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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20241107T183000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20241107T200000
DTSTAMP:20260403T185421
CREATED:20241029T142823Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241112T165337Z
UID:21603-1731004200-1731009600@rumiforum.org
SUMMARY:Scriptural Reasoning: “Curiosity”
DESCRIPTION:Rumi Forum held its monthly circle on November 7\, 2024\, to study Abrahamic scriptures on “Curiosity” with Fatimah Popal\, our study leader from MakeSpace. \nScriptural Reasoning (SR) allows Christians\, Jews\, and Muslims to study each other’s sacred texts. SR participants meet monthly to read short passages from their respective scriptures on a topic. Facilitated by a study leader\, each session is an opportunity to listen and share various perspectives. SR sessions help participants reflect on a curious list of topics within the Abrahamic tradition. The result is often a deeper understanding of others and one’s scriptures and the development of strong bonds across faith communities. \n                Scriptural Reasoning: Introduction                       Islamic Scripture: Quran \n            \n               Christian Scripture: New Testament               Jewish Scripture: Hebrew Bible \n            \nThis Month`s Study Leader \n \nFatimah Popal is a co-founder and Managing Director of MakeSpace (est. 2013)\, a third space serving as an inclusive community of God-conscious\, compassionate\, and empowered American Muslims\, providing a platform for those often sidelined – women and youth. Before MakeSpace\, she served as a community builder at a local mosque for over a decade\, focusing on outreach\, interfaith collaboration\, youth empowerment\, and pastoral care. Ms. Popal is also an Interfaith Communities for Dialogue (ICD) board member who promotes mutual understanding and positive relationships amongst faith-based communities. \nMs. Popal holds a Master of Science and a Bachelor of Science in Conflict Analysis and Resolution from the Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution at George Mason University. Her specializations are identity\, trauma and healing\, interpersonal and organizational conflict\, and restorative justice. She also serves as the first Muslim chaplain for Fairfax County’s police department.
URL:https://rumiforum.org/event/scriptural-reasoning-curiosity/
LOCATION:Virginia Theological Seminary-Addison Academic Center\, 3630 Bishop Walker Cir.\, Alexandria\, VA\, 22304\, United States
CATEGORIES:Interfaith Engagement,Past Events,Scriptural Reasoning
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://rumiforum.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/2024-SR-Design_curiosity.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20241112T183000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20241112T203000
DTSTAMP:20260403T185421
CREATED:20241114T164158Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241212T181323Z
UID:21905-1731436200-1731443400@rumiforum.org
SUMMARY:2024 Annual Gala and Dialogue Awards Ceremony
DESCRIPTION:Rumi Forum’s 2024 Annual Gala and Dialogue Awards Ceremony marked the Forum’s 25th anniversary. This milestone reflects a quarter-century of dedication to fostering understanding\, compassion\, and peace through dialogue. Our evening was filled with inspiring speakers\, heartfelt performances\, and the celebration of individuals who embody the values of inclusivity and unity. \nEvent Recap \n\nOpening Remarks \nThe evening began with a warm welcome from our MC\, Natalie Bencivenga\, who highlighted Rumi Forum’s mission to bridge divides and celebrate diversity. She set the tone for an evening of reflection and unity\, reminding us of Rumi’s words: “Raise your words\, not your voice. It is rain that grows flowers\, not thunder.” \nDr. Ori Soltes\, Chairman of the Rumi Forum’s Board of Directors\, shared his perspective on the Forum’s journey and impact. Following him\, Rabbi Stephanie Bernstein\, Chaplain of Washington\, DC’s Metropolitan Police Department\, delivered remarks that underscored the importance of dialogue in building a harmonious society. \nSpecial Performance \nWe were delighted to host Sufi Melody\, a renowned ensemble from the Washington\, DC area. Their mesmerizing music\, inspired by the inclusive tradition of Sufism\, brought a sense of unity and joy to our gathering. \nHonoring Our Founder \nDr. Zeki Saritoprak\, founder of Rumi Forum\, took the stage to share the inspiring story behind the Forum’s creation\, mission\, and guiding vision\, which have shaped its work over the past 25 years. His reflections reminded us of the transformative power of dialogue in building connections across faiths and cultures. \nTribute to Fethullah Gülen \nIn a special moment\, we reflected on the legacy of the late honorary chairman\, Fethullah Gülen. Known for his commitment to peace and interfaith understanding\, Mr. Gülen’s work has been a beacon of hope and compassion. A video tribute highlighted his contributions and enduring impact on communities worldwide. \nPresentation of the 2024 Dialogue Award \nRev. Thomas L. Bowen\, White House Senior Advisor for Public Engagement\, presented the 2024 Dialogue Award to Imam Dr. Talib Shareef\, a leader whose work exemplifies the values of inclusivity and harmony. Imam Shareef’s acceptance speech was a powerful reminder of the importance of unity and compassion in today’s world. \nClosing Remarks \nThe evening concluded with remarks from Ibrahim Anli\, Executive Director of Rumi Forum. He expressed gratitude for the support and partnership of all in attendance. He encouraged us to carry forward the spirit of unity\, working together toward a more peaceful and equitable world. \nJoin Us in Advancing Dialogue and Understanding \nThis event would not have been possible without the generous support of our community. We invite you to contribute to our 25th-anniversary campaign to help us reach our goal of raising $25\,000. Your support enables us to continue our work\, from hosting community events to providing educational resources\, as we build a world rooted in mutual respect and understanding. \nEvent Photos \n\n		\n		\n			\n				\n			\n			\n				\n			\n			\n				\n			\n			\n				\n			\n			\n				\n			\n			\n				\n			\n			\n				\n			\n			\n				\n			\n			\n				\n			\n			\n				\n			\n			\n				\n			\n			\n				\n			\n			\n				\n			\n			\n				\n			\n			\n				\n			\n			\n				\n			\n			\n				\n			\n			\n				\n			\n			\n				\n			\n			\n				\n			\n			\n				\n			\n			\n				\n			\n			\n				\n			\n			\n				\n			\n			\n				\n			\n		\n\nFull Video \n\nAbout Rumi Forum: \nRumi Forum works towards strengthening the culture of peace\, religious pluralism\, and social harmony among faith communities and individuals of diverse beliefs\, ethnicities\, and backgrounds. The Forum strives to achieve this goal by building\, informing\, and mobilizing an active interfaith dialogue community. \nAbout the Rumi Dialogue Award: \nA traditional component of Rumi Forum’s endeavor is recognizing the lifetime dedication of inspirational public figures who have championed its cause. The Rumi Forum Dialogue Award honors successful practitioners with outstanding track records in interfaith engagement\, community service\, human rights\, and education. \nThank you for joining us and many distinguished guests as we reconnected and renewed our commitment to interfaith work!
URL:https://rumiforum.org/event/2024-annual-gala-and-dialogue-awards-ceremony/
LOCATION:National Press Club\, 529 14th St NW-13th Floor\, Ballroom\, Washington\, DC\, 20045\, United States
CATEGORIES:Community Events,Interfaith Engagement,Past Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://rumiforum.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/HELP-FOR-VICTIMS-OF-EARTHQUAKE-IN-SOUTHERN-TURKEY-AND-SYRIA-17.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20241123T180000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20241123T200000
DTSTAMP:20260403T185421
CREATED:20241202T160859Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250408T161227Z
UID:22557-1732384800-1732392000@rumiforum.org
SUMMARY:Quarterly Social-Fall 2024: “Friendship”
DESCRIPTION:Rumi Forum organized its “Fall 2024 Quarterly Social” at the Friends Meeting of Washington on November 23\, 2024. Quarterly Social is an opportunity to meet individuals from various walks of life and engage in stimulating conversations. Each Quarterly Social gathering features a different theme on which participants share their reflections in an open and welcoming environment. The meetings take the form of facilitated conversations in which participants themselves are the speakers. \nOur theme for the Fall 2024 Quarterly Social was “Friendship.” There were some questions to ponder before our gathering: \n\nHow do you define friendship? \nHow do you pick your friends? What qualities do you look for in a friend? \nWhat role does honesty play in your friendships? \nHave you or your friend ever had to be brutally honest with each other? \nHow do you handle conflicts and disagreements with friends? \nWhat does “friends become our chosen family” mean to you? \nHow do you navigate friendships with people from different backgrounds and cultures?
URL:https://rumiforum.org/event/quarterly-social-fall-2024-friendship/
LOCATION:Friends Meeting of Washington\, 2111 Decatur Pl. NW\, Washington\, DC\, 20008\, United States
CATEGORIES:Community Events,Interfaith Engagement,Past Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://rumiforum.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/new-designs-2.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20241205T183000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20241205T200000
DTSTAMP:20260403T185421
CREATED:20241203T190241Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241212T163910Z
UID:21957-1733423400-1733428800@rumiforum.org
SUMMARY:Scriptural Reasoning: “Lament"
DESCRIPTION:Rumi Forum held its monthly circle on December 5\, 2024\, to study Abrahamic scriptures on “Lament” with Dr. Ori Z. Soltes\, our study leader from Georgetown University. \n \nScriptural Reasoning (SR) allows Christians\, Jews\, and Muslims to study each other’s sacred texts. SR participants meet monthly to read short passages from their respective scriptures on a topic. Facilitated by a study leader\, each session is an opportunity to listen and share various perspectives. SR sessions help participants reflect on a curious list of topics within the Abrahamic tradition. The result is often a deeper understanding of others and one’s scriptures and the development of strong bonds across faith communities. \n        Scriptural Reasoning: Introduction                       Islamic Scripture: Quran \n  \n       Christian Scripture: New Testament                Jewish Scripture: Hebrew Bible \n  \nThis Month`s Study Leader \n \nOri Z. Soltes teaches at Georgetown University across a range of disciplines\, from art history and theology to philosophy and political history. He is the former Director of the B’nai B’rith Klutznick National Jewish Museum\, and has curated more than 85 exhibitions there and in other venues across the country and overseas. He has authored or edited 25 books and several hundred articles and essays. Recent volumes include Our Sacred Signs: How Jewish\, Christian and Muslim Art Draw from the Same Source; Searching for Oneness: Mysticism in Judaism\, Christianity and Islam; Untangling the Web: Why the Middle East is a Mess and Always Has Been; Tradition and Transformation: Three Millennia of Jewish Art & Architecture; God and the Goalposts: A Brief History of Religion\, Sports\, Politics\, War\, and Art; and Between Thought and Action: An Intellectual Biography of Fethullah Gulen.
URL:https://rumiforum.org/event/scriptural-reasoning-lament/
LOCATION:Virginia Theological Seminary-Addison Academic Center\, 3630 Bishop Walker Cir.\, Alexandria\, VA\, 22304\, United States
CATEGORIES:Interfaith Engagement,Past Events,Scriptural Reasoning
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://rumiforum.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2024-SR-Design_Lament-small.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250204T080000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250205T170000
DTSTAMP:20260403T185421
CREATED:20250129T213009Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250210T191809Z
UID:22174-1738656000-1738774800@rumiforum.org
SUMMARY:Partner Event: IRF Summit 2025
DESCRIPTION:Rumi Forum will once again proudly serve as a Convening Partner and Steering Committee Member of the IRF Summit 2025\, the premier global gathering of religious freedom advocates and activists. This landmark event\, set to take place on February 4–5\, 2025\, in Washington\, DC\, will bring together a diverse coalition of organizations and individuals committed to a shared and profound mission: Religious Freedom for everyone\, everywhere\, all the time. \n \nThe Summit will unite the dynamic IRF community for two days of impactful programming featuring survivors of persecution\, leading experts in human rights and religious freedom\, and government officials actively advancing this cause. Attendees will be able to engage in thought-provoking discussions\, hear firsthand testimonies\, and participate in collaborative initiatives to promote religious freedom worldwide. \nWith enhanced programming\, IRF Summit 2025 will also introduce new opportunities for networking\, strategic partnerships\, and future collaborations. The Summit will feature four unique Breakout Tracks\, each designed to address key areas of religious freedom advocacy: \n🔹 Empower – Equipping individuals and communities with tools to advance religious freedom\n🔹 Legislate – Exploring legal frameworks and policies that safeguard religious rights\n🔹 Advocate – Strengthening global advocacy efforts and amplifying voices for change\n🔹 Activate – Mobilizing grassroots movements and action-oriented initiatives \nRumi Forum looks forward to welcoming  IRF Summit participants at its booth and the two breakout sessions under the ‘Advocate’ track: \n\nFeb.4: 4:15–5 pm – Voices Behind Bars: Solutions-Based Advocacy for Prisoners of Conscience\n\nAndrea Barron (Torture Abolition and Survivors Support Coalition International)\n\n\nFeb.5: 1:–2 pm – A Bridge to Stability: Building Structural Capacity in Crisis-Affected Countries\n\nArbana Xharra (Alon Ben Meir Institute)\n\n\n\nAs a committed partner in advancing religious freedom\, Rumi Forum looks forward to contributing to this vital conversation and working alongside fellow advocates to build a more just and inclusive world.
URL:https://rumiforum.org/event/partner-event-irf-summit-2025/
LOCATION:Washington Hilton\, 1919 Connecticut Ave\, N.W.\, Washington\, DC\, 20009\, United States
CATEGORIES:Panel Discussions,Past Events,Speaker Series
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://rumiforum.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/HELP-FOR-VICTIMS-OF-EARTHQUAKE-IN-SOUTHERN-TURKEY-AND-SYRIA-40.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250213T160000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250213T180000
DTSTAMP:20260403T185421
CREATED:20250131T165323Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250218T154933Z
UID:22220-1739462400-1739469600@rumiforum.org
SUMMARY:The Institute of World Politics Panel Discussion: "Abrahamic Peace Initiative"
DESCRIPTION:Rumi Forum was pleased to partner with The Institute of World Politics (IWP) for a thought-provoking discussion on the Abrahamic Peace Initiative\, exploring faith-based approaches to conflict resolution and peacemaking. This event took place at IWP in Washington\, D.C.\, bringing together scholars\, faith leaders\, and policymakers to examine how religious traditions can serve as powerful forces for reconciliation\, coexistence\, and lasting peace. \nAbout the Abrahamic Peace Initiative \nRooted in the shared values of the Abrahamic faiths—Judaism\, Christianity\, and Islam\, this initiative seeks to present an alternative to conflict and bloodshed by fostering dialogue\, mutual understanding\, and collaboration. The discussion will highlight historical and contemporary examples of faith-driven peace efforts and offer insights into how religious communities can be active agents of conflict resolution in today’s world. \nSpeakers \n \nThomas Cromwell is co-founder of the New America Initiative and Chairman of the Abrahamic Peace Initiative. He spent 25 years in the Middle East\, 18 as publisher and editor of the Middle East Times. During his time in the region\, he conducted a series of conferences that brought together Arabs and Israelis\, Greeks\, Turks\, and Iranians to address shared challenges to their societies\, from urbanization and agriculture to education and conflict resolution. He has traveled to 130 countries to understand and promote solutions to inter-religious and inter-ethnic conflicts. He has authored several books on these topics\, including The Triumph of Good. \n \nIbrahim Anli is the Executive Director of the Rumi Forum. He was a visiting researcher at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. Ibrahim joined the Journalists and Writers Foundation’s (JWF) Ankara office as its diplomacy coordinator. He later served as the secretary general of Abant Platform\, JWF’s Istanbul-based forum of intellectuals. Ibrahim taught International Relations and Diplomacy at Tishk International University in Erbil\, Kurdistan\, before joining Rumi Forum in 2019. \nIbrahim Anli has published several peer-reviewed book chapters and articles. He holds a BA in Economics from Istanbul University\, an MA in Conflict Analysis and Resolution from Sabanci University\, and a certificate in Strategic Management for Leaders of NGOs from Harvard University. He is a member of the Braver Angels Scholars Council and also serves on the board of the Religion Communicators Council.
URL:https://rumiforum.org/event/the-institute-of-world-politics-panel-discussion-abrahamic-peace-initiative/
LOCATION:The Institute of World Politics\, 1521 16th St NW\, Washington\, DC\, 20036\, United States
CATEGORIES:Panel Discussions,Past Events,Speaker Series
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://rumiforum.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/HELP-FOR-VICTIMS-OF-EARTHQUAKE-IN-SOUTHERN-TURKEY-AND-SYRIA-38.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250213T183000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250213T200000
DTSTAMP:20260403T185421
CREATED:20250130T031356Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250218T154724Z
UID:22180-1739471400-1739476800@rumiforum.org
SUMMARY:Scriptural Reasoning: “Forgiveness”
DESCRIPTION:Rumi Forum held its monthly circle on February 13\, 2025\, to study Abrahamic scriptures on “Forgiveness” with Imam Faizul Khan\, our study leader from the Islamic Society of the Washington Area (ISWA) in Silver Spring\, MD. \nScriptural Reasoning (SR) allows Christians\, Jews\, and Muslims to study each other’s sacred texts. SR participants meet monthly to read short passages on a topic from their respective scriptures. Facilitated by a study leader\, each session is an opportunity to listen and share various perspectives. SR sessions help participants reflect on a curious list of topics within the Abrahamic tradition. The result is often a deeper understanding of others and one’s scriptures and the development of strong bonds across faith communities. \n  Scriptural Reasoning: Introduction                        Islamic Scripture: Quran \n  \n      Christian Scripture: New Testament                  Jewish Scripture: Hebrew Bible \n  \nThis Month`s Study Leader \n \nImam Faizul Khan is a distinguished religious leader and community advocate with over 45 years of service in social\, religious\, cultural\, educational\, and outreach initiatives. He is the founding member and Imam of the Islamic Society of Washington Area (ISWA) in Silver Spring\, Maryland\, a growing and diverse faith community established in 1973. \nOriginally from Guyana\, Imam Khan has been actively involved in youth leadership\, serving as President of the Muslim Youth League and General Secretary of The Guyana Assembly of Youth. His dedication to interfaith collaboration and community engagement has made a lasting impact in the Washington Metropolitan Area. He was recently appointed President of the Montgomery County Faith Advisory Council. \nImam Khan’s commitment to social justice has earned him seventeen national awards in domestic violence prevention\, social services\, and volunteerism. In 2011\, Georgetown University recognized him as one of the 500 Most Influential Muslims in the World.
URL:https://rumiforum.org/event/scriptural-reasoning-forgiveness/
LOCATION:Virginia Theological Seminary-Addison Academic Center\, 3630 Bishop Walker Cir.\, Alexandria\, VA\, 22304\, United States
CATEGORIES:Interfaith Engagement,Past Events,Scriptural Reasoning
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://rumiforum.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Forgiveness_small.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250222T180000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250222T200000
DTSTAMP:20260403T185421
CREATED:20250225T152509Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250624T180655Z
UID:22453-1740247200-1740254400@rumiforum.org
SUMMARY:Quarterly Social-Winter 2025: "Personal Responsibility"
DESCRIPTION:Rumi Forum organized its “Winter 2025 Quarterly Social” at the Friends Meeting of Washington on February 22\, 2025. Quarterly Social is an opportunity to meet individuals from various walks of life and engage in stimulating conversations. Each Quarterly Social gathering features a different theme on which participants share their reflections in an open and welcoming environment. The meetings take the form of facilitated conversations in which participants themselves are the speakers. \nOur theme for the Winter 2025 Quarterly Social was “Personal Responsibility.” There were some questions to ponder before our gathering: \n\nWhat are the biggest causes of meaninglessness among young people today? (Consider factors like social isolation\, technology addiction\, financial struggles\, relationship difficulties\, and lack of purpose.)\nWhat have you seen—either in your own life or in others—that helps people overcome these struggles and find meaning? (Think about community\, habits\, faith\, mentorship\, career choices\, or other key influences.)\nHow do work\, financial stability\, and relationships shape a young person’s sense of purpose\, and what challenges make this difficult? (How do career success\, economic security\, and substantial relationships impact fulfillment\, and what barriers stand?)\nWhat does it mean to be a leader among your peers in a generation facing these struggles\, and how can young professionals support each other in finding meaning? (What practical or philosophical approaches can help young people guide and uplift each other?)
URL:https://rumiforum.org/event/quarterly-social-winter-2025-personal-responsibility/
LOCATION:Friends Meeting of Washington\, 2111 Decatur Pl. NW\, Washington\, DC\, 20008\, United States
CATEGORIES:Community Events,Interfaith Engagement,Past Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://rumiforum.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/new-designs-1.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250301T050000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250329T193000
DTSTAMP:20260403T185421
CREATED:20250404T145901Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250404T223632Z
UID:22507-1740805200-1743276600@rumiforum.org
SUMMARY:Ramadan 2025 – An overview of Iftar programs
DESCRIPTION:Ramadan 2025 was a time of togetherness\, gratitude\, and meaningful dialogue for Rumi Forum and our valued community partners. Our Iftars once again provided a space for connection\, where old friendships were rekindled\, new relationships were formed\, and our shared commitment to fostering understanding and collaboration was strengthened. \nWe are deeply grateful to our partners\, allies\, and dedicated volunteers\, whose presence enriched these gatherings and made this Ramadan a truly special experience. Beyond the joy of breaking fast together\, we engaged in thought-provoking conversations about our collective aspirations and how we can continue working toward a more inclusive and compassionate society. \nAs we reflect on this sacred month\, we carry forward the spirit of unity and renewal\, inspired by the bonds we have strengthened and the meaningful exchanges we have shared. Thank you to everyone who made this Ramadan a time of deep connection and purpose! \nRamadan Reunion Iftar \n \n \nScriptural Reasoning on “Vulnerability” and Iftar at Virginia Theological Seminary \n \n \nMaryland Community Iftar at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Rockville (UUCR) \n \n \nBraver Angels (Fairfax & DC) “Faith and Depolarization” Panel and Iftar \n \n \nMicrosoft Innovation & Policy Center Iftar \n \n \nNorthern Virginia Community Iftar at the American Turkish Friendship Association (ATFA) \n \n \n2nd Annual Religious Freedom Community Iftar \n \n \nInterreligious Communities Project (ICP) Iftar at Temple Rodef Shalom \n \n \nNew America Initiative “Why the World Needs a New Approach to Peace?” Panel and Iftar
URL:https://rumiforum.org/event/ramadan-2025-an-overview-of-iftar-programs/
LOCATION:VA
CATEGORIES:Community Events,Interfaith Engagement,Past Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://rumiforum.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Ramadan-Events-1-1.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250515T183000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250515T200000
DTSTAMP:20260403T185421
CREATED:20250624T181021Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250624T181021Z
UID:22691-1747333800-1747339200@rumiforum.org
SUMMARY:Quarterly Social-Spring 2025: "Breaking Social Norms"
DESCRIPTION:Rumi Forum organized its “Spring 2025 Quarterly Social” at the Friends Meeting of Washington on May 15\, 2025. Quarterly Social is an opportunity to meet individuals from various walks of life and engage in stimulating conversations. Each Quarterly Social gathering features a different theme on which participants share their reflections in an open and welcoming environment. The meetings take the form of facilitated conversations in which participants themselves are the speakers. \nOur Spring 2025 Quarterly Social theme was “Breaking Social Norms.” There were some questions to ponder before our gathering: \n\nWhat social norms shape your day-to-day life\, community\, or culture?\nDo you agree with them\, or find yourself pushing back?\nHow do responses to social norms differ between Gen Z and other generations?\nWhat are the pros and cons of preserving vs. challenging these norms?\nAnd how do we decide which to uphold and which to leave behind?
URL:https://rumiforum.org/event/quarterly-social-spring-2025-breaking-social-norms/
LOCATION:Friends Meeting of Washington\, 2111 Decatur Pl. NW\, Washington\, DC\, 20008\, United States
CATEGORIES:Community Events,Interfaith Engagement,Past Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://rumiforum.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/new-designs-2.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20251029T170000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20251029T190000
DTSTAMP:20260403T185421
CREATED:20251008T172112Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251208T054600Z
UID:22838-1761757200-1761764400@rumiforum.org
SUMMARY:CFIG Panel:Fethullah Gülen’s Legacy&the Hizmet Movement’s Forward Trajectory
DESCRIPTION:On the first anniversary of Fethullah Gülen’s passing\, the Rumi Forum’s Center for Faith\, Identity\, and Globalization (CFIG) hosted a special panel featuring two distinguished scholars—Dr. Ori Z. Soltes and Dr. Anwar Alam—to reflect on Gülen’s intellectual\, spiritual\, and social legacy. The event drew a strong turnout and featured a lively\, illuminating dialogue on how the Hizmet Movement continues to evolve in today’s complex global landscape. \nModerated by Lyndsey Eksili\, the discussion explored how Gülen’s philosophy of education\, interfaith dialogue\, and civic engagement continues to inspire new generations to pursue peace\, pluralism\, and service (“hizmet”) across borders. \nAs participants marked a year since his passing\, the conversation served as a meaningful reflection on Gülen’s enduring contributions and an engaging exploration of the path forward for the Hizmet Movement—its challenges\, hopes\, and role in shaping a more compassionate and pluralistic future. \nEvent Video\n\nEvent Photos\n\n		\n		\n			\n				\n			\n			\n				\n			\n			\n				\n			\n			\n				\n			\n			\n				\n			\n			\n				\n			\n		\n\nPanelists\n \nOri Z. Soltes\, Ph.D.\, is Professorial Lecturer in Theology and Fine Arts at Georgetown University and former Director of the B’nai B’rith Klutznick National Jewish Museum in Washington\, DC\, where he curated over 80 exhibitions on a variety of subjects. He is the author of articles\, exhibition catalogs\, essays\, and books on a range of topics\, including Our Sacred Signs: How Jewish\, Christian\, and Muslim Art Draw from the Same Source; The Ashen Rainbow: Essays on the Arts and the Holocaust; Christianity and Islam: Searching for Oneness; Tradition and Transformation: Three Millennia of Jewish Art and Architecture; Magic and Religion in the Greco-Roman World: The Beginnings of Judaism and Christianity; and God and the Goalposts: A Brief History of Sports\, Religion\, Politics\, War\, and Art. \nHe also wrote Embracing the World: Fethullah Gülen’s Thought & Its Relationship with Jelaluddin Rumi and Others (2013) and Between Thought and Action: An Intellectual Biography of Fethullah Gülen (2022). \n \nAnwar Alam\, Ph.D.\, is currently a Professor with the Department of International Relations\, Ala-Too International University\, Bishkek\, Kyrgyzstan\, and a Distinguished Fellow with Policy Perspectives Foundation\, New Delhi. Earlier he served as Full Professor of International Relations and Deputy Vice Chancellor at Nile University of Nigeria\, Abuja; Full Professor at Department of International Studies\, Zirve University\, Gaziantep\, Turkey\, Professor and Director at Centre for West Asian Studies\, Jamia Millia Islamia\, (New Delhi); Associate Professor at Centre for West Asian Studies\, School of International Studies\, Jawaharlal Nehru University\, New Delhi\, and Assistant Professor at Department of Political Science\, Aligarh Muslim University\, Aligarh. \nDr. Alam has authored more than 35 articles in national and international journals\, as well as two books\, six edited books\, one co-edited book\, and 17 chapters in edited books\, all related to West Asia\, Indian politics\, Indian foreign policy\, Islamic movements\, and Muslim Politics. His latest publications are For the Sake of Allah: The Origin\, Development and Discourse of The Gülen Movement (2019) and The Disintegration of ISIS: Implications for Indian National Security (2023). \nPanelists\n \nLyndsey Eksili\, Ed.D.\, is an experienced educator\, writer\, and advocate for holistic development and mental health. As the editorial director for Youth Titles at Tughra Books and a content editor for The Fountain Magazine\, she combines nearly 20 years of educational leadership with her passion for creating meaningful\, youth-focused content. She serves as the School Board President at Pinnacle Academy\, contributes to the Early Childhood Development Task Force of Childhood Education International\, and writes for and serves on the board of the Green Dome Foundation. Through her work\, she champions early intervention\, cultural understanding\, and the intersection of faith and mental well-being. \nDr. Eksili holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership and Administration from Liberty University\, as well as certifications in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy\, Mindfulness\, and Clinical Trauma.
URL:https://rumiforum.org/event/cfig-special-panel-fethullah-gulens-legacy-the-hizmet-movements-forward-trajectory/
LOCATION:University of Southern California Capital Campus\, 1771 N Street Northwest\, Washington\, DC\, DC\, 20036\, United States
CATEGORIES:Panel Discussions,Past Events,Speaker Series
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://rumiforum.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Source-Sans-Mona-3.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Center for Faith%2C Identity%2C and Globalization (CFIG)":MAILTO:cfig@rumiforum.org
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