Community Ramadan Dinner at Syracuse New York

North East Islamic Community Center, Turkish Cultural Center – Syracuse and Interfaith Works hosted a Ramadan Dinner for diverse members of the community on Tuesday, June 21, 2016 . There were about 110 guests including members of the Interfaith Works, Zen Center, Unity Church and other communities.

Dinner started with a short video about Ramadan and a special Turkish meal was served while listening to call to prayer (azan) followed by a prayer asking to end hunger, wars, and hatred around the world.

Mahmood Burton from Ithaca Muslim community made a presentation on the meaning of Ramadan and how it affects the Muslim community. He mentioned that in the month of Ramadan Muslims through fasting, experience hunger and thirst, and sympathize with those in the world who have little to eat every day. Nowadays people if Africa need not only sympathy, but also actual food by those who experienced hunger. Furthermore, through increased charity, Muslims develop feelings of generosity and good will toward others.

Syracuse Common Council member Susan Boyle made some closing remarks. She said that they are happy to have Turkish Cultural Center at this neighborhood.

Rev. Edith Washignton-Woods from Unity Church mentioned that they have been waiting for a long time for TCC to move in the new building and they look forward to collaborate in the future.