AMWEC Hosts Interfaith Iftar at Temple Bat Yahm Synagogue
By Aisha Bajwa
Ramadan is a month of fasting for Muslims when they practice self-restraint in many aspects of their lives. It is a month of good deeds and peace in Muslim communities. As Muslims fast all around the world they get to understand the meaning of giving, acceptance, abundance, tolerance, and peace. It is a month when everyone comes together and breaks fast to show love and harmony within families and communities. The purpose is not only the purification of body and soul but also an understanding of those who are suffering and are less fortunate.
On Thursday May 16th, American Muslim and Multifaith Empowerment Council (AMWEC) hosted an interfaith Iftar at Temple Bat Yahm Synagogue in Newport Beach. People from many faiths came together to open fast and send a message of unity and tolerance within their communities. It was a true picture of multi-faith gathering. Leaders from government, communities, and different faiths attended the Iftar . It was arranged by AMWEC with the collaboration and support of Temple Bat Yahm, California Southern University (Food Sponsors), Olive Tree Initiative (OTI), and Anti-Defamation League (ADL) Orange County, Jewish Collaborative and Orange County Jewish Coalition for Refugees.
The event is a benchmark of how peoples of all faiths in America come together to celebrate their faith and traditions. People engaged in meaningful dialogue with one another to find ways to unite and bridge differences, and become a conduit of open discussions. Ms Anila Ali, President AMWEC and an advocate for Jewish-Muslim peace and interfaith dialogue, not only showed her dedication and leadership to bring multi-faith groups together but also facilitated a platform for intra-faith Islamic leaders for peace building. From this perspective, the event was noteworthy and exemplary.
The event started with a recitation from the Holy Qur’an by a young 4th grade student Ryaan Syed. AMWEC’s Muslim and Jewish board members welcomed people from different faiths including Jewish, Christian, Zoroastrian, Baha’i, Hindu, Buddhist, Shia and Sunni Muslims, and Sikhs. Rabbi Gersh Zylberman welcomed everyone as the host of the Temple. He talked about the need to practice pluralism and to embrace all peoples and cultures and see them as equal. “Differences are in the area of preference,” he explained. He leads by example; this is the third year that he has opened up the temple to 300 or more peoples of all faiths and co-hosted AMWEC’s Ramadan iftar.
One of the speakers was Lee Weissman, a Jewish educator who read Surah-al-Fatiha in Hebrew and delighted the audience. It was a beautiful way to remind us of our similarities and find common ground between Jews and Muslims.
Ms Anastasia Selberis, of California Southern University (CSU) shared some exciting news with the leaders of the interfaith world. California Southern University announced news of a new Global Perspective Institute. The institute will collaborate with faith leaders, other institutions, individuals, academics, and community organizations, to promote peace building through collaboration.
Next up was Aisha Bajwa, AMWEC’s Secretary and dynamic community leader, who explained the basics of Ramadan. She discussed the importance of Ramadan for Muslims; how Muslims fast and break their fast, who are exempt from fasting, and how do Muslims celebrate the end of Ramadan. Various countries including Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, Israel, and Turkey had set up cultural displays to show their unique Ramadan traditions.
Rabbi Peter Levi from ADL spoke about the recent global attacks on places of worship. One of ADL’s key initiatives is to promote fairness and equal treatment for everyone. ADL does it by building coalitions and bridging gaps. Zoroastrian priest Zarrir Bhandra spoke about peace and love.
The Mayor of Irvine, Christina Shea, talked about how this gathering was an excellent opportunity for her and other non-Muslims to learn about Ramadan. The Mayor Pro tem of Newport Beach, Scott O’Neill, also spoke to the audience and shared that he learned about Ramadan from his Turkish neighbors.
Imam Mahdi Qazwini spoke from the heart and talked about Taqwa, and how Muslims are commanded to practice it in their daily lives. Taqwa, is God-consciousness, being mindful of the Creator. He explained how Muslims have to be mindful of their responsibilities towards themselves and their communities. Imam Qazwini spoke about the unique relationship that Muslims have with Monotheistic religions, especially Judaism.
The call for prayer (Adhan) was recited by Brother Mohammad Khan, who is an interfaith leader in the Muslim community. After the beautiful Adhan, Imam Mahdi Al Qazwini lead the prayer at the Temple and many people joined him while some observed. Brother Rajbir Husson, a Sikh community leader, spoke about his faith and showed similarities between Sikhism and other faiths.
Sri Lankan Muslim activist Soraya Deen, a Muslim, also emphasized the need for inclusion, equal rights, and respect for each other. The event concluded with a beautiful hymn sung by Charenjeet Virdi, a renowned Bollywood and Hollywood Sikh singer who sang “La Illaha Illal la…”, a Muslim hymn to praise God. The audience was touched and joined in the chorus.
At this gathering the message of acceptance, unity, and tolerance resounded loudly.
AMWEC believes in building bridges and closing the divide that the present political rhetoric has caused. AMWEC advocates peace and harmony within our communities. Fundamentally, fasting is a spiritual commitment between a person and God. It is about respect and total submission. Platforms like these encourage our younger generations to bridge gaps and encourage dialogue aimed at promoting a deeper understanding. In this respect, the gathering also embodied diversity and values of inclusion, freedom and liberty.
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