Unity Between Muslim and Jewish Families
- Safi Rauf, a Muslim humanitarian, was held captive by the Taliban for 105 days.
- During this ordeal, he relied on secret phone calls with Sammi Cannold, a Jewish Broadway director.
- Their bond highlights a unique alliance in times of crisis, transcending religious boundaries.
In a heartfelt ceremony held under a huppah in a cornfield in Glenwood, Iowa, Sammi Rose Cannold and Safiullah Rauf exchanged vows, symbolizing their commitment to each other despite societal pressures. The couple took turns reading from a notebook that Cannold had kept during a difficult period, reflecting on her fears of never seeing Rauf again. “Day 32 of captivity. I dream of the day that I get to read this sentence back to myself,” Rauf read, highlighting the emotional weight of their journey. The couple's wedding was officiated by Rauf's father, an imam, who led them through the nikah, the traditional Muslim marriage ceremony. Rauf donned a sherwani, while Cannold wore a lehenga, both outfits purchased during a recent trip to India. Their production company, Beyond the Barricade, aims to foster understanding and collaboration between Jewish and Muslim communities through their work. Cannold, a Jewish Broadway director from Armonk, New York, and Rauf, a Muslim refugee who grew up in a camp in Peshawar, Pakistan, have faced significant challenges due to their interfaith relationship. Cannold expressed that societal norms had taught them that their union was unconventional, yet they chose to embrace their love and commitment to one another. Their wedding not only marks a personal milestone but also serves as a testament to their dedication to bridging cultural divides and promoting unity in a world often divided by faith and background.