Neighborliness is a grass-root project initiated by PII where PII volunteers invite families from diverse backgrounds to their homes especially for Iftar dinners during the holy month of Ramadan.
The aim of the project is to improve the interactions among neighbors of various communities and to lay the foundations of a dialogue based on common human values at the grassroots level. Turkish families hosted on dinners many many Christian and Jewish families during the holy month Ramadan.
Below are the some testimonials and brief impressions of our valuable guests. We pray that these dialogues may continue.
Mayor Sophie Heymann
Dear Remzi,
Thank you so much for allowing me to participate in your family’s Ramadan break fast. It was a very special privilege for for me to meet once more your lovely daughter and very accomplished wife, as well as your guests, who helped me, as you do, of course, to understand the Turkish people and their customs, particularly those of Northern New Jersey.
The menu was a delight. As much as I enjoyed all the courses, I was especially fond of the tomato soup and the sweet, punch-like fruit drink, for which I would much appreciate the recipe.
Once again, I was reminded of the enormous generosity of Turkish hosts. In our American society we might bring a small token to our host in appreciation of sharing a meal, but we certainly do not expect to be gifted for partaking in something that is already a gift and a privilege. I must admit, however, that I have already enjoyed the baklava (which I shared with my family) and I am looking forward to consuming all the other goodies.
Please share my thanks and appreciation with your wife, and thank her especially for her culinary skills. I know that you fast for thirty days for Ramadan every year, but it must be difficult, nevertheless, to cook an elegant meal on an empty stomach, without being allowed to taste the food one is preparing.
Fondly, Sophie
Sharla Del
Hi Mel,
What a FABULOUS time we all had.
We couldn’t stop talking about it in church this morning.
We cannot wait to have another event with PII. You are definitely God’s hands in the world and we were honored by your presence.
Please pass that on to everyone who was with us last night.
Peace,
Sharla
Virgil G. Madrinan
Dear Mr. Kirazli:
I wish to let you know that my family enjoyed the hospitality and friendliness of our host family: Mr. and Mrs. Korhan Kaya of Cliffside Park, NJ. My family applauds this project because it promotes understanding between people of different religions. Even my young daughter thanked me for taking her with us. She said she enjoyed our visit with a Turkish Muslim family and that she learned a lot.
With best wishes!
Dr. Linda Baratte
It was a sacred experience to join with Ozgur and Berna last month in sharing the Iftar meal at their lovely and welcoming home. Their hospitality to my husband Jim and me was such a gift. Berna had worked all day to prepare delicious foods. She spoiled us so. Our after-dinner conversation was as rich as the traditional Turkish desserts! We had a chance to hear stories of faith and family and to be reminded of what we share as beloved sons and daughters of the same God. It was a comfortable, trusting environment where questions could be asked about our traditions and we could listen to the answers with deep respect. We are excited to host Ozgur and Berna at our own home as well. In the meantime, we plan an outing to Paterson , where we will show them the historic Paterson Falls and they will show us where to buy Turkish meat pizzas.
Thank you for making this experience in friendship possible.
With deepest regards,