WASHINGTON, DC – The Holy Land Christian Ecumenical Foundation (HCEF) is pleased to announce that Dr. Sayyid M. Syeed National Director, Office of Interfaith & Community Alliances of the Islamic Society of North America (ISNA), will receive the HCEF 2015 Faith and Tolerance Award at HCEF’s17th International Conference Awards Banquet on Oct. 16.

Dr. Syeed has worked tirelessly for decades towards sustainable coexistence between Muslims and Christians. He is a founding member of the U.S. Muslim Christian Coalition (MCC) and has demonstrated passion, dedication and a natural ability to rally people of all faiths to work in a united way for peace. In addition to all this good work, Dr. Syeed has always managed to find ways to  support the Palestinian community specifically through efforts such as the endorsement of the “Twilight for Hope for Israeli-Palestinian Peace” effort, or leading interfaith delegations to Palestine.

In announcing this year’s award recipient, Sir Rateb Rabie, President and CEO of HCEF,stated: “In his words, Dr. Syeed consistently reminds us that the true legitimate tradition of the Holy Quran is built upon rights and religious freedom. However, more than just words, Dr. Syeed’s actions demonstrate this principle.  As a Palestinian Christian, I am personally grateful for Dr. Syeed’s work on behalf of our brothers and sisters who have been oppressed.”

Dr. Syeed along with Bishop Knestout Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Washington DC, will also present at a panel on Saturday entitled “Christians of the Middle East in Crisis.“

The HCEF Faith and Tolerance Award is given to an individual who promotes awareness and understanding of faith traditions as well as respects religious diversity in the Holy Land in Arab countries.  These individuals lead by example and engage their own communities and others in order to advance constructive dialogue and action in the service of coexistence, justice and peace. This year’s award will be presented to Dr. Syeed during HCEF’s Awards Banquet the evening before the conference: Friday, Oct. 16, at the Washington Marriott Georgetown.