July 22th, we held our Iftar dinner with Orange County Police and Fire Chiefs. Together we celebrated their service to the community, and shared a meal in observance of the holy month of Ramadan.
We started the evening off with a brief introductory video on Ramadan and fasting in Islam,in which one practitioner gave a testimonial focusing on zakat (alms-giving) and compassion.After hearing the ezan (call to prayer) we shared an intimate meal. The conversation around the dinner table covered everything from law enforcement in the United States and Turkey, traditional family meals, the value of multiculturalism, and ways in which we can serve the community.
After our meal, guests from each table shared a few words of reflection. Deputy Chief Mike Hamel of the Irvine Police Department stated that though it is often difficult to bridge gaps between different peoples and cultures, it is of utmost importance. By bridging these gaps, we help build confidence and trust in one another, thus improving our ability to serve. Chief Jackie Gomez-Whitely of the Cypress Police Department talked about our “tapestry of community,” preferring the word “tapestry” over “melting pot” as it better explains the way in which we all come together with our differences while maintaining our identities. We share our similarities, and respect our differences. Chief Scott Poster of the Newport Beach Fire Department talked about the diversified cultures found in Newport, and the ways in which we come together by extending hospitality to one another. Turk Ozgur commented on the warmth of the police and fire chiefs in Orange County, and his appreciation of their sharing a meal in thanksgiving with the community.
Pacifica Institute would like to thank all of our guests, who joined us in sharing a meal, celebrating service to those in need, and appreciating the differences that make up our tapestry of communities.
