Greater Waco Interfaith Conference bridges the distance
between faith traditions and builds a curious and supportitve
community.

Visit our website: https://wacointerfaith.org/

04/14/2025

Upcoming event!