By Taiwo AKINLAMI

Ohio State Rep. Ismail Mohamed (D-Columbus) Wednesday, April 5, 2023, hosted the first ever iftar at the Ohio Statehouse.

The event, which was attended by over 150 people was captured succinctly in the press release issued by Julia Losasso, Legislative Aide of the office of State Rep. Ismail Mohamed, and dated, Thursday, April 6, 2023 as ‘the dinner event celebrated the fast-breaking evening meal, called iftar, during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

“This event was the first of its kind to be celebrated in the Ohio Statehouse. Guests of all religious backgrounds attended the celebration, which featured interfaith speakers, community leaders, and representatives from the House Democratic leadership team and Columbus City Council.’

The press release further quoted the opening speech of the host of the day, expressing the significance of the epochal event thus, “in organizing the first iftar at the Ohio Statehouse, we wanted to make it a celebration that welcomed people of all faiths and backgrounds to share in community, reflection, and learning about the traditions of Ramadan.

“To hold an iftar in the Statehouse, often known as ‘the people’s house,’ was symbolic of the fact that this is a place that should represent all Ohioans, regardless of religion, race, ethnicity, or background. I feel honored to have the support of my caucus and community in hosting this event and look forward to its continued tradition.”

The night, which treated guests to delicious dinner was attended by elected officials, including, Ohio House of Representatives Minority Leader, Allison Russo; Ohio House of Representatives Assistant Minority Leader, Dontavius Jarrells; State Representative, Mary Lightbody; State Senator Kent Smith; Columbus City Council President, Shannon Hardin; Columbus City Councilmember, Emmanuel Remy.

There were also representatives from the following offices: the office of the Franklin County Coroner; the office of the Governor; the office of State Senator Hearcel Craig; the office of State Representative, Anita Somani; the office of State Representative Elliot Forhan.

The community sponsors of the event, which provided a rare opportunity for peoples of diverse culture and faith to interact and share fellowship in a free environment devoid of judgement included, Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), Somali Community Link, New American Resource Center, Somali Education and Resource Center. Also, in attendance to give his support to the event was Mr. Deba Uwadiae, Publisher/Editor-In-Chief of New Americans Magazine and Executive Director, New American Community Information Center.

The night also witnessed a commendation presented to Nabadoon Muhumed Hosh Ashkir on behalf of the New American Resource Center and recognized him for his service to the community. Nabadoon Muhumed Hosh Ashkir is an elder within the Somali Community in Columbus and has been a long-time organizer and leader within the community. He has been long involved in the integration of the Somali American community to Columbus. He has served the Somali Community in Central Ohio for over 18 years.

The historical event, which was commended by all guests and ended with various group photographs and moderated by Ifrah Aliawl and Ahmed Ali was addressed by renowned and respected community and religious leaders and they include, Hussnain Malik, who said the opening prayer; Representative Ismail Mohamed; Sheik Mustafa, Al Rahma Mosque; Imran Malik, Outreach Coordinator at the Noor Islamic Center; Minority Leader Allison Russo; Assistant Minority Leader Dontavius Jarrells; Columbus City Councilmember, Emmanuel Remy, Hafsa Ahmed, who rendered a spoken word on the power of love in human interactions; Rev. Dan Clark, Ohio Director of Faith in Public Life; and Horsed Noah, Executive Director of Somali Islamic Centers of Ohio.

The dominant theme of the entire night, discernable from all the speeches given that night was love and tolerance as the keys to peaceful co-existence and collaborations, among peoples of diverse cultures and religions.

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