Date posted: July 10, 2015

SEZAİ KALAYCI / NEW YORK

An iftar was held in Columbia University, bringing together numerous prominent members of the community.

The event, organized by the Peace Islands Institute (PII), the New York Interfaith Center and Columbia University’s religious studies department, hosted former US Vice President Al Gore’s daughter Karenna Gore and prominent Indonesian religious figure Imam Shamsi Ali.

Sarah Sayeed, director of the New York Interfaith Dialog Center, hosted the program that started with breaking of the fast as the adhan (call to prayer) was heard. School of engineering Dean Dr. Mary Boyce, expressing their honor to be hosting the iftar, 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.”

Karenna Gore, one of the organizers of the iftar, said she had fasted for the first time in her life, adding she wanted to share the feelings of Muslims who are fasting.

Among the attendees were New York State Assembly Member from Manhattan Richard N. Gottfried, Burton L. Visotzky, a professor of Midrash and Interreligious Studies at the Jewish Theological Seminary and several other American academics, as well as members of non-governmental organizations and diplomats from the United Nations.

Adile Osmanoğlu, a grandchild of Abdülhamid II, one of the last Ottoman sultans, also attended the event.

Source: Today's Zaman , July 09, 2015

Tags: Dialogue | North America | Peacebuilding | USA |