By Imran Malik

Safe Alliance of Interfaith Leaders (SAIL) of Columbus, Ohio hosted an interfaith iftar dinner at the Dublin Rec. Center on Tuesday, March 2025, marking the 15th anniversary of this suburban interfaith organization.

Dublin City Mayor Chris Amorose Groomes, Dublin city manager Megan O’Callaghan, Police Chief Justin Paez along with multiple faith leaders and partners attended the 15th anniversary iftar event of SAIL.

Beside the delicious food and observing the breaking of the fast (Islamic tradition), the evening included a panel discussion with leaders of three Abrahamic faith traditions moderated by Barbara Anderson who is the current President of SAIL. Anderson is also an active volunteer of Dublin Food Pantry and has been engaged for over a decade.

“It all started off with simple conversations and breaking bread opportunities of interfaith leaders and laymen in a fluid form and then we all felt the need to bring ecumenism and service building programs among multifaith and multicultural communities that reside in the outer peripheries of Columbus. This was back in 2009-10 time frames and 15 years later we are a model organization that has inspired similar interest in many others regionally and nationally”, said Imran Malik who is one of the cofounders of this initiative and has been actively involved since then.

Imran Malik and Father Stephen Smith laid the foundation of this organization and were honored and recognized for their work together by Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) in 2015 during its regional conference in Columbus, Ohio.

Pastor Tim Wrenn, Rabbi Alex Braver and Salim UCan were three panelists on the forum that Barb Anderson moderated with the topics of ‘Fasting in Abrahamic Faith’ traditions — Christianity, Judaism, Islam.

Imran Malik
Our work is focused around finding the commonalities that unite us all and bring us closer as humans, and as members of our neighborhoods who focus on synergy building around those values. This work requires constant collaboration and dedication. We are so grateful that there are a very large number of selfless leaders both from faith and cultural communities that believe in this mission and support this work with cordial conviction. It’s a spiritual journey for most of us, it’s really heartwarming when you witness the impacts of our work all along — the local, regional and national levels.

Barbara Anderson
I treasure all my experiences with the Safe Alliance of Interfaith Leaders over these many years. I have friendships with people I probably would’ve never met if it were not for SAIL. I have a much better understanding of different faith traditions, and my own faith tradition has been strengthened as I’ve shared my stories and listened to other people’s stories. Building bridges of understanding with others strengthens all of our foundations.

Meryem Sarikamis
As an Interfaith Youth Leaders Representative, I have been working with TASO’s (Turkish American Society of Ohio) Interfaith Events and Outreach Team for over a year, organizing events for youth dialogue that promote the exchange of diverse ideas and backgrounds.
I have also given speeches at interfaith events as a representative of my community and faith, speaking at churches, community centers, and schools. SAIL has been instrumental in bringing all of this together for all of us.

Ridah Abbas
SAIL is a truly welcoming interfaith organization that brings people together through meaningful dialogue and shared experiences. Attending their events, especially the Iftar dinners, has been an incredible experience. The warmth and openness of the community make every gathering feel like a space for genuine connection and understanding. I’m grateful for the opportunity to speak and to be part of such a thoughtful and inclusive environment that promotes dialogue and service together.

Hussnain Malik
Throughout my journey in Columbus, I’ve dedicated myself to building bridges across diverse faith and cultural communities. I have been engaged with SAIL since the very beginning as Reverand Smith and Imran Malik have always been staunch believers to engage youth in this work. This work has helped me to further expand such missions and value efforts. As the founder of Abraham’s Tent, a more regionally focused interfaith community-building organization, I’ve witnessed firsthand how meaningful dialogue can transform relationships and strengthen our collective community fabric. My past role as a Youth Ambassador for SAILs Outreach and Interfaith Relations in the greater Columbus area has allowed me to facilitate important conversations, organize workshops, and coordinate collaborative events that bring people of different spiritual backgrounds together. These experiences have reinforced my belief that understanding begins with listening and grows through shared experiences.

My work as Vice President and Co-Founder of Alpha Lambda Mu Fraternity (ALM) at The Ohio State University has been particularly meaningful. In this leadership role, I’ve supervised student teams and large groups for community events and projects, chaired weekly chapter meetings, and coordinated programming related to member education and recruitment. Through ALM, I’ve helped create a brotherhood/fraternity that values both faith and academic excellence, organizing community service initiatives and philanthropic events that make a positive impact on campus and beyond. Our fraternity has become a space where members can develop leadership skills while maintaining their cultural and spiritual identities. I accredit much of this value added to have come to realization with volunteering and learning through organizations like SAIL, which is just focused around what values unite us all as humans and God’s creation.

In a time when division often dominates headlines, I remain committed to demonstrating how communities thrive through respectful engagement across faith traditions. Whether organizing tournaments with national speakers, hosting cultural festivals, or presenting on social justice issues at Washington Gladden Social Justice Park, I’ve consistently worked to build a more inclusive Columbus where diverse perspectives are valued, celebrated, and leveraged to address our shared challenges.

Jim Zippay
With so much attention being given to why and where we are divided as Americans these days, it’s refreshing to be a part of an organization that is showing us how we can be united. SAIL, Safe Alliance of Interfaith Leaders is a unique gathering of civic, spiritual and political leaders who realize that community will never happen without conversation and that unity does not require agreement but mainly respect.
As an employee of the largest non-profit provider of affordable housing, we are privileged to serve people of diverse backgrounds throughout the country. The vital example of an organization like SAIL produces a powerful ripple effect throughout our entire portfolio as we strive to further the values that make all of us better humans. For our world will only become as good as we are.

Dr. JS Jindal
‘SAIL’ was founded by Mr. Imran Malik and Rev. Dr. Steven Smith to bring the Faith’s together through education, understanding and serving community together. I really admire that Imran Malik and President Barb Anderson are working diligently, continually and faithfully to achieve the goals. Gathering people from all faith and cultural traditions and offering the opportunity to share experiences is a great success and our world needs this understanding a lot more commonly.

Aftab Syed
Throughout my time in Columbus, I’ve had the privilege of engaging with SAIL (Safe Alliance of Interfaith Leaders), an organization dedicated to fostering unity, understanding, and collaboration across different faith communities. My involvement has allowed me to connect with diverse leaders who share a commitment to creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for all. SAIL has been instrumental to bringing together faith-based organizations to address critical issues facing our community, promoting dialogue, and ensuring that all voices are heard. These experiences have deepened my appreciation for the power of interfaith work in strengthening relationships, building trust, and making a meaningful impact in Columbus. I’m grateful for the opportunity to be a part of these efforts and look forward to continuing to support and contribute to the mission of interfaith collaboration in Columbus.

Pastor April Blaine
It’s difficult to put into words how meaningful it was to be a part of SAIL’s Interfaith Iftar at the Dublin Community Center this past week. In a time where differences continue to drive enormous wedges into the fabric of our communities and in a season where our religions are complexly interwoven with our geopolitical struggles for power and peace, a few spaces remain where we can gather together in ways that restore some of our humanity and embody a posture of humble listening and learning together. I left the evening with a renewed sense of hope and trust in the power relationships and partnerships at the local level as the fertile ground in which we can begin the long, slow process of healing and grow our capacity to stay with the trouble.

Greg Davis
As the past-president of SAIL, I was involved with interfaith activities from 2017 until 2021. I personally benefited from the mentorship of long-standing, stalwart and interfaith leaders and greatly appreciated the friendships developed during this time as an interfaith leader. During my leadership role, my main focus was building an event called the Interfaith March for Peace and Justice, which was intended to strengthen ties between people from various backgrounds, oppose hatred and bigotry in our own home state of Ohio. With the team’s support, personal commitment and passion for this mission we were fruitful and honored in making multiple interfaith connections with interfaith activists from other global cities in the international communities for a few jointly coordinated events. This effort was made possible by a generous grant from the First Community Church. I, especially appreciate the support and understanding of Imran Malik, a SAIL founder and Barb Anderson, acting president of the Safe Alliance of Interfaith Leaders.

Ben Trotter
Being a part of SAIL has been an important part of my journey of faith. I have met fellow travelers from a variety of other faith traditions and learned that though we each represent differing yet rich traditions, we also share much. We are seekers after transcendence and human interconnection. I’ve grown deeper into my own Episcopalian faith tradition while widening my embrace to include friends of other faiths and their experiences. SAIL serves as a catalyst and focal point for gatherings and cooperation among the area’s faiths. Thanks and Giving services and Ramadan Iftars are some of the ways we connect. Our impact is increased by the collection of food and money for the Dublin Food Pantry. We draw together in faith to enrich the lives of our traditions and the wider community.

Ghousiya Nadeem
As a mother of four and a grandmother of two, I often think about the world we are shaping for future generations. In a time when division can feel all too common, organizations like SAIL (Safe Alliance of Interfaith Leaders) are more important than ever. SAIL is built on the belief that unity among different faiths and cultures is not only possible but necessary for a peaceful and thriving community. Through open dialogue, mutual respect, and shared values, SAIL brings people together to foster understanding and build bridges where walls might otherwise stand. It is through these efforts that we create an environment where our children and grandchildren can grow up with a sense of connection, acceptance, and harmony. By supporting and engaging with organizations like SAIL, we take meaningful steps toward a world where differences are celebrated and common ground is strengthened. I am grateful to be part of a community that believes in unity, and I encourage everyone to be part of this journey toward a more compassionate and inclusive future.

Kawther Hersi Musa
A Champion of Interfaith and Community Engagement Strongly believes in Bridging Communities through Faith and Dialogue. She is a strong supporter of SAILs mission and vision in finding service opportunities to bring communities together. Kawther is a dedicated public servant and community advocate committed to fostering interfaith dialogue as a means of strengthening community bonds. She believes that interfaith engagement provides a vital platform for individuals of different backgrounds to come together, share ideas, and collaborate on solutions that enhance neighborhood safety and social cohesion. Through her work with local mosques and diverse faith communities, Kawther has demonstrated how interfaith gatherings, such as community iftars during Ramadan, create opportunities for meaningful discussions and cultural exchange. These events encourage mutual understanding and empower communities to work collectively toward common goals. Kawther’s leadership in interfaith initiatives reflects her broader mission of advocating for underserved populations. By promoting dialogue, collaboration, and shared values, she continues to play a pivotal role in uniting communities and ensuring that faith serves as a bridge rather than a barrier in society.

Tahil Sharma
I have had the privilege of doing interfaith activism for over 12 years now, dedicated to the idea that it’s possible for people across lines of difference to come together and create positive social change. From working with NGOs at the international level to engage faith leaders and the United States, to working with smaller organizations who are wondering how to start or expand their work for education and peacebuilding, I have had my fair share of engagement with different models of engagement between diverse faith and spiritual partners. One thing remains clear: This work is impossible without the active participation and leadership of grassroots communities mobilizing for causes that matter the most to them. It takes the work of organizations like the Safe Alliance of Interfaith Leaders, or SAIL, to remember that everyday people can and must be leaders in the work for equity and justice.

It took the organizing efforts of local faith communities in Dublin to create gathering spaces to address identity-based violence like the one that took place in 2023 when I served as the Regional Coordinator for North America at the United Religions Initiative (URI). Leaders across faith communities worked with organizational partners to create a space for learning and training that equipped people with language and skills to engage in a deeper sense of solidarity for communities who remain marginalized. While these tensions grow around the world, SAIL has been dedicated to the engagement and service necessary to show there is another way to tear down the divides between us.

The question remains… How do we continue to do the work going forward? We learn from the wisdom of other traditions that each of us plays a role in the repairing, restoring, and the renewing of our world: “You are not obligated to complete the work, but neither are you free to abandon it” (“Pirkei Avot” 2:16). What makes this work possible is a coalition of willing people who are willing to learn and do what it takes to work for the marginalized and oppressed among us. Not to save them, but to empower them and remind them their dignity is invaluable in the face of tyranny and greed. Each and every one of us has a role to play in the work for liberation and each of us can be a leader if we find out how we can best contribute to the work. Leadership can be marching and chanting, it can be feeding, it can be spiritual care, and it can be contributing a dollar to an important cause. It is all important and all necessary to sustain the work.

I remain hopeful and inspired that this work continues. As many communities find themselves feeling uncertain about the future, they can be certain that they are not alone. But they should also know that there are communities and organizations dedicated to causes that can change the tide of uncertainty. All they need is for you to join them.

Support the New Americans magazine to continue to serve our community with precise news that affect the new American, immigrant and refugee community. https://paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=8LHFS78NRNJJY&source=url