A Ramadan interfaith iftar dinner event led by Pacifica Institute and Mt. Diablo Unitarian Universalist Church in the framework of promoting interfaith dialogue was held at Mt. Diablo Unitarian Universalist Church in Walnut Creek. The event brought together about 120 people from different religious backgrounds to build understanding between different communities and contribute to the common good.
The event started with the welcoming remarks by Ranwa Hammamy and Fatih Ates. Afterwards, The quests were invited to hold a moment of silence and pray for the victims of Orlanda shooting.
Christian and Jewish perspectives on the subject of Art of Living Together were shared by Rev. Will McGarvey and Harry Wittenberg from Interfaith Council of Contra Costa County and followed by a musical interlude performed by Johanna McShane and Brett Carson.
Rev. Leslie Takahashi and Evan Junker expressed Unitarian Universalist Reflections on the Art of Living Together and emphasized interfaith dialogues to tackle community challenges together.
A musical performance by Liam Takahashi and Brett Carson was followed by the informative videos about Pacifica Institute and Ramadan.
A call to prayer, adhan, marking the moment to break the fast was recited by Fatih Ates and the quests were invited to the iftar dinner tables on which people of all faiths sat together to share a bread and know each other.
Dr. Özgür Koca, the keynote speaker at the gathering, spoke of Ramadan being a time of unity of the communities and remembrance of others to build a better society which can only be achieved through knowledge and understanding.
The event gave a unique opportunity for the attendees to establish peace, unity and harmony between people of any faith, race or community.
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