By Taiwo AKINLAMI

Noor Islamic Cultural Center (NICC)’s Interfaith team hosted its 15th Annual Interfaith Iftar on Monday April 3rd, 2023, at NICC’s main campus, 5001 Wilcox Road, Dublin.

Among the over 300 guests, the event, which was emceed by Hussnain Malik and had guests and speakers recognized and introduced by Imran Malik had the honor of hosting Dublin City Mayor: Jane Fox, Hilliard City Mayor: Omar Tarazi, State Representatives: Monira Abdallahi and Ismail Mohammed.

The NICC’s bridge building work and interfaith service work was endorsed by the proclamation statements and acknowledgements from the offices of Columbus City Mayor Andrew Ginther (presented by Marshall Troxel), Ohio State Senator Sherrod Brown, House Representative Ismail Mohammed, and Hilliard city Mayor Omar Tarazi.

This iftar dinner theme was around the attribute of Social Empathy and keynote remarks were delivered by Hilliard UMC, pastor April Blaine and the Noor Islamic Cultural Center’s Imam Abdelmoneim Dobel.

Speaking at the event, the NICC’s Interfaith Director, Imran Malik Awan said, ‘the multiculturalism work around building bridges to make our communities stronger, cohesive and prosperous is a task that demands us all to work together continuously with mutual respect and dignity for all.’

Hussnain Malik, the NICC’s youth interfaith volunteer and also cofounder of a new interfaith organization — Abraham’s Tent, enlightened guests at the program as he stated, ‘interfaith work is part of our spirituality and civic commitment to bring people together and build around the basis of Social Empathy.’

Precious children, the leaders of today and the future of tomorrow’s generation were not left out at the event. Apart from the fact that many of them attended with their parents, one of them, Mamdooh Nadeem read very impressively Senator Sherrod Brown’s proclamation to the admiration of the audience.

The proclamation read in parts, ‘please allow me to extend my congratulations as you celebrate Noor Islamic Cultural Center’s (NICC) 15th Annual Interfaith Iftar dinner. For well over a decade, attendees have gathered together at NICC to celebrate your heritage, strengthen the bonds of community, and share traditions with your neighbors. I’m excited to know that you’ll all be able to gather together in person for this year’s Iftar dinner.’

The proclamation concluded as follows, ‘people of all backgrounds have enriched Ohio and our country throughout its history. You’re all part of that proud tradition and are part of the fabric of our community. With this gathering of the NICC community, over celebrations and good food, you honor your heritage, while looking toward a bright future for your families. Congratulations on another successful event and I wish you all the best in the years to come.’

Guests were later treated to sumptuous dinner to round off the event, while the NICC’s leadership team at the end of the program expressed their gratitude to guests and partners in this work and cordially acknowledged all volunteers who helped with this event.

As part of the announcements, a call was made to members of the community, who are interested to volunteer or get engaged in the interfaith work to please send an email to outreach@noorohio.org.

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