HOUSTON (April 16, 2024) – Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston’s Refugee Services program recently organized an inclusive intercultural Iftar, bringing together over 200 attendees from diverse backgrounds including refugee clients, community members, supporters, and staff.
The event embodied Interfaith Ministries’ commitment to fostering understanding and solidarity among different faiths and cultures. Attendees represented a wide array of linguistic and cultural backgrounds, including Arabic-speaking individuals from various regions, Dari and Pashto speakers from Afghanistan, Swahili speakers, and individuals from Ukraine.
Generously sponsored by Shahanaz Waliany, a member of the Refugee Services Committee, the Iftar featured a program designed to promote cross-cultural dialogue and appreciation. The welcoming remarks were delivered by Martin B. Cominsky, President and CEO, along with Ali Al Sudani, Chief Programs Officer, and Dario Lipovac, Director of Refugee Services.
The evening included a presentation by Imam Dr. Muhammad Haq on the significance of Ramadan and fasting, emphasizing its universal values and the importance of interfaith understanding. The event also included a moving call to prayer performed by an 11-year-old boy, symbolizing the shared spirituality and communal aspects of the Ramadan tradition.
Attendees were treated to a delicious spread of traditional Iftar foods, sourced from local restaurants and businesses, including specialties from Middle Eastern cuisines. The event provided an opportunity for guests to connect over shared meals and cultural traditions, strengthening bonds within the community.
Among the guests were representatives from the Houston Police Department and Houston City Controller Chris Hollins.
“We are thrilled by the success of this year’s Interfaith Iftar,” said Praveena Lakshmanan, Community Engagement Program Manager at Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston. “It truly showcased unity and mutual respect, bringing together individuals from diverse backgrounds to celebrate our shared humanity.”
For more information about Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston’s Refugee Services and its initiatives, please visit https://www.imgh.org/refugees/.
ABOUT INTERFAITH MINISTRIES FOR GREATER HOUSTON
A United Way partner, Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston (Interfaith Ministries) brings people of diverse faith traditions together for dialogue, collaboration, and service, as a demonstration of our shared beliefs. Interfaith Ministries provides four main services: Meals on Wheels for Greater Houston and Galveston County which delivers more than 1.9 million meals each year to homebound seniors and people with disabilities across four counties; Refugee Services which, in conjunction with the U.S. State Department, resettles thousands of refugees in Houston; Interfaith Relations and Community Partnerships, which provides community services fostering understanding, respect and engagement among Houstonians of all faiths; the Vic Samuels Center for Volunteerism and Civic Service, which establishes a positive and lasting impact on the Greater Houston community through organized service and leadership through Volunteer Houston and SERVE HOUSTON. For more information, visit https://www.imgh.org/.
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