(COLUMBUS, OH 05/26/18) – More than 200 people from different faiths and backgrounds attended CAIR-Columbus’ 22nd Annual sold out “Sharing Ramadan” Iftar, or fast-breaking meal, on Friday, May 25 in Columbus, Ohio. Ramadan is the Islamic month during which Muslims abstain from food and drink from before dawn to after sunset. During this month, Muslims also focus on spirituality, avoid vices, and renew community relationships.
The program began with a brief overview of the basics of Ramadan by Dr. Khalid Khebbati, Executive Director of Noor Islamic Cultural Center. Attendees were provided with an educational infographic about Ramadan along with a booklet titled “Islam at a Glance – Three Faiths, One God,” which provides an overview of the similarities and differences between Islam, Christianity and Judaism. The booklet was written by Samir Gharbo, a long-time member of the Columbus Muslim community who recently passed away. During the program, CAIR-Columbus announced the Samir Gharbo Memorial Internship, which will provide an annual paid internship each fall in memory of Mr. Gharbo who was a life-long CAIR supporter and dedicated to advancing the causes of interfaith relations, peace and justice. The purpose of the internship will be to continue Mr. Gharbo’s legacy of advocacy and to advance CAIR-Columbus’ work in the areas Mr. Gharbo was so passionate about.
“Sharing the spirit of Ramadan with our neighbors, friends and colleagues is a deeply enriching experience,” said Jennifer Nimer, Executive Director of CAIR-Columbus. “This year’s audience of more than 200 guests was the most diverse ever, and the event helped advance our goals of building mutual understanding and harmony among peoples of all faiths in Central Ohio. We were also happy that we could use the gathering as an opportunity to remember Samir’s dedication to CAIR and to advancing interfaith relations.”
CAIR is America’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.