Faiths Leaders Joined Together During Ramadan Meal in Turkish American Society of Chicago

After a two-year hiatus, American Muslims are once again observing Ramadan without any Pandemic restrictions. Approximately 250 people of all faiths to come together in the spirit of peace and togetherness participated in an Interfaith Iftar dinner on Saturday April 23, 2022, organized by the Niagara Foundation at the Turkish American Society of Chicago with Partner of many faith organizations including Fourth Presbyterian Church of Chicago, St. Raymond of Penafort Church, Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago, and Congregation Beth Judea. Faith leaders share the blessings of Ramadan and promote interfaith harmony and mutual understanding. The scrumptious Iftar followed by a delicious dinner was attended and enjoyed by members of the multiple faiths. The leaders of faith prayed in religious harmony. Distinguished speakers representing major faiths addressed the gathering and emphasized the need to build bridges between religions.

These leaders included Bishop Yehiel Curry Metropolitan Chicago Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church, Sara Trumm, Director of a Center of Christian-Muslim Engagement for Peace and Justice (CCME), Rev. Nanette Sawyer Fourth Presbyterian Church, Bishop Yehiel Curry Metropolitan Chicago Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church, Morris Zimbalist Rabbi at Congregation Beth Judea, Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, Cook County Commissioner Kevin B. Morrison, Tom Hayes, mayor, Village of Arlington Heights and Keynote Speaker Syed Rizwan.

The Opening Remarks were conducted by Dr. Ferhat Kazkondu Director, Community Engagement & Outreach. Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi said Ramadan is such a beautiful occasion and Islam is one of a great religion well representatives in Chicago.

Bishop Yehiel Curry said, "I bring you blessing from Metropolitan Chicago Churches and several congregations."

Commissioner Kevin B. Morrison Highlighted about important and faith brings peace and blessings.

Speaking on the occasion, Mayor Village of Arlington Heights Tom Hayes said, "we live in a free country and it's great we can pick the religion which one we like to. It is an honor to join this kind of event."

Rev. Nanette Sawyer from Fourth Presbyterian Church Highlighted the theme of the event "Moving Forward, Hand in Hand-recognizing each other's holidays" she said, "religions will help you to become more understanding and more respectful of people who hold beliefs that differ from your beliefs Putting yourself in the place of someone else is one way to develop respect for other religions."

Rabbi Morris Zimbalist from Congregation Beth Judea explains, "Religions, that explain values need to care about each other and responsibility to care about things much greater than yourself."

Keynote Speaker Syed Rizwan gave an impressive speech regarding Ramadan and its understanding and values, He said, "Ramadan emphasizes the values of empathy and generosity."

Several other notable community members and politicians were also present for the event. At the end, prayer was performed before the ceremony concluded.