Achi news desk-
HOUSTON: A massive gathering on Sunday of over 2,000 people at Bayou City Center in Houston once again became the largest Iftar dinner event in the United States.
America’s largest annual Houston Iftar dinner fundraiser has been organized for many years by Houston’s Muslim sister cities of Abu Dhabi, Baku, Basrah, Istanbul, and Karachi along with 40 collaborating community organizations including the Ismaili Council for the South West. US
The event emcee attorney Lema Mousilli welcomed the guests and opened the event which started with the National Anthem sung by Shama Tajani.
The chief coordinator of the Iftar dinner for the past fourteen years, Muhammad Saeed Sheikh, warmly acknowledged many distinguished guests and expressed his gratitude to Chief Sponsor Syed Javaid Anwar and Tanweer Ahmed for being the main sponsors of the event.
He paid tribute to the organizing committee, cooperative organizations and the media. Faisal Momin, President of the Ismaili Council then introduced the newly elected Mayor John Whitmire.
Retaining his grief, Whitmire said he felt the pain of the people of Gaza, but that his priority was the affairs of Houston, and he was not involved in international affairs. He recalled how he first met Muslims when he was a student at college and his commitment to keeping the Muslim community feeling safe.
He was followed by the prominent leader of the Arab American Community Ahmed Alyasin who spoke about the suffering of humanity around the world, especially in Gaza. Congressman Al Green called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and for the recognition of Palestine as an independent state. Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee met and greeted the organizers and guests. Texas Governor Greg Abbott sent a video message of Ramadan greetings.
In conclusion, Islamic scholar Kemal Civelek of the Islamic Foundation presented a powerful message highlighting the “significance of Ramadan” as a month for encouraging self-control to achieve God-consciousness.
He spoke about societies losing their moral campus and pleaded for the whole world as it suffers difficulties, especially in Gaza. Fatih Bayar closed the presentations with the Aadhan or call to prayer with people breaking their fast and many rushing over to the lunch buffet tables on both sides of the hall.
A number of City Council members were also present including Edward Pollard; diplomats from several countries including Ambassador Khazar Ibrahim from Azerbaijan; and representatives from Houston’s sister cities including Houston President Susan Young; Abu Dhabi Sister City President Jamal Bafagih, Orhan Osman of the Houston Istanbul City Association. Community leaders from many nations from around the world attended the Iftar dinner.
Stage management was coordinated by Shah Haleem, Siraj Narsi and Donya ZItaksari. The dinner was catered by Fadi restaurant and Tempura restaurant and Sweet Factory.
