On Wednesday, July 16th 2014, Turkic American Alliance (TAA) hosted its Annual Congressional House Ramadan Dinner. Attended mostly by congressional staffers, the event saw over 100 guests, including six U.S. Members of Congress—Joe Garcia (FL), Yvette Clarke (NY), Al Green (TX), Sheila Jackson Lee (TX), André Carson (IN) and Emanuel Cleaver (MO). As those of us fasting broke our fasts for the evening meal, friends old and new friends came together through warm conversations. Additionally, the Turkic American Alliance presented two Members in particular, Representative Clarke and Representative Carson, with the Congressional Service Award.
As the reception kicked-off, opening remarks were delivered by Congresswoman Shelia Jackson Lee (TX) and Congressmen Al Green (TX), both of whom agreed that TAA is a great friends and who expressed their hope to keep the dialogue going. According to Representative Jackson Lee, “it’s good to be among friends during this season of giving and caring.” Representative Green highlighted the work the Turquoise Center, located in his congressional district. “The Turkish community in the Houston district allows us to have unity without uniformity…The Turquoise Center hosts events that allow people from different backgrounds to come together.”
The first Congressional Service Award was presented to Representative Yvette Clarke (NY), following a short video tribute. The President of TAA, Dr. Faruk Taban, presented Representative Clarke with the award. As she offered remarks upon her acceptance, Representative Clarke shared, “The Turkish community has embraced me, and I have embraced them.” The Congresswoman continued by congratulating the Turkish community for their desire to embrace the values of the American dream.
The second Congressional Service Award was presented to Representative André Carson (IN) by Bilal Eksili, President of the Turkic American Federation of Midwest (TAFM), also following a short video tribute. According to Congressman Carson, “The great thing about this Iftar is that it allows people to come together from different cultures to learn about Islam.”
Dr. Taban then said a few words about the Turkic American Alliance and its projects and initiatives, followed by a video about Ramadan and the Call to Prayer, which signals the time to break one’s fast.
The Turkic American Alliance was very pleased by the turnout and great support from the Members. We look forward to making this an annual occurrence.
Videos:
http://www.kure.tv/izle/ana-haber-bulteni-17-temmuz-2014 [Turkish, 33rd minute]
In the News:
http://www.todayszaman.com/national_taa-hosts-iftar-for-members-of-congress_353346.html
http://www.ebrunews.com/en/search/iftar-dinner-on-capitol-hill [with video]
http://en.cihan.com.tr/news/TAA-hosts-iftar-for-members-of-Congress_6799-CHMTUwNjc5OS80
http://zamanamerika.com/etkinlik-haberleri/turki-amerikan-birliginden-abd-kongresinde-iftar-yemegi/ [Turkish]
