Over 2,000 people pack Houston mayor's 25th annual Ramadan Iftar dinner

HOUSTON: A mammoth gathering on Sunday at the Bayou City Centre in Houston of over 2,000 persons made it again the largest Iftar dinner event in the United States.

The silver jubilee of America's largest annual Houston Iftar dinner has been organised for the past many years by the Muslim sister cities of Houston namely Abu Dhabi, Baku, Basrah, Istanbul, and Karachi along with 40 collaborating community organisations including the Ismaili Council for the Southwest US.

Event emcee attorney Lema Mousilli welcomed the guests and opened the occasion which began with the National Anthem sung by Shama Tajani. 

Iftar dinner chief coordinator for the past fourteen years, Muhammad Saeed Sheikh, warmly recognised many distinguished guests and expressed his gratitude to Chief Patron Syed Javaid Anwar and Tanweer Ahmed for being the major sponsors of the event. 

He paid tribute to the organising committee, collaborating organisations and media. Faisal Momin, President of Ismaili Council then introduced newly elected Mayor John Whitmire.

Keeping his composure, Whitmire said he felt the pain of the people of Gaza, but that his priority was the affairs of Houston, and he did not involve himself in international affairs. He recalled how he first met Muslims when he was a student in college and his commitment to keep the Muslim community feel safe.

He was followed by prominent Arab American Community leader Ahmed Alyasin who spoke of the suffering of humanity around the world, especially in Gaza. Congressman Al Green called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and for the recognition of Palestine as an independent state. Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee met and greet the organisers and guests. Texas Governor Greg Abbott sent a video message of Ramadan greetings.

In conclusion, a powerful message was delivered by Islamic scholar Kemal Civelek of the Islamic Institute highlighting the “significance of Ramadan” as a month about inculcating self-control to achieve God consciousness. 

He spoke about societies losing their moral campus and supplicated for the whole world as it is suffering difficulties, especially in Gaza. Fatih Bayar closed the presentations with the Aadhan or call to prayer with which people broke their fast and many rushed over to the dinner buffet tables on both sides of the hall.

Also in attendance were several City Council members including Edward Pollard; diplomats of several countries including Ambassador Khazar Ibrahim of Azerbaijan; and representatives of the sister cities of Houston including Houston President Susan Young; President of Abu Dhabi Sister City Jamal Bafagih, Orhan Osman of Houston Istanbul Sister City Association. Community leaders from several nationalities from around the world attended the Iftar dinner.

Stage management was coordinated by Shah Haleem, Siraj Narsi and Donya ZItaksari. Dinner was catered by Fadi’s restaurant and Tempura restaurant and Sweet Factory.