Pacifica volunteers in Sacramento hosted an Interfaith Ramadan iftar on Thursday
July 2, 2015 at the International House of University of California Davis.
Professor Saif Islam gave a welcome speech and talked about Ramadan and
Muslim’s fasting experience for the audience who are mostly non-Muslims
from various faiths. Abdullah Akturk, the President of Pacifica
Sacramento, welcomed the guests briefly and showed video clips about the
mission of Pacifica Institute and Ramadan. The second video included a
beautiful Athan and a heart-felt prayer from a young Muslim woman which
seemed puts its marks.
Professor Ozgur Koca gave the keynote speech. He reflected upon the
Ramadan experience and how fasting helps people to re-gain true colors of
food and water. He talked about Prophet Abraham¹s exceptional hospitality
that he showed even to the strangers. Experiencing hunger and sharing
meals with others revive the hospitality especially in the month of
Ramadan. After the iftar meal which was graciously prepared by the
Pacifica volunteers, various participant gave their final remarks
including Mariko Yamada – former California Assemblywoman, Alan Jones –
Pastor of St Mark¹s United Methodist Church, Dr. Anne Kjemtrup – Chair of
the Board of SALAM Islamic Center, Helen Roland – Convener of the
Celebration of Abraham, and Don Saylor – Yolo County Supervisor.