CNY RISE Center hosted a Ramadan Dinner for diverse members of the community on Thursday, May 9, 2019. There were about 110 guests including members of the Interfaith Works, Zen Center, Unity Church, Bethany House, and other communities.
The theme of the event was "United Against Violence". Dinner started with a Quran recitation about Ramadan and board president Tim Saka invited everyone to pray for one another while reminding about the recent terrorist attacks in numerous religious temples. He emphasized that a non-violence is the best approach to tackle hatred. A special Turkish meal was served while listening to call to prayer (azan).
Rev. Suzi Hariff from Fay Road Baptist Church delivered a powerful speech on the meaning of love and the unique non-violent approach of Jesus toward oppression.
CNY RISE Center board member and one of the leaders of the Zen Center, Bonnie Shoultz, thanked the members for this special and invited all the guests to take a deep breath and feel the connection among our souls.
Interfaith Works President, Beth Broadway, made some closing remarks. She said that we need to do a better job reaching to our youth and prevent them from becoming a prey of the extremists. She emphasized that the hatred cannot resolve hatred, only love is the solution.
A the end of the event, all the guests picked up their small gift boxes with small sweet treats.
