The Peace Islands Institute (PII) was active throughout Ramadan, July -August 2013, with Iftar organizations at various churches and synagogues (friendship gatherings), and home dinners (neighborliness project) where Turkish-American families hosted their non-Muslim friends at their homes.
As PII, we believe by breaking bread together we will have a stronger dialogue and better understanding of each other’s values and ethnicity. This will set an example for our children to follow and make our and future communities a better place to live in. Below you will find reflections on Ramadan dinners.
The PII contacted several churches and synagogues before Ramadan with whom we have been working together in interfaith journey. Volunteering families prepared home-made Turkish food to be served at the Iftars. Iftar dinners took place in various locations across NJ such as Pemberton, Morristown, Warren, Caldwell, Clifton and Teaneck. More than 30 people attended each dinner, where typically half of the attendees were from Turkish-American community and the other half from the respective house of worship.
We thank the following locations on hosting the Peace Islands Inststitute
1. Notre Dame Church, Caldwell
2. Congregation Agudath Israel, Caldwell
3. St Pauls Lutheran Church, Teaneck
4. Trinity United Church, Warren
5. First Presbyterian Church, Carlstadt
6. Allwood Community Church, Clifton
7. Grace Episcopal Church, Pemberton
Pictures from the event: