Second Annual Dialog and Friendship Dinner San Jose
Pacifica Institute’s Silicon Valley Branch held its 2nd Annual Dialog and Friendship Dinner on October 28th, 2008 at the Santa Clara Marriott Hotel. The event brought representatives from a diverse scope and demographics together. Politicians, academicians, community and spiritual leaders shared a genuinely warm and unprecedented evening during which the heartfelt synergy between and across faiths was the focus.
After the reception that began at 6:30 PM, guests moved to the dining hall at 7PM. The dinner was preceded with a short introduction and welcome speech by the Silicon Valley branch president. One of the highlights of the night was former president W. Clinton’s taped message emphasizing the need for intercultural dialogue and acknowledging the impact made by the Turkish American community by their contributions to the American people. Former president Clinton also thanked F. Gülen for his inspiring role in these efforts.
The keynote speakers Rabbi Paula Marcus from Temple Beth-El (Aptos, CA), Reverend Jose Rubio from the Roman Catholic Diocese (San Jose, CA) and Reverend Dr. Allen Jones from the United Methodist Church (Campbell, CA) shared the commonalities between Abrahamic faiths and emphasized the impact these events may have for the future of a peaceful world on which we all might inspire to live.
The common message of Abrahamic faiths couldn’t be conveyed in a more inspiring and vivid way than the “Song of Unity”, co-produced by the Authors & Journalists Foundation and prominent Turkish artist Mahzun Kirmizigul. In the video clip, Armenian, Assyrian and members of the Turkish-Jewish congregation worked together with Muslim Turks in bringing out the message of “Unity and Love” that we all are in so much need today.
Moderated round table discussions during the intermission enabled the guests to share their experience and feelings on being stereotyped because of their heritage or religious background. Many new friendships were seeded during these moments while guests shared very personal stories.
It was very likely the first time the guests were a part of a marvelous and live Water Marbling (Ebru) presentation.
Among many of those who wanted to share their remarks after the dinner was Jose Esteves, the Milpitas Mayor who honored and thanked the Silicon Valley branch for these efforts. Dennis Graham (Milpitas City Police Chief), John Hirokawa (Santa Clara County Police Undersheriff), Diane Ritchie (Santa Clara County Superior Court Judge), Martin Hellman (Prof Emeritus Stanford U.), Dr. Phillip Boo Riley (Santa Clara University, Religious Studies Dept.) were among the recognized guests.
The evening ended with good wishes and a desire to repeat such outreach efforts in the near future.