Raindrop Turkevi sponsored Annual Iftar Dinner Organized by Mayor Bill White at City Hall
The event was the mayor's annual iftar dinner for the Muslim-American communities of the 4th largest city in the US. 400 some people attended to the gathering representing African-American,
Turkish-American, Pakistani-American, Indonesian-American communities as well as the dignitaries that included Congressman Al Green, Mayor Bill White, Council Members Sue Lovell and MJ Khan and 8 different consul generals of respective countries.
(October 6,2007,HOUSTON,TEXAS)
Congressman Al Green appreciated to be invited and said he's there with 3 Muslim and 3 non-Muslim staffers of his to represent the dialogue in his district. He also reiterated the core tenets of Islam teach peace in one's world as well as the community with a special reference to the Creator of all creatures. He further congratulated the night of power (Leylet-ul Qadr) and said he needed to use one of those to have blessings of a thousand months. Mayor Bill White talked about how much this event means to the City of Houston and on the fasting experience he gave the example that his daughter fasted 10 days this Ramadan and he realized how remarkable the experience was when he heard of her impressions. Council member Sue Lovell appreciated the participation of children and wished to have the children from her community to be there next time to enjoy this wonderful occasion. Council member MJ Khan, who also officially opened the evening and invited Mayor White to the stage, said he values every effort of those who contributes to the richness of Houston and thanked to the individuals and organizations who helped make this event a success. Dr. Alp Aslandogan, VP of the Institute of Interfaith Dialog, pointed at the diversity need of today's global village and acknowledged that any effort like this will help to build an ever lasting peace. Dr. Jim Bankston, Senior Pastor of St. Paul's United Methodist Church, who represented the non-Muslim communities at the event valued the interfaith nature of Houston population and concluded with a prayer from the book called Prayers for Peace. Farraz Khan gave an introductory speech on the significance of Ramadan and Imam Wazir Ali carried out the offical supplication (dua) that included both muslim and abrahamic prayers before the fasting was to be broken. The call for prayer took place soon after and those who were fasting which included Mayor Bill White broke their fast by an assortment of dates, fruit, water and pastry before the entire crowd enjoyed the delicious meals provided by DNR and other restaurant through the sponsorship of City of Houston, Raindrop Turkish Cultural Center and other organizations.
The event was the mayor's annual iftar dinner for the Muslim-American communities of the 4th largest city in the US. 400 some people attended to the gathering representing African-American,
Turkish-American, Pakistani-American, Indonesian-American communities as well as the dignitaries that included Congressman Al Green, Mayor Bill White, Council Members Sue Lovell and MJ Khan and 8 different consul generals of respective countries.
(October 6,2007,HOUSTON,TEXAS)
