Annual Ramadan Community Iftar

On The Road of Working Together

by Dr. Mohamad Chehade

As we do annually, the Mosque Foundation held its Annual Community Iftar this year on August 24th, 2010. It was a successful program with many guests from various faith groups, local governments, as well as civic and community leaders. “Events such as tonight are essential in bringing together people of different faiths and ethnic backgrounds. But tonight, in particular, it is probably more important than ever, especially in a time where so much intolerance and hate still exists, at a time the debate rages whether or not to build an Islamic facility here or there.” commented Hussein Ata, President of the Mosque Foundation. He also added,“As community leaders, as leaders of faith, and as people who really care, it is our responsibility to come together, work together to show the world, yes we can, yes we care, and yes we will, not only coexist but we are one family.”

The program began at the Mosque Foundation with an introduction about the Mosque Foundation and its community by Sh. Kifah Mustapha. The guests were able to witness the breaking of fast and maghreb prayer, then joined mosque representatives for iftar, the president's welcoming address, and Ramadan reflections by Sh. Jamal Said. The program ended by awarding remarkable leaders for their services and friendship to the Muslim community. This year’s awardees were as follows:

2010 Community Service Award

Mr. Talat Othman is President of Grove Financial, Inc. and chairman of AMANA Mutual Funds.

2010 Community Service Award

Mr. Martin Vilimek is the director of the Emergency Management Agency for Bridgeview and Justice.

2010 Friendship Award

The Rev. Dr. Jay Moses, a minister in the Presbyterian Church (PCUSA)

2010 Friendship Award

Ann E. Feldman, Ph.D. is the Founder and Artistic Director of Artistic Circles