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Donald Trump in a National Day of Prayer - Washington

Donald Trump in a National Day of Prayer - Washington

US President Donald Trump signs an order regarding religious freedom after remarks, followed by prayers by several of the invited religious leaders of the three Abrahamic faiths during a National Day of Prayer event in the Rose Garden at the White House in Washington on May 1, 2025. Photo by Yuri Gripas/ABACAPRESS.COM

  •  
Donald Trump in a National Day of Prayer - Washington

Donald Trump in a National Day of Prayer - Washington

US President Donald Trump signs an order regarding religious freedom after remarks, followed by prayers by several of the invited religious leaders of the three Abrahamic faiths during a National Day of Prayer event in the Rose Garden at the White House in Washington on May 1, 2025. Photo by Yuri Gripas/ABACAPRESS.COM

  •  
Donald Trump in a National Day of Prayer - Washington

Donald Trump in a National Day of Prayer - Washington

US President Donald Trump signs an order regarding religious freedom after remarks, followed by prayers by several of the invited religious leaders of the three Abrahamic faiths during a National Day of Prayer event in the Rose Garden at the White House in Washington on May 1, 2025. Photo by Yuri Gripas/ABACAPRESS.COM

  •  
Donald Trump in a National Day of Prayer - Washington

Donald Trump in a National Day of Prayer - Washington

US President Donald Trump signs an order regarding religious freedom after remarks, followed by prayers by several of the invited religious leaders of the three Abrahamic faiths during a National Day of Prayer event in the Rose Garden at the White House in Washington on May 1, 2025. Photo by Yuri Gripas/ABACAPRESS.COM

  •  
Donald Trump in a National Day of Prayer - Washington

Donald Trump in a National Day of Prayer - Washington

US President Donald Trump signs an order regarding religious freedom after remarks, followed by prayers by several of the invited religious leaders of the three Abrahamic faiths during a National Day of Prayer event in the Rose Garden at the White House in Washington on May 1, 2025. Photo by Yuri Gripas/ABACAPRESS.COM

  •  
Donald Trump in a National Day of Prayer - Washington

Donald Trump in a National Day of Prayer - Washington

US President Donald Trump signs an order regarding religious freedom after remarks, followed by prayers by several of the invited religious leaders of the three Abrahamic faiths during a National Day of Prayer event in the Rose Garden at the White House in Washington on May 1, 2025. Photo by Yuri Gripas/ABACAPRESS.COM

  •  
Donald Trump in a National Day of Prayer - Washington

Donald Trump in a National Day of Prayer - Washington

US President Donald Trump greets guests after signing an order regarding religious freedom after remarks, followed by prayers by several of the invited religious leaders of the three Abrahamic faiths during a National Day of Prayer event in the Rose Garden at the White House in Washington on May 1, 2025. Photo by Yuri Gripas/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Donald Trump in a National Day of Prayer - Washington

Donald Trump in a National Day of Prayer - Washington

Guests pray as US President Donald Trump signs an order regarding religious freedom after remarks, followed by prayers by several of the invited religious leaders of the three Abrahamic faiths during a National Day of Prayer event in the Rose Garden at the White House in Washington on May 1, 2025. Photo by Yuri Gripas/ABACAPRESS.COM

  •  
Donald Trump in a National Day of Prayer - Washington

Donald Trump in a National Day of Prayer - Washington

US President Donald Trump greets guests after signing an order regarding religious freedom after remarks, followed by prayers by several of the invited religious leaders of the three Abrahamic faiths during a National Day of Prayer event in the Rose Garden at the White House in Washington on May 1, 2025. Photo by Yuri Gripas/ABACAPRESS.COM

  •  
Donald Trump in a National Day of Prayer - Washington

Donald Trump in a National Day of Prayer - Washington

US President Donald Trump signs an order regarding religious freedom after remarks, followed by prayers by several of the invited religious leaders of the three Abrahamic faiths during a National Day of Prayer event in the Rose Garden at the White House in Washington on May 1, 2025. Photo by Yuri Gripas/ABACAPRESS.COM

  •  
Donald Trump in a National Day of Prayer - Washington

Donald Trump in a National Day of Prayer - Washington

US President Donald Trump greets guests after signing an order regarding religious freedom after remarks, followed by prayers by several of the invited religious leaders of the three Abrahamic faiths during a National Day of Prayer event in the Rose Garden at the White House in Washington on May 1, 2025. Photo by Yuri Gripas/ABACAPRESS.COM

  •  
Donald Trump in a National Day of Prayer - Washington

Donald Trump in a National Day of Prayer - Washington

US President Donald Trump signs an order regarding religious freedom after remarks, followed by prayers by several of the invited religious leaders of the three Abrahamic faiths during a National Day of Prayer event in the Rose Garden at the White House in Washington on May 1, 2025. Photo by Yuri Gripas/ABACAPRESS.COM

  •  
Donald Trump in a National Day of Prayer - Washington

Donald Trump in a National Day of Prayer - Washington

US President Donald Trump signs an order regarding religious freedom after remarks, followed by prayers by several of the invited religious leaders of the three Abrahamic faiths during a National Day of Prayer event in the Rose Garden at the White House in Washington on May 1, 2025. Photo by Yuri Gripas/ABACAPRESS.COM

  •  
Donald Trump in a National Day of Prayer - Washington

Donald Trump in a National Day of Prayer - Washington

US President Donald Trump signs an order regarding religious freedom after remarks, followed by prayers by several of the invited religious leaders of the three Abrahamic faiths during a National Day of Prayer event in the Rose Garden at the White House in Washington on May 1, 2025. Photo by Yuri Gripas/ABACAPRESS.COM

  •  
Donald Trump in a National Day of Prayer - Washington

Donald Trump in a National Day of Prayer - Washington

US President Donald Trump signs an order regarding religious freedom after remarks, followed by prayers by several of the invited religious leaders of the three Abrahamic faiths during a National Day of Prayer event in the Rose Garden at the White House in Washington on May 1, 2025. Photo by Yuri Gripas/ABACAPRESS.COM

  •  
Donald Trump in a National Day of Prayer - Washington

Donald Trump in a National Day of Prayer - Washington

US President Donald Trump signs an order regarding religious freedom after remarks, followed by prayers by several of the invited religious leaders of the three Abrahamic faiths during a National Day of Prayer event in the Rose Garden at the White House in Washington on May 1, 2025. Photo by Yuri Gripas/ABACAPRESS.COM

  •  
Donald Trump in a National Day of Prayer - Washington

Donald Trump in a National Day of Prayer - Washington

US President Donald Trump signs an order regarding religious freedom after remarks, followed by prayers by several of the invited religious leaders of the three Abrahamic faiths during a National Day of Prayer event in the Rose Garden at the White House in Washington on May 1, 2025. Photo by Yuri Gripas/ABACAPRESS.COM

  •  
Donald Trump in a National Day of Prayer - Washington

Donald Trump in a National Day of Prayer - Washington

US President Donald Trump signs an order regarding religious freedom after remarks, followed by prayers by several of the invited religious leaders of the three Abrahamic faiths during a National Day of Prayer event in the Rose Garden at the White House in Washington on May 1, 2025. Photo by Yuri Gripas/ABACAPRESS.COM

  •  
Donald Trump in a National Day of Prayer - Washington

Donald Trump in a National Day of Prayer - Washington

US President Donald Trump signs an order regarding religious freedom after remarks, followed by prayers by several of the invited religious leaders of the three Abrahamic faiths during a National Day of Prayer event in the Rose Garden at the White House in Washington on May 1, 2025. Photo by Yuri Gripas/ABACAPRESS.COM

  •  
Donald Trump in a National Day of Prayer - Washington

Donald Trump in a National Day of Prayer - Washington

US President Donald Trump signs an order regarding religious freedom after remarks, followed by prayers by several of the invited religious leaders of the three Abrahamic faiths during a National Day of Prayer event in the Rose Garden at the White House in Washington on May 1, 2025. Photo by Yuri Gripas/ABACAPRESS.COM

  •  
Donald Trump in a National Day of Prayer - Washington

Donald Trump in a National Day of Prayer - Washington

US President Donald Trump signs an order regarding religious freedom after remarks, followed by prayers by several of the invited religious leaders of the three Abrahamic faiths during a National Day of Prayer event in the Rose Garden at the White House in Washington on May 1, 2025. Photo by Yuri Gripas/ABACAPRESS.COM

  •  
Donald Trump in a National Day of Prayer - Washington

Donald Trump in a National Day of Prayer - Washington

US President Donald Trump signs an order regarding religious freedom after remarks, followed by prayers by several of the invited religious leaders of the three Abrahamic faiths during a National Day of Prayer event in the Rose Garden at the White House in Washington on May 1, 2025. Photo by Yuri Gripas/ABACAPRESS.COM

  •  
Donald Trump in a National Day of Prayer - Washington

Donald Trump in a National Day of Prayer - Washington

US President Donald Trump signs an order regarding religious freedom after remarks, followed by prayers by several of the invited religious leaders of the three Abrahamic faiths during a National Day of Prayer event in the Rose Garden at the White House in Washington on May 1, 2025. Photo by Yuri Gripas/ABACAPRESS.COM

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J.D. Vance meets with Vatican Secretary of State Pietro Parolin - Vatican

J.D. Vance meets with Vatican Secretary of State Pietro Parolin - Vatican

The Vice President of the United States James David Vance and his family meets with Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin at the Vatican on April 19, 2025. They discussed together peace, religious freedom and migration. Photo by (EV) Vatican media/ABACAPRESS.COM

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J.D. Vance meets with Vatican Secretary of State Pietro Parolin - Vatican

J.D. Vance meets with Vatican Secretary of State Pietro Parolin - Vatican

The Vice President of the United States James David Vance and his family meets with Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin at the Vatican on April 19, 2025. They discussed together peace, religious freedom and migration. Photo by (EV) Vatican media/ABACAPRESS.COM

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J.D. Vance meets with Vatican Secretary of State Pietro Parolin - Vatican

J.D. Vance meets with Vatican Secretary of State Pietro Parolin - Vatican

The Vice President of the United States James David Vance meets with Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin at the Vatican on April 19, 2025. They discussed together peace, religious freedom and migration. Photo by (EV) Vatican media/ABACAPRESS.COM

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J.D. Vance meets with Vatican Secretary of State Pietro Parolin - Vatican

J.D. Vance meets with Vatican Secretary of State Pietro Parolin - Vatican

The Vice President of the United States James David Vance, his wife Usha and their children meet with Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin at the Vatican on April 19, 2025. They discussed together peace, religious freedom and migration. Photo by (EV) Vatican media/ABACAPRESS.COM

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J.D. Vance meets with Vatican Secretary of State Pietro Parolin - Vatican

J.D. Vance meets with Vatican Secretary of State Pietro Parolin - Vatican

The Vice President of the United States James David Vance meets with Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin at the Vatican on April 19, 2025. They discussed together peace, religious freedom and migration. Photo by (EV) Vatican media/ABACAPRESS.COM

  •  
J.D. Vance meets with Vatican Secretary of State Pietro Parolin - Vatican

J.D. Vance meets with Vatican Secretary of State Pietro Parolin - Vatican

The Vice President of the United States James David Vance meets with Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin at the Vatican on April 19, 2025. They discussed together peace, religious freedom and migration. Photo by (EV) Vatican media/ABACAPRESS.COM

  •  
J.D. Vance meets with Vatican Secretary of State Pietro Parolin - Vatican

J.D. Vance meets with Vatican Secretary of State Pietro Parolin - Vatican

The Vice President of the United States James David Vance meets with Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin at the Vatican on April 19, 2025. They discussed together peace, religious freedom and migration. Photo by (EV) Vatican media/ABACAPRESS.COM

  •  
J.D. Vance meets with Vatican Secretary of State Pietro Parolin - Vatican

J.D. Vance meets with Vatican Secretary of State Pietro Parolin - Vatican

The Vice President of the United States James David Vance meets with Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin at the Vatican on April 19, 2025. They discussed together peace, religious freedom and migration. Photo by (EV) Vatican media/ABACAPRESS.COM

  •  
The Beach A Temporary Escape for Muslims - Sri Lanka

The Beach A Temporary Escape for Muslims - Sri Lanka

A woman seen from the back, standing in the water and looking at the horizon, on the beach in Weligama, Sri Lanka, on January 2nd, 2022. In Sri Lanka, the Muslim community has faced increasing challenges since the 2019 Easter bombings, when coordinated attacks on churches and hotels by a local Islamist extremist group claimed over 250 lives. In the aftermath, anti-Muslim sentiment surged across the island, leading to heightened discrimination and hostility. The situation worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic, as the government introduced a series of stringent policies impacting the Muslim community. These measures included banning the burqa and niqab in public spaces, closing over 1,000 madrasas, and requiring all Islamic texts entering the country to be reviewed and approved by the Ministry of Defense. These actions have raised significant concerns about religious freedom and the marginalization of Muslims in Sri Lankan society. Weligama, a picturesque coastal town located approximately three hours south of

  •  
The Beach A Temporary Escape for Muslims - Sri Lanka

The Beach A Temporary Escape for Muslims - Sri Lanka

A woman seen from the back, looking at the horizon, holds her daughter on the beach in Weligama, Sri Lanka, on January 2nd, 2022. In Sri Lanka, the Muslim community has faced increasing challenges since the 2019 Easter bombings, when coordinated attacks on churches and hotels by a local Islamist extremist group claimed over 250 lives. In the aftermath, anti-Muslim sentiment surged across the island, leading to heightened discrimination and hostility. The situation worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic, as the government introduced a series of stringent policies impacting the Muslim community. These measures included banning the burqa and niqab in public spaces, closing over 1,000 madrasas, and requiring all Islamic texts entering the country to be reviewed and approved by the Ministry of Defense. These actions have raised significant concerns about religious freedom and the marginalization of Muslims in Sri Lankan society. Weligama, a picturesque coastal town located approximately three hours south of Colombo

  •  
The Beach A Temporary Escape for Muslims - Sri Lanka

The Beach A Temporary Escape for Muslims - Sri Lanka

Three young women taking a selfie in front of the beach in Weligama, Sri Lanka, on January 2nd, 2022. In Sri Lanka, the Muslim community has faced increasing challenges since the 2019 Easter bombings, when coordinated attacks on churches and hotels by a local Islamist extremist group claimed over 250 lives. In the aftermath, anti-Muslim sentiment surged across the island, leading to heightened discrimination and hostility. The situation worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic, as the government introduced a series of stringent policies impacting the Muslim community. These measures included banning the burqa and niqab in public spaces, closing over 1,000 madrasas, and requiring all Islamic texts entering the country to be reviewed and approved by the Ministry of Defense. These actions have raised significant concerns about religious freedom and the marginalization of Muslims in Sri Lankan society. Weligama, a picturesque coastal town located approximately three hours south of Colombo, is home to a large Muslim

  •  
The Beach A Temporary Escape for Muslims - Sri Lanka

The Beach A Temporary Escape for Muslims - Sri Lanka

In Sri Lanka, the Muslim community has faced increasing challenges since the 2019 Easter bombings, when coordinated attacks on churches and hotels by a local Islamist extremist group claimed over 250 lives. In the aftermath, anti-Muslim sentiment surged across the island, leading to heightened discrimination and hostility. The situation worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic, as the government introduced a series of stringent policies impacting the Muslim community. These measures included banning the burqa and niqab in public spaces, closing over 1,000 madrasas, and requiring all Islamic texts entering the country to be reviewed and approved by the Ministry of Defense. These actions have raised significant concerns about religious freedom and the marginalization of Muslims in Sri Lankan society. Weligama, a picturesque coastal town located approximately three hours south of Colombo, is home to a large Muslim population. The town's cultural vibrancy is a testament to the community's resilience. On this final d

  •  
The Beach A Temporary Escape for Muslims - Sri Lanka

The Beach A Temporary Escape for Muslims - Sri Lanka

A woman seen from the back, standing in the water and looking at the horizon, on the beach in Weligama, Sri Lanka, on January 2nd, 2022. In Sri Lanka, the Muslim community has faced increasing challenges since the 2019 Easter bombings, when coordinated attacks on churches and hotels by a local Islamist extremist group claimed over 250 lives. In the aftermath, anti-Muslim sentiment surged across the island, leading to heightened discrimination and hostility. The situation worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic, as the government introduced a series of stringent policies impacting the Muslim community. These measures included banning the burqa and niqab in public spaces, closing over 1,000 madrasas, and requiring all Islamic texts entering the country to be reviewed and approved by the Ministry of Defense. These actions have raised significant concerns about religious freedom and the marginalization of Muslims in Sri Lankan society. Weligama, a picturesque coastal town located approximately three hours south of

  •  
The Beach A Temporary Escape for Muslims - Sri Lanka

The Beach A Temporary Escape for Muslims - Sri Lanka

Two Muslim women wearing red on the beach in Weligama, Sri Lanka, on January 2nd, 2022. In Sri Lanka, the Muslim community has faced increasing challenges since the 2019 Easter bombings, when coordinated attacks on churches and hotels by a local Islamist extremist group claimed over 250 lives. In the aftermath, anti-Muslim sentiment surged across the island, leading to heightened discrimination and hostility. The situation worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic, as the government introduced a series of stringent policies impacting the Muslim community. These measures included banning the burqa and niqab in public spaces, closing over 1,000 madrasas, and requiring all Islamic texts entering the country to be reviewed and approved by the Ministry of Defense. These actions have raised significant concerns about religious freedom and the marginalization of Muslims in Sri Lankan society. Weligama, a picturesque coastal town located approximately three hours south of Colombo, is home to a large Muslim population. Th

  •  
The Beach A Temporary Escape for Muslims - Sri Lanka

The Beach A Temporary Escape for Muslims - Sri Lanka

A Muslim woman in the water cares for her child in Weligama, Sri Lanka, on January 2nd, 2022. In Sri Lanka, the Muslim community has faced increasing challenges since the 2019 Easter bombings, when coordinated attacks on churches and hotels by a local Islamist extremist group claimed over 250 lives. In the aftermath, anti-Muslim sentiment surged across the island, leading to heightened discrimination and hostility. The situation worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic, as the government introduced a series of stringent policies impacting the Muslim community. These measures included banning the burqa and niqab in public spaces, closing over 1,000 madrasas, and requiring all Islamic texts entering the country to be reviewed and approved by the Ministry of Defense. These actions have raised significant concerns about religious freedom and the marginalization of Muslims in Sri Lankan society. Weligama, a picturesque coastal town located approximately three hours south of Colombo, is home to a large Muslim populati

  •  
The Beach A Temporary Escape for Muslims - Sri Lanka

The Beach A Temporary Escape for Muslims - Sri Lanka

Muslim families gathered on the beach in Weligama, Sri Lanka, on January 2nd, 2022. In Sri Lanka, the Muslim community has faced increasing challenges since the 2019 Easter bombings, when coordinated attacks on churches and hotels by a local Islamist extremist group claimed over 250 lives. In the aftermath, anti-Muslim sentiment surged across the island, leading to heightened discrimination and hostility. The situation worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic, as the government introduced a series of stringent policies impacting the Muslim community. These measures included banning the burqa and niqab in public spaces, closing over 1,000 madrasas, and requiring all Islamic texts entering the country to be reviewed and approved by the Ministry of Defense. These actions have raised significant concerns about religious freedom and the marginalization of Muslims in Sri Lankan society. Weligama, a picturesque coastal town located approximately three hours south of Colombo, is home to a large Muslim population. The to

  •  
The Beach A Temporary Escape for Muslims - Sri Lanka

The Beach A Temporary Escape for Muslims - Sri Lanka

Two young women taking a selfie in front of the beach in Weligama, Sri Lanka, on January 2nd, 2022. In Sri Lanka, the Muslim community has faced increasing challenges since the 2019 Easter bombings, when coordinated attacks on churches and hotels by a local Islamist extremist group claimed over 250 lives. In the aftermath, anti-Muslim sentiment surged across the island, leading to heightened discrimination and hostility. The situation worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic, as the government introduced a series of stringent policies impacting the Muslim community. These measures included banning the burqa and niqab in public spaces, closing over 1,000 madrasas, and requiring all Islamic texts entering the country to be reviewed and approved by the Ministry of Defense. These actions have raised significant concerns about religious freedom and the marginalization of Muslims in Sri Lankan society. Weligama, a picturesque coastal town located approximately three hours south of Colombo, is home to a large Muslim po

  •  
The Beach A Temporary Escape for Muslims - Sri Lanka

The Beach A Temporary Escape for Muslims - Sri Lanka

A Muslim woman in the water cares for her child in Weligama, Sri Lanka, on January 2nd, 2022. In Sri Lanka, the Muslim community has faced increasing challenges since the 2019 Easter bombings, when coordinated attacks on churches and hotels by a local Islamist extremist group claimed over 250 lives. In the aftermath, anti-Muslim sentiment surged across the island, leading to heightened discrimination and hostility. The situation worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic, as the government introduced a series of stringent policies impacting the Muslim community. These measures included banning the burqa and niqab in public spaces, closing over 1,000 madrasas, and requiring all Islamic texts entering the country to be reviewed and approved by the Ministry of Defense. These actions have raised significant concerns about religious freedom and the marginalization of Muslims in Sri Lankan society. Weligama, a picturesque coastal town located approximately three hours south of Colombo, is home to a large Muslim populati

  •  
The Beach A Temporary Escape for Muslims - Sri Lanka

The Beach A Temporary Escape for Muslims - Sri Lanka

Two Muslim women in the water together care for a child in Weligama, Sri Lanka, on January 2nd, 2022. In Sri Lanka, the Muslim community has faced increasing challenges since the 2019 Easter bombings, when coordinated attacks on churches and hotels by a local Islamist extremist group claimed over 250 lives. In the aftermath, anti-Muslim sentiment surged across the island, leading to heightened discrimination and hostility. The situation worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic, as the government introduced a series of stringent policies impacting the Muslim community. These measures included banning the burqa and niqab in public spaces, closing over 1,000 madrasas, and requiring all Islamic texts entering the country to be reviewed and approved by the Ministry of Defense. These actions have raised significant concerns about religious freedom and the marginalization of Muslims in Sri Lankan society. Weligama, a picturesque coastal town located approximately three hours south of Colombo, is home to a large Muslim

  •  
The Beach A Temporary Escape for Muslims - Sri Lanka

The Beach A Temporary Escape for Muslims - Sri Lanka

Muslim families gathered on the beach in Weligama, Sri Lanka, on January 2nd, 2022. In Sri Lanka, the Muslim community has faced increasing challenges since the 2019 Easter bombings, when coordinated attacks on churches and hotels by a local Islamist extremist group claimed over 250 lives. In the aftermath, anti-Muslim sentiment surged across the island, leading to heightened discrimination and hostility. The situation worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic, as the government introduced a series of stringent policies impacting the Muslim community. These measures included banning the burqa and niqab in public spaces, closing over 1,000 madrasas, and requiring all Islamic texts entering the country to be reviewed and approved by the Ministry of Defense. These actions have raised significant concerns about religious freedom and the marginalization of Muslims in Sri Lankan society. Weligama, a picturesque coastal town located approximately three hours south of Colombo, is home to a large Muslim population. The to

  •  
The Beach A Temporary Escape for Muslims - Sri Lanka

The Beach A Temporary Escape for Muslims - Sri Lanka

A group of women together in the water in Weligama, Sri Lanka, on January 2nd, 2022. In Sri Lanka, the Muslim community has faced increasing challenges since the 2019 Easter bombings, when coordinated attacks on churches and hotels by a local Islamist extremist group claimed over 250 lives. In the aftermath, anti-Muslim sentiment surged across the island, leading to heightened discrimination and hostility. The situation worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic, as the government introduced a series of stringent policies impacting the Muslim community. These measures included banning the burqa and niqab in public spaces, closing over 1,000 madrasas, and requiring all Islamic texts entering the country to be reviewed and approved by the Ministry of Defense. These actions have raised significant concerns about religious freedom and the marginalization of Muslims in Sri Lankan society. Weligama, a picturesque coastal town located approximately three hours south of Colombo, is home to a large Muslim population. The t

  •  
The Beach A Temporary Escape for Muslims - Sri Lanka

The Beach A Temporary Escape for Muslims - Sri Lanka

Three children playing in the water gaze into the lens in Weligama, Sri Lanka, on January 2nd, 2022. In Sri Lanka, the Muslim community has faced increasing challenges since the 2019 Easter bombings, when coordinated attacks on churches and hotels by a local Islamist extremist group claimed over 250 lives. In the aftermath, anti-Muslim sentiment surged across the island, leading to heightened discrimination and hostility. The situation worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic, as the government introduced a series of stringent policies impacting the Muslim community. These measures included banning the burqa and niqab in public spaces, closing over 1,000 madrasas, and requiring all Islamic texts entering the country to be reviewed and approved by the Ministry of Defense. These actions have raised significant concerns about religious freedom and the marginalization of Muslims in Sri Lankan society. Weligama, a picturesque coastal town located approximately three hours south of Colombo, is home to a large Muslim p

  •  
The Beach A Temporary Escape for Muslims - Sri Lanka

The Beach A Temporary Escape for Muslims - Sri Lanka

A woman seen from the back, along with four children at the water's edge, in Weligama, Sri Lanka, on January 2nd, 2022. In Sri Lanka, the Muslim community has faced increasing challenges since the 2019 Easter bombings, when coordinated attacks on churches and hotels by a local Islamist extremist group claimed over 250 lives. In the aftermath, anti-Muslim sentiment surged across the island, leading to heightened discrimination and hostility. The situation worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic, as the government introduced a series of stringent policies impacting the Muslim community. These measures included banning the burqa and niqab in public spaces, closing over 1,000 madrasas, and requiring all Islamic texts entering the country to be reviewed and approved by the Ministry of Defense. These actions have raised significant concerns about religious freedom and the marginalization of Muslims in Sri Lankan society. Weligama, a picturesque coastal town located approximately three hours south of Colombo, is home

  •  
Religious Gathering In Solidarity With Palestinians - Tehran

Religious Gathering In Solidarity With Palestinians - Tehran

Ziyad al-Nakhalah (Fifth left), Secretary General of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) makes a speech during a rally in solidarity with Palestinians in Azadi (Freedom) Stadium in Tehran, Iran on March 26, 2024. Around one hundred thousand Iranians attend a religious gathering in solidarity with Palestinians during the holy month of Ramadan, Simultaneously holding a series of meetings between Ismail Haniyeh, head of Hamas Political Bureau, and Iranian officials, a day after the UN Security Council resolution called for a ceasefire in Gaza. Photo by Hossein Beris/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

  •  
Religious Gathering In Solidarity With Palestinians - Tehran

Religious Gathering In Solidarity With Palestinians - Tehran

An Iranian man holds a flag with a picture of slain Iranian commander Qasem Soleimani during a rally in solidarity with Palestinians in Azadi (Freedom) Stadium in Tehran, Iran on March 26, 2024. Around one hundred thousand Iranians attend a religious gathering in solidarity with Palestinians during the holy month of Ramadan. During this gathering, Ziyad al-Nakhalah, Secretary General of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) makes a speech Simultaneously holding a series of meetings between Ismail Haniyeh, head of Hamas Political Bureau, and Iranian officials, a day after the UN Security Council resolution called for a ceasefire in Gaza. Photo by Hossein Beris/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

  •  
Religious Gathering In Solidarity With Palestinians - Tehran

Religious Gathering In Solidarity With Palestinians - Tehran

Ziyad al-Nakhalah (Fifth left), Secretary General of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) makes a speech during a rally in solidarity with Palestinians in Azadi (Freedom) Stadium in Tehran, Iran on March 26, 2024. Around one hundred thousand Iranians attend a religious gathering in solidarity with Palestinians during the holy month of Ramadan, Simultaneously holding a series of meetings between Ismail Haniyeh, head of Hamas Political Bureau, and Iranian officials, a day after the UN Security Council resolution called for a ceasefire in Gaza. Photo by Hossein Beris/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

  •  
Religious Gathering In Solidarity With Palestinians - Tehran

Religious Gathering In Solidarity With Palestinians - Tehran

Iranian people wave Iranian and Palestinian flags during a rally in solidarity with Palestinians in Azadi (Freedom) Stadium in Tehran, Iran on March 26, 2024. Around one hundred thousand Iranians attend a religious gathering in solidarity with Palestinians during the holy month of Ramadan. During this gathering, Ziyad al-Nakhalah, Secretary General of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) makes a speech Simultaneously holding a series of meetings between Ismail Haniyeh, head of Hamas Political Bureau, and Iranian officials, a day after the UN Security Council resolution called for a ceasefire in Gaza. Photo by Hossein Beris/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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