Today is the last day of ATFA’s Ramadan Tent Iftar series. Around 600 people came to enjoy a dinner including Turkic American community as well as some other communities in Fairfax. There was a distinguished guest, Congressman Gerry Connolly (D-VA) who attended the event and gave a talk. “Mubarek Ramadan! It is honor to be here with you. When I heard the music, I thought it was Irish music, but it was actually a beautiful Turkish music. I have been in Turkey once, but I want to go again. The bond between United States and Turkey is very important. I wish all of you nice Ramadan” said Rep. Gerry Connolly. During the interview, Hon. Congressman expressed the need for more dialogue to understand each other, so this tent is a great opportunity to meet and greet each other. He also said that improving education, understanding to different cultures, and increase the level of dialogue will help our two nations to integrate fully.
Mohammad Taqi Khalili, a political counselor of the Embassy of Afghanistan said that “even though I am used to be in this tradition, I still feel like the excitement of the event. Every part of the event was great, from the food to the many friends that I have here now.”
One of the attendees explained that this kind of event reminds the values we have back home. For example, sharing iftaar in our culture is one of the core values in Islamic culture. Breaking the fast together has many benefits the biggest one of which is the shared meal will be enjoyed by many and will remind them to be grateful to their Lord. It is called in Turkish “Bereket Kervani”, which means of caravan of blessing.
Many members of Fairfax community came to break their fast, enjoy the dinner and just meet with friends and neighbors. But it was children who had most fun at the iftaar. The kids were waiting patiently at the cotton candy and pop corn stand while playing games and drinking sherbet. These kinds of organizations are essential for kids to feel the spirit of Ramadan and to make friends in the neighborhood. The atmosphere felt like a traditional Ramadan night with food, music, laughter, and fun.
