CHICAGO: Cardinal George was the Guest of Honor at the Iftar Party hosted by the Council of Islam Organizations to celebrate Ramadan, at Muslim Education Center in Morton Grove, a north side suburb of Chicago, on August 1.
While addressing the gathering, Cardinal George said, “Dialogue is the solution to today’s conflict in the world. War never resolved anything, it created more problems.” His views were echoed by first Keynote speaker, Dr Scott Alexander, Professor Catholic Theological Union. Dr M. Cherif Bassiouni, Professor DePaul University was another Keynote speaker who spoke about his bringing up in Egypt. He is consultant with the US Government on International control of drugs and terrorism.
Samina Hussain opened the program by welcoming the audience. She also emceed the program. She showed great command and passion of English language. Tayyaba Ahmad started the program by reciting Quran verses in a beautiful voice. She is a student of MEC. Mohammed Allemuddin, President MCC (Muslim Community Center) shed some light on community cooperation in coming together to raise awareness about Islam in US.
Dr Mohammed Kaiseruddin Chairman CIOGC thanked the volunteers who put up this program, most of who were young Muslim boys and girls. Mayor of Morton Grove welcomed the efforts of Diverse Communities to make Morton Grove a proud place where people of different ethnic backgrounds live happily together. He said, “It is not tolerance but acceptance that is needed to welcome other religions and cultures.”
Chief of Police and Fire Department were also present and so were many Council members from Morton Grove and Chicago. President Cook County Toni Preckwincle was also present along with Cook County Clerk David Orr. Many local churches were also invited. Sikhs were invited and their presence was appreciated by many prominent personalities. Many members of the Sikh community were present.
Closing remarks were given by Kamran Hussain, Vice-President MCC. It was an interfaith event to celebrate opening of their Ramdan Fast. Sumptuous food was provided.
Thakar Basati
