Large Multi-faith Gathering Attends AMV’s Interfaith Iftar
By Abdus Sattar Ghazali
A large diverse gathering shared the joy of Ramadan iftar dinner with their Muslim brothers and sisters hosted by American Muslim Voice Foundation. The iftar dinner was held on Sunday July, 21, 2013 in Palo Alto at the residence of Samina Sundas, the founding Executive Director of the American Muslim Voice Foundation.
Ms Sundas welcomed the guests on behalf of the AMV Foundation. She said that the objective to establish this organization was to have an interaction among all Americans, which has proven to be one of the best ways to enhance cross cultural understanding and to build mutual respect between people of all faiths.
She went on to say, “We are de-mystifying the Muslims in the post-9/11 era by opening our hearts and homes and by practicing Islam among our fellow Americans. We strongly believe that constant negative propaganda against Muslims and Islam prevents our fellow Americans to get to know Muslims and to understand the true Islam.” AMV Foundation is committed to change that perception by providing all Americans an opportunity through education with social interaction. We are hopeful that by getting to know one another we will all move from “Fear to Friendship.’ ”
Ms Sundas said that AMV Foundation’s work is inspired by ‘ Surah al-Hujurat verse (49:13):O mankind! We created you from a single (pair) of a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that you may know each other (not that you may despise (each other).
Congressman Michael Honda was unable to attend the Iftar dinner personally because of a few thousand miles but he sent his greetings to the American Muslim Voice Foundation for Iftar dinner.
His message stated:
It gives me great pleasure to welcome everyone to Iftar dinner hosted by American Muslim Voice Foundation. Since 2003 American Muslim Voice Foundation (AMV) has worked to protect civil liberties of all communities and developed relationships between all cultures and religions. To build these inclusive communities AMV hosts peace conferences, picnics, and open houses to expose different groups to Islamic ideals, promotes civic engagement, and build mutual respect for each other.
On behalf of the residents of the 17 th Congressional District, I thank American Muslim Voice Foundation for organizing tonight’s Iftar dinner and offer my best wishes for its success.
Anam Hassan, an intern from Congressman Honda's office presented the resolution to Abdus Sattar Ghazali, Senior advisor of the American Muslim Voice Foundation.
Nancy of Code Pink and Craig Wiesner of Multi-faith Voices of Peace also addressed the guests. Nancy said it was a coincidence that like AMV, Code Pink was celebrating its 10th anniversary of establishment.
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