Riham Osman, a member of MPAC, began the brief speeches made
by 3 women at the Interfaith Ramadan Iftar dinner, which was attended by 80
people, mainly leaders of interfaith organizations and the ambassador of
Mozambique. She discussed her Ramadan experience in DC, explaining that she had
attended various Iftars. Her most memorable experience was at the White House
and having the opportunity to discuss with President Obama. She recalls Obama’s
emphasis on the fact that “across all faiths, young people are pulling away
from religion” and called for a discussion on how to attract the youth. Osman
also explained how Obama’s experiences as a Christian in Muslim countries
helped him relate to the Muslim faith but that “at the end of the day it goes
back to being a good human being.”
Patricia Zapor, a National Catholic Reporter, discussed the
tradition of Iftar. Iftar has helped her understand Islam to a greater extent,
“as well as getting a better sense of what is going on in the world”. She
addressed Pope Francis’s actions, applauding his travels and overall message,
explaining that it has “raised the level of conversation between faiths.” She
further complimented his personal touch, and his speech in South America
discussing poverty and economics.
Cantor Hinda Labovitz, a member of the Ohr Kodesh
Congegration, ended the dinner’s remarks. She described a female-only Facebook
group she belongs to that “represents a cross-section of Jews and Muslims.” The
group has taught her that after reaching a certain level of faith, religious
individuals face the same problems. She also emphasized the importance of food
in religion, as an instrument to separate impulsive animals and faithful
humans. She ended the conversation with a blessing: “I bless us, through our
abstinence, through our openness, through our acceptance of others and faiths,
to find fulfillment every day. May our active choices as partners and
limitations in society provide us new opportunities for growth and belief. May
our communication be welcome and accepted by the one to whom we spiritually
direct these prayers.