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


Related News

The Turkish connection in India

As the Turkish Consulate gets ready to set up office in Hyderabad, Neeraja Murthy finds a Turkey-Hyderabad connect. Indialogue Foundation, the Turkish cultural centre acts as a hub for the 15 Turkish families living in Hyderabad. “We get together here during religious ceremonies like Eid and we organise inter-faith seminars, talks, conferences and cultural programmes. We arrange business meetings between Turkish and Indian businessmen and also organise Turkish celebrations.”

Call for Papers – International Conference on “Indo-Turkish Dialogue: Historical, Social and Cultural Perspectives”

The two-day International Conference on “Indo-Turkish Dialogue: Historical, Social and Cultural Perspectives” is jointly organized by the Centre for Study of Foreign Languages, University of Hyderabad, India, Mevlana University, Turkey and Indialogue Foundation, India in October, 2014 in University of Hyderabad, India.

US conference discusses Gülen movement contributions to peace

Officials from the US Department of State, a retired ambassador, academics and others gathered at the University of Maryland, College Park campus, on Thursday to participate in a Rumi Forum Maryland conference on the Gülen (Hizmet) movement’s contributions to world peace.

Grondahl: Turkish community strong in wake of threats from back home

After a three-year hiatus, forced underground by fear of political retaliation from the repressive autocratic Erdogan regime in Turkey, members of the local Turkish community are re-emerging.

Kanter: You need to know what is going on in Turkey

Question: You are being called a terrorist by Turkish government. What is your opinion on the widespread use of this term by the Government? Kanter: This is a term that many governments are using to scare people and get public support. No one likes terrorists — so if you brand your opponents as terrorists it’s easy to get support. The Turkish government has even accuses the US of being terrorist sponsors, they are a joke now.

Funeral prayer held for Turkish volunteer Zengindemir in Oklahoma City

During the memorial ceremony, a message sent by Oklahoma State Governor Mary Fallin was read. “I am so saddened to learn of the passing of Murat. Although his time on Earth was short, he leaves a lasting impact upon the state of Oklahoma with his cheerful and kind heart. He worked tirelessly to foster a better understanding of different cultures and the importance of building relationships. I always enjoyed seeing him and appreciated his support.

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

Faith Compatible with Science

Yamanlar College student becomes world math champion

Nigeria’s House of Representatives wants Turkey to know that Nigerian lives matter

Erdogan’s Failed Crusade: The World Rejects His War on Hizmet

Turks seek asylum in South Africa

Government as a black propaganda machine

Kimse Yok Mu to send aid for Syrian refugees with 50 TIRs

Copyright 2026 Hizmet News