HOUSTON: Mayor Houston Sylvester Turner said that diversity in Houston is an asset not a liability and Muslim community is the integral part of this diverse society which is also the beauty and strength of this city. He was speaking to the “Houston Iftar 2017”Annual Ramadan Dinner with Mayor of Houston being organized by Abu Dhabi, Baku, Basrah, Istanbul & Karachi Sister City Association along with The Islamic Society of Greater Houston and 50 plus Collaborating organizations at Bayou City event center. This meaningful multi-cultural event was attended by over 1500 community members, elected officials, Diplomats of several countries and media to show their support and solidarity. Honorary chair Agha khan council Murad Ajani presented the welcome address. The Annual Houston Iftar Ramadan Dinner with Mayor Sylvester Turner showed, this year again, a beautiful portrait of Brotherhood where all races and religions shared and enjoyed peacefully under one roof.

The event began with a recitation of the Holy Qur’an by Imam Nihat Yesil. Mr. Muhammad Saeed Sheikh, Coordinator at the Houston Iftar Organizing Committee greeted & recognized and expressed his gratitude to all Elected Officials, Dignitaries, sponsors, volunteers and attendees for honoring us with their presence. The Mayor of Houston was introduced by the Guest of Honor and Grand sponsor of Houston Iftar for the past many years, S. Javaid Anwar, President and CEO of Midland Energy & Petroplex Energy.

Mayor Turner in his Keynote Address Said that due to the large population of immigrants, Houston is a big diverse family and Muslim community is the important part of this diversity. He urged the Muslim community to come forward to help out the less fortune peoples especially those are compelled to sleep under the bridges. As a Mayor I know how to fix the problem but it’s a very hard task to take care of these peoples, he stated and added that without any discrimination as a one faith community it’s our responsibility to share and extend the blessing the God rewarded us. Mayor Turner also paid special tribute to Coordinator Muhammad Saeed Sheikh and his team.

Speaking on this occasion, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson said today Iftar dinner is the true reflection of what the America is. She called upon the community to come to gather for peace and harmony among the different faiths and working collectively against the Muslim ban. We need your unity in Washington and we need your voice in capital as we cannot deal with ugly immigration law without your collective voices, she urged and said unity of Muslims and other faiths who believe the dignity of all peoples is need of hours. She along with congress man Al Green and Mayor Turner also greeted the audience and presented proclamations to the organizers of the dinner for their hard work towards creating a more diverse and bonded society. All the volunteers at this event were a perfect representation of diversity and unity!

Speaking to the large gathering, Congressman Al Green said that Muslim Americans died and scarified their life’s to protect the American values, for liberty of justice for all and they stood for this great country that’s why we always stood for this great community. Everybody who comes to America firmly believes what the America actually stand for, they comes because they believe no person including judge, Congressman and even the President of America above the law.

President of ISGH, M J Khan also spoken on this occasion and highlighted the positive role of Muslim community in this society.