Ramadan is a time when people of different backgrounds come together and show hospitality to build a genuine friendship that would eventually form a bond of respect throughout the rest of the year.
With this in mind, Pacifica Los Angeles hosted its first iftar meal on the 22nd of June with local and federal law enforcement agencies and officials from Department of Homeland Security and Los Angeles City Hall. Participants of the iftar meal also included agents from FBI Los Angeles, deputy sheriffs from Los Angeles Sheriff Department and policemen and women of LAPD.
For some of the participants, it was a first to join the iftar and share a dinner table with muslims in the US.
The night started with a reception when the participants of the dinner came together to chat and get to know one another. Then everyone took their seats in the dining room, where the video about Ramadan- the month of sharing was presented. Right at the time of breaking the fast, call to prayer was announced with its meaning in the subtitles, followed by a prayer.
Soup and main menu was served to the tables. When the desserts were offered along with the tea, ebru-art of water marbling (most commonly know painting on water) was presented by Faruk who first introduced the history and the techniques used in this art.
During the iftar meal, guests thanked the volunteers of the Institute for presenting the home cooked meals at this first iftar meal in Pacifica Los Angeles and valued the intimate conversations around the dinner table.
Finally, came the closing remarks of FBI LA ADIC David Bowdich. Mr Bowdich commended the self- discipline acquired by fasting and wish everyone a happy blessing Ramadan. The night didn’t officially come to an end but continued with the conversations around the table.