June 24, 2015, Washington, D.C. – TAA had it’s annual Congressional Ramadan Dinner last Wednesday. Approximately 50 people attended this event, which has become a tradition. The dinner was held in the Dirksen Senate Office Building. TAA President, Faruk Taban, started the event with his speech on the importance of Ramadan. Following, Representative Debbie Dingell took the stage to described ramadan as a chance for people to socialize and share their cultural values. She noted how she had been to many iftars before, as she represents a district in Dearborn, Michigan, which has a large muslim population. She stated how much she wanted to be a part of the Turkish community.
Imam of Ezher Mosque and Program Director of the Institute of Islamic and Turkish Studies, Bilal Ankaya from Fairfax, VA, delivered the keynote speech where he stated that Ramadan is an opportunity for people to become aware of their needs and weaknesses. He also said that by fasting people are able to understand more clearly the importance of the bounties given by God. Imam Bilal also graced the audience by delivering athan (call to prayer) himself, when the time came.
During the event, guest were shown a trailer of a documentary about Hizmet (Gulen Movement), particularly its origin, intentions and activities in several countries, Love is Verb.
The dinner attention from several news outlets, links to which can be found below:
Zaman (Newspaper, Turkey) in Turkish – click on the image to enlarge
Today’s Zaman (Web Publication), in English – click here to read
