On November 15, 2012 the Delaware Chapter of ATFA hosted its 4th American Turkish Friendship Association’s Annual Friendship Dinner. The theme of the evening was “Peacebuilding through Education” and those in attendance included government officials, and members of the non-profit, law enforcement and academic communities.
The theme of the evening was inspired by the words of the Islamic Scholar and Peace Activist, Fethullah Gulen, who says: “Be so tolerant that your bosom becomes wide like the ocean. Become inspired with faith and love of human beings. Let there be no troubled souls to whom you do not offer a hand, and about whom you remain unconcerned.” ATFA-DE has embraced this words and is led in its work by the belief is that it is only with an open mind that one can become educated and accepting of other peoples’ ideas and views.
ATFA-DE was proud to honor many of its partners and friends at the dinner. Notably, those in attendance included Mr. Tom Kovach, New Castle County Council President; Ms. Felicia Pullam, Deputy Director of International Trade in Governor Markell’s office for the State of Delaware; New Castle County Sheriff, Mr. Trinidad Navarro; Dr. Faruk Taban, President of the Turkic American Alliance; Mr. Mahmut Yeter, President of Mid-Atlantic Federation of Turkic American Associations; Mrs. Donna Urban, Director of Development and Educator/Administrator and Mr. Lee Middleton, from the Charter School of Wilmington.
ATFA-DE looks forward to expanding its collaboration with its old and newfound friends. For more information about the event, the organization, and upcoming events, please visit www.atfade.org or contact Akif Karakose, President of ATFA-DE.
