The Inaugural Turkish-African American Friendship Iftar
Dinner was held Tuesday, July 7th at the American-Turkish Friendship
Association (ATFA) in Fairfax, Virginia. The first meeting of these diverse
communities was warmly received as the Turkish community and the African
American community gathered around the same table to break bread during the
holy month of Ramadan.
The
room was full at the Association, drawing those from academia, government
agencies, NGOs, interfaith groups, etc. Imam Taleb Shareef was the first up to
the podium to speak upon his experiences during his time in Turkey and the
lessons he wanted to share with the audience that he had learned while he was
there. Through his studies of Islam for example, he learned that if we order
our lives by beginning with what God gave us first, then that can be the
foundation on which we can build upon when we gather together therefore, we
will possess the ability to recognize our diversity and our common origin. Imam
Taleb Shareef speech then centered on a reflection of the simplicity of nature
and the connections human beings have with it during the month of Ramadan.
The next speaker of the evening was from the Somali
Association of the Greater Washington Area who thanked ATFA and the Rumi Forum
for bringing everyone together so that the different communities within African
American society can see each other and exchange thoughts or ideas with one
another when normally (especially in today’s busy society) they wouldn’t have
the opportunity to do so. His speech centered on Turkish and Somali relations
through history up to present day relations. He highlighted the struggles his
country, which has been riddled with civil war and instability, has faced and
how grateful he is of the Turkish government and its people for aiding the
Somalis in their time of need. They distribute aid, and assist in startup
infrastructure projects. ---- ended his speech on a high note saying, “It is
also fitting to come to this meeting in the blessed month of Ramadan…it is a
wonderful spiritual experience, that is not only about denying food and drink
during the day, but has many other benefits like perseverance and self control,
concern for others, feeling hunger so you can help the hungry and the poor.
This month is a perfect time to come together to talk and experience and pray
together. Ramadan is for everybody whether you're Muslim or not.”
Kimse Yok Mu (KYM) is an international humanitarian aid
organization and development organization that has branched out to one hundred
and thirteen countries since its founding. The main focus of the organization
has been particularly concentrated in African countries, as the Former General
Director of KYM Metin Cetiner said in his speech during the first
Turkish-African American Friendship Iftar Dinner. Metin Cetiner gave examples
of his organization's work in Somalia, serving hot meals to hundreds of
thousands of people and providing emergency aid in the form of tents, clothes
etc. “We constructed social aid buildings, schools and hospitals in [Kenya,
Uganda, Somalia etc.]” He then touched upon the various American aid that his
organization provides during the month of Ramadan, including the current
projects the organization is tackling.
NAACP leader Jamiah Adams was the last of the speakers that
evening, given her warmest thanks to the hosts. Her speech centered upon
dialogue between communities. Beginning her address she quote a few words from
the poet Rumi, “‘This being human is a guest house, every morning is a new
arrival, a joy, a depression, a meanness, some momentary awareness comes as an
unexpected visitor--welcome and entertain them all. Treat each guest honorably
, the dark thought, the shame, the malice, leave them at the door laughing and
invite them in, be grateful for whoever comes because each has been sent as a
guid from the beyond.’ I share these words because we as humans are kin in one
family, desireable to be kind and welcoming to one another. Ramadan is one of
my favorite time of year because it embodies that approach. We as Muslims have
an opportunity to share our faith, our food with a greater American uma during
this time. It is time for us to come together and break bread. It is time for
us to reflect upon the words of a God, a contemplate being better persons and
better Muslims.”
Jamiah Adams as well discussed her current works at the
NAACP, the oldest and largest civil rights organization founded over one
hundred and six years ago. She commented on the diversity that is included in
the organization, especially during its founding and saying that, “History has
dictated that when we work together across cultural lines, across faith, we
resolve collectively our movement. It is time for us to come together dialogue
among races and faiths to achieve dialogue that is common, conductive and
strategic. It is time for us to smash the ills both at home and abroad.”