The Rumi Forum hosted its traditional annual Congressional Interfaith and Intercultural Ramadan Iftar Dinner on Capitol Hill. Guests included Turkish Ambassador to US, Congressional Staffers, Prominent Scholars, Diplomatic Representatives, Clergy and members of the media.
In his welcoming speech, the President of Rumi Forum, Ali Yurtsever underlined the importance of togetherness and dialogue and said that his organization has been actively involved in several activities to promote global peace.
Lawmakers, Ambassadors, religious leaders, academics and other prominent guests took part in the fast-breaking dinner following Adhan.
After the dinner, the speakers took the stage and delivered their messages on the significance of love, solidarity, tolerance and interfaith dialog.
Among the speakers at the event was Dr. Seyyed Hossein Nasr from George Washington University. In his speech he offered some insight into understanding Ramadan and its role in bridging the dialogue gap among different cultures as well as the members of the society we live in.
Delivering a speech on the significance of Mawlana Jalaladdin Rumi’s message to the modern world, Father Thomas Michel, Secretary of Interrelations Dialogue, praised the success of Fethullah Gulen’s movement around the world.
Rabbi Joshua O. Haberman from Washington Hebrew Congregation joined in for the same call for peace and intercultural dialogue and praised the activities of Rumi Forum.
Guests enjoyed a beautiful performance of Sufi music along with a calligraphy show after which they were offered a paper with their names inscribed in a traditional calligraphic style.