You Are Invited
A Gathering in Honor and Memory of Elia Jaber Qubti
I invite you to join me for an evening of remembrance and community as we honor the life, love, and legacy of my beloved father, Elia, a man whose life spanned the arc of modern Palestinian history.
Date: Saturday, 21st of March, 2026
Time: anytime between 5-7pm. Sharing time begins at 6pm
Location: Trinity Grace United Church
RSVP by Thursday 19th to
What to Expect
This is not a formal service, but a gathering; a time for sharing stories, being present together, and keeping his memory alive.
The evening will include:
A reflection on my father’s legacy as someone born in Palestine under the British Mandate, who lived through the Nakba, and who witnessed the recent genocide in Gaza, a life rooted in Nazareth, in historic Palestine
A personal reflection on my journey to be present, including the challenges of traveling during these difficult times and the path I took to be there and get back
A closing time of prayer honoring his memory and spirit
A song to hold us together in this moment
Shared food in the tradition of gathering around a table
A Space of Aza & Akhed bil-Khater
This gathering honors the Palestinian tradition of عزاء (aza), a time when we come together to mourn, to witness one another's grief, and to affirm that loss is never borne alone.
It is also a practice of اخد بالخاطر (akhed bil-khater), to hold one another in our hearts, to care deeply for each other's wellbeing, and to remember with intention. Your presence here embodies this sacred act of being held in heart during this time.
Food & Tradition
In Palestinian culture, sharing food is a sacred part of honoring the deceased. We will gather around a traditional Palestinian dish, alongside fresh salad. If you have dietary restrictions or allergies, please let me know when you RSVP so I can ensure there is something nourishing for you.
A Note on Tradition
In Palestinian culture, we mark the 40 days following a loved one's passing as a sacred time of remembrance. Though my family's Christian tradition does not formally observe this practice, I felt called to gather close to this meaningful threshold, a time when we can be fully present with one another and with his memory.
I look forward to seeing you. Your presence and support meant a lot to me during this time.
With gratitude and in loving memory,
Shadia
Please RSVP by Thursday, 19th so I can prepare accordingly. If you have dietary restrictions or allergies, please mention them when you respond.