Al Gore’s daughter fasted for the first time for Peace Islands Institute’s iftar dinner


Date posted: August 6, 2014

SEZAI KALAYCI

Iftar dinner (breaking of fast), which was held in Columbia University, brought together numerous prominent members of the community. The event, organized by Peace Islands Institute (PII), New York Interfaith Center and Columbia University Religious Studies Department, hosted former US Vice President Al Gore’s daughter Karenna Gore and one of the Indonesia’s prominent religious figures, Imam Shamsi Ali.

Sarah Sayeed, director of New York Interfaith Dialog Center, hosted the program that started with breaking the fast as adhan (call to prayer) was chanted. Dean of School of Engineering Dr. Mary Boyce, expressed that they are honored to be hosting the iftar, and said: “We have hosted many different events in this auditorium, but this event is very different from the others. We are very happy to host and know you.”

“FASTING TAUGHT ME A LOT”

Karenna Gore, one of the organizers of the Iftar dinner event, said that she fasted first time in her life. She also said that she wanted to share the feelings of Muslims who are fasting. She added, “The primary reason I fasted is to experience how it feels to fast and how Muslims manage fasting.”

Gore, the founder of the civil society organization “Union Forum” said she is not sure if she can succeed fasting. Gore told “Frankly I’m so hungry”, and mentioned that quit drinking my everyday coffee cause me headache. She further continued: “Throughout the day I figured, fasting taught me eating and drinking at anytime is so precious”

Fasting also showed me how much we waste. There is always more food than we can eat around us. This abundance and waste reminded me, throughout the day, those people who can not find anything to eat suffer from hunger. All these were very valuable for me to learn and feel. ”

Disclaimer: The original article is in Turkish. Slight deviations from the original meaning may have occurred due to the difficulties in translating phrases and idioms. PII volunteers translated the article.

Source: Zaman Amerika , July 18, 2014

Tags: | | |


Related News

Doğan: Gülen stood against anti-cemevi campaigns

Cem Foundation President İzzettin Doğan has said that Gülen supported the construction of cemevis (Alevi houses of worship) when signature campaigns were launched against the cemevis in some regions of Turkey.

An Armenian from Turkey in Los Angeles…

Markar Esayan Last week I visited Los Angeles to attend the fourth Anatolian Cultures and Food Festival, held between May 16 and 19. I wanted to write about my impressions before the effects of jet lag took hold and while my memories were still fresh. I was enthusiastic as this was my first visit to […]

Experiences with Hizmet and the Followers of Fethullah Gülen

Fr. Leo D. Lefebure*  03 July 2012, Tuesday The members of Hizmet have been unfailingly gracious and cordial, respectful of Christianity and mindful of the many values shared by Muslims and Christians.  Their concern to build constructive relationships and to collaborate in building interreligious understanding is inspiring. Since the 1990s, I have been involved in […]

4th International Panel for Sharing Coexistence Experience in Korea

The 4th International Panel for Sharing Coexistence Experience, which brought together the representatives of the religions in South Korea and the religious groups from Turkey and the United States, and the round-table meeting, titled “Combating Religious Extremism at the Public Level,” hosted by Seoul National University, were held in South Korea.

Turkish American Society of Ohio Seeks to Foster Friendship and Understanding Between Cultures

In existence since 2010 and headquartered in Columbus, The Turkish American Society of Ohio’s mission is to introduce Turkish culture into American Society. Through their efforts in dialog and unique community services they also seek to promote friendship and understanding between cultures.

Turkish volunteers in US rush to help Oklahoma tornado victims

ORHAN AKKURT, NEW YORK Turkish charity organization Raindrop Helping Hands, a subsidiary of the US-based Raindrop Turkish House, has been helping Americans suffering in the aftermath of a powerful tornado that hit Oklahoma on Monday, leaving 24 dead. The Turkish charity first provided tornado victims with the most urgent needs such as food, water, gloves, […]

Latest News

Turkish inmate jailed over alleged Gülen links dies of heart attack in prison

Message of Condemnation and Condolences for Mass Shooting at Bondi Beach, Sydney

Media executive Hidayet Karaca marks 11th year in prison over alleged links to Gülen movement

ECtHR faults Turkey for convictions of 2,420 applicants over Gülen links in follow-up to 2023 judgment

New Book Exposes Erdoğan’s “Civil Death Project” Targeting the Hizmet Movement

European Human Rights Treaty Faces Legal And Political Tests

ECtHR rejects Turkey’s appeal, clearing path for retrials in Gülen-linked cases

Erdoğan’s Civil Death Project’ : The ‘politicide’ spanning more than a decade

Fethullah Gülen’s Vision and the Purpose of Hizmet

In Case You Missed It

EP discusses transparency call for Hizmet

Kimse Yok Mu launches a bakery for Sudanese orphans

3 detained Turkish educators and their families handed over to Turkey by Gabon

CSOs continue to condemn hate speech against Hizmet movement

Exit from a well 1,915 meters deep

Gursel Tekin: Gulen’s remarks on the third bridge are valuable

A Prayer to the Volunteers of Kimse Yok Mu from the Islands of Comoros

Copyright 2026 Hizmet News