On Friday, February 20, 2026, Pacifica Institute was honored to host its Neighbors & Friends Iftar at the Pacifica Institute Headquarters in Lake Forest, welcoming community members, interfaith friends, and civic leaders for an evening of reflection, dialogue, and friendship during the blessed month of Ramadan.
The evening began with guest arrivals and networking, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Guests viewed a special presentation highlighting Pacifica Institute’s mission, along with a commemorative video reflecting on the upcoming 250th anniversary of the independence of the United States.
Celebrating Shared Values
Executive Director Mustafa Ulukaya welcomed attendees and spoke about the deeper meaning of Ramadan—self-discipline, gratitude, generosity, and empathy for those in need. He reflected on the significance of America’s 250-year journey, emphasizing how gatherings like this embody the nation’s founding ideals of liberty, pluralism, and mutual respect.
We were especially honored by the presence of Robert Pequeño, Mayor of Lake Forest, who shared remarks affirming the value of diversity in his city as the mayor. Moreover, he impressed the audience by making a prayer about Ramadan in Turkish. His prayer was “May this holy moment, awaited with patience, bring peace to your soul and abundance to your table. May your prayers be accepted and your iftar to be blessed.” in Turkish: “Sabirla beklenen bu kutsal an ruhuna huzur, sofrana bereket getirsin; dualariniz kabul olsun”.
Breaking the Fast Together
At sunset, guests observed the Adhan (call to prayer) and joined in breaking the fast with dates and water, following the tradition of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Muslim guests briefly stepped aside for the Maghrib prayer before returning to share the main dinner with all attendees.
The evening continued with meaningful table discussions, encouraging participants to engage in open and respectful dialogue. A special guitar performance by Murat Bahar added a warm cultural touch to the gathering.
The program concluded with reflections shared from each table—highlighting themes of gratitude, friendship, and hope for continued collaboration.
Building Bridges Through Shared Experiences
Pacifica Institute remains committed to fostering understanding through dialogue, education, and service. The Neighbors & Friends Iftar once again demonstrated that when people gather around a shared table, barriers dissolve and authentic relationships flourish.
As we approach America’s 250th anniversary, we are reminded that the strength of our nation lies in its diversity and in the ability of its people to come together in mutual respect.
We thank all who attended and contributed to making the evening meaningful and memorable.
Ramadan Mubarak.
#RamadanUnites
