HOUSTON IFTAR 2012″ANNUAL IFTAR DINNER WITH MAYOR ANISE PARKER”
People from all sects and Religion appreciates me so much that I will be waiting for this event every year— Mayor of Houston Anise Parker:
Imam Shahid Rizvi of Al Noor Masjid and Turkish Imam Mustafa Yagit led the Prayers
The Houston Annual Iftar Dinner was organized by different Muslim Organizations every year. This year the prominent organizers were Houston Karachi Sister City, Houston-Abu Dhabi sister city, Houston Baku sister city, Houston Istanbul sister city with Collaboration of University of Karachi Alumni Houston, Turkish Association, Bangladesh Association, Council of American Islamic Relations(CAIR),Houston Shifa Foundation, Muslim Council of North America, Pakistan American Council of TX, Pakistan Club of Houston, Pakistan American Society of TX, Sun Charity America, Sindhi Association of North America ,Al Noor Society and the event was organized on August 11th in George R Brown Convention Center Houston, TX.
Large number of Community Members attended the event, but Houston Islamic Organization attendance was scarce. Although the President of ISGH and PAGH Boycott this event but their claim that the majority attendance in the Iftar Party was due to ISGH Collabration seems wrong.
The mass attendance form different walks of life were expected thus coordinators of the event arrange for more than last year. Even though the Tables were more in numbers but felt short because of the number of attendee’s presence.
Muslims representation from all over the world proved the unity among us and shows how strongly everyone support the event for showing pride on practicing the important pillar of Islam that is Fasting.
The organizers worked under difficult circumstances. Their goal was to host an event open to the community that would present the essence of Ramadan and they succeeded with true colors.
Mayor of Houston Anise Parker Thanked the host committee and organizers for hosting a wonderful event and mention that she always look forward to attend the Iftar Dinner which is truly organized and hosted by members of community and sponsors. She said that she is delighted to see how our community is a strong factor in making our City Houston Strong and we all are proud Houstonians.
Alnoor Masjid Imam Shahid Rizvi led the Maghreb Prayers, Azan and Beautiful Quran Recitation was done by Turkish Imam Mustafa Yagit.
Dr Pervez Ahmed presented a brief speech emphasizing the importance of RAMADAN.
His Speech followed by Dr Gamal Mahmoud, Masroor Javed Khan and Saeed Sheikh who thanked everyone and all the sponsors, media, and host organizations.
Omer Khawaja emcee the evening and recognized everyone respectfully.
The Iftar and Dinner was catered by Tempura Restaurant and was served by volunteers from the Ismaili community and was plentiful and delicious. Some Turkish and Greek food was also included in the menu.
The event shows a beautiful portrait of Brotherhood where all race and religion was enjoying peacefully under one roof.
The Community members thanked the host committee Saeed Sheikh, M J Khan, Azam AKhtar, Syed Nayyar Izfar, G M Chisti, Irada Akhoundova, Ruhi Ozgul,Sunny Sharma, Matloob Khan and others for organizing a wonderful event.
