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Muslim - Hindu Ramadan
Iftar Program The AIS associates with various organizations in organizing Iftar Dinners during the Holy month of Ramadan. One of these programs was the first Muslim-Hindu Ramadan Iftar which took place at Isik College Dandenong Campus. Over seventy guests from Hindu and Muslim communities came together to share an Iftar meal in a friendly social atmosphere. Following the breaking of fast there were readings from both the Quran and the Hindu traditions. Shiva Yoga, organizer of the Shiva Yoga Hindu Ashram group was one of the main speakers. He said, "We believe in the same God but there are different ways to reach God and we are trying to achieve the same moral values through self-training." Dr Salih Yucel, a lecturer at Monash University also spoke about self-discipline. "The hearts that become purified through the fast of Ramadan by abstaining from unpleasant and repulsive acts, should not be broken" , he said. Dr Yucel continued with the words of a famous Turkish Scholar, 'we should all have an empty chair in our hearts where every human being could sit.' The program concluded with exchange of gifts between the members of the AIS and the Shiva Yoga Ashram group. Osman Orka, an Executive Member of the Australian Intercultural Society closed the program with his vote of thanks. |
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Iftar Dinner hosted by
the
Ecumenical and Interfaith
Commission of the Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne As part of the historic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed between the AIS and the EIC, the Ecumenical and Interfaith Commission of the Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne, hosted a Ramadan Iftar program on 9 September 2008 at the Cardinal Knox Centre. The event was a great success. Approximately, one hundred guests from both the Muslim and Catholic faiths attended the event. One of the guests of honor present at the program was a leading figure for Catholic ecumenism, Bishop Michael Putney of Townsville who arrived from Brisbane for the program. Other VIP guests who attended the Iftar Dinner was Turkish Consul General Aydin Nurhan, Bishop Christopher Prowse, Prof Raymond Canning, Prof Gabrielle McMullen, Prof Ismail Albayrak, Dr Salih Yucel and Monsignor Peter Kenny. The first speaker Ismail Albayrak mentioned the importance of fasting in Islam and the significance of Ramadan for Muslims. Bishop Christopher Prowse talked about the spirit of dialogue activities as a remarkable opportunity that strengthens mutual respect and understanding. He said that they endeavor to be in dialogue with Muslims in Queensland to demonstrate an affordable world regardless of faith and culture. Also as part of the program, Australian Sufi Music group performed a variety of historical Sufi songs. At the conclusion of the program AIS presented Bishop Michael Putney a gift. The special gift was presented by the Turkish Consul General Aydin Nurdan. AIS and the EIC also exchanged gifts which were received by Emre Celik, general coordinator of AIS and Monsignor Peter Kenny. |
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Victoria Police
Ramadan Iftar
dinner Victoria Police Ramadan Iftar dinner 2008 organized by the AIS, ICV , Victorian Multicultural Commission and Islamic Women's Welfare hosted several members of the Victoria Police and their staff on 16 September 2008 at Coburg Town Hall. Among the guests were the Chief Commissioner Christine Nixon APM, The Commissioner of VMC Yasser Soliman, AIS Executive Advisor Orhan Cicek, VIC Police Commander Ashley Dickinson, President of ICV Ramzi Elsayed, Executive Director of Australian Multicultural Foundation and members of Victoria Police. The organization was a celebration Victoria Police’s fourth Ramadan Iftar Dinner. Members of the Muslim community said they were grateful to the Victoria Police and the AIS for making such an important promotion of cultural harmony. The Iftar dinners were initiated by the AIS four years ago have now become a tradition for the Victoria Police. They have established a strong bond between the Muslim community and Victoria Police. The program commenced with opening remarks from Commander Ashley Dickinson of the Operations Coordination Department , who emphasized the importance of working together with the Muslim Organizations. Chief Commissioner, Christine Nixon also delivered a short speech, then with Suad Osman, she presented the portrait of a young Australian Muslim through question-answer style in mutuality named IC/La Trobe University Young Muslim Leadership Program. Esma Yucel described the significance of the Five Pillars Of Islam. Dr Hass Dellal stressed that he was delighted to have an Iftar with Victoria Police. At the end of the program Victoria Police presented gifts to all those who contributed to the program. Mr Orhan Cicek, executive advisor of the AIS also presented a special gift of appreciation to the Victoria Police.
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Government
House
Iftar
dinner program The Governor of Victoria, Professor David de Kretser hosted an Iftar dinner program at Government House. The Iftar event was the first of its kind hosted by the head of state. Many distinguish guests from Government departments, media and leaders of religious organizations attended the invitation. Amongst the guest were former Governor-General of Australia, Dr Peter Hollingworth, former Governor of Victoria, Sir James Gobbo, Minister for Multiculturalism, James Merlino, Mayor of Melbourne, John So, Chief Commissioner of Victoria Police, Christie Nixon, Assistant Commissioners, Archbishop Dennis Hart, Consul Generals of USA, UK, Germany, Indonesia and Turkey, representatives of various Melbourne universities, leaders of Jewish, Catholic, Anglican, Hindu and Muslim communities. Many of the guest speakers emphasized on the significance of the event and stressed that this was a great achievement on behalf of social cohesion and multiculturalism in Australia. Towards the conclusion of the program, AIS presented its annual awards commencing with the special "Fethullah Gulen Peace Award" which was presented to the Governor of Victoria, Prof David de Kretser. Turkan Cicek, president of the AIS Women's Network presented Mrs Krester a gift of appreciation on behalf of the Muslim Community. AIS annual awards were presented by the Governor to the following people: Christie Nixon, Excellence in the Public Services award - John Williams, Excellence in the Public Services award - George Lekakis, Excellence in the Public Services award - Greg Craven, Excellence in Academia Award - Rae Frances, Excellence in Academia Award - Gary Bouma, Building a Better Society Award - The AGE newspaper, Social Responsibility in Media Award. |
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Anglican Archbishop Iftar
dinner program Anglican Archbishop Philip Freier hosted a select group of VIP Muslim community leaders on 11 September for a Ramadan Iftar Dinner. The Archbishop hosted the event in his residence in Bishop's Court a 150 year old historic icon of Melbourne. This was a very special opportunity to break bread together and bring together people around the religiously significant and social meal. |
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Freemasons host
Iftar Dinner Another remarkable example of social cohesion took place when Freemasons hosted an Iftar Dinner at Grand United Lodge of Freemasons, East Melbourne. The event was co-organized with Australian Intercultural Society. This was a first for both the Freemasons and the Muslim community of Melbourne. In his opening remarks on behalf of the AIS, Emre Celik focused on the values of friendship and how Ramadan brings different people together. Mr Mervyn, representative of Freemasons said, "We have been ignorant of Islam. Freemasonry requires that we advance ourselves in knowledge with each day. This evening I have learned more about Islam than what I learned throughout my entire life". Omer Atilla who spoke about the significance of Ramadan said, "Ten years ago, such events would have only been a dream. Tonight Muslims are sharing an Iftar meal with Freemasons. This is the true essence of social harmony in Australia." The event concluded with Orhan Cicek, executive advisor of the AIS exchanging gifts with the Deputy Grand Master of Freemasons.
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Iftar Dinner at
Council of Christians and Jews The joint CCJ/AIS Iftar dinner was not an Iftar to be missed, as it was full of joy and gratitude. There was a great atmosphere which derived from many diverse backgrounds from three religious denominations. The official program commenced following Iftar with recitations from the Quran by Hafiz Muhammed Sezgin and Bible recitation by Albert Isaacs. Everyone enjoyed the Music performed by the Australian Sufi Music Group that tendered all hearts giving the guests a glimpse to the holy pathway to God. It was a privilege to listen to two guest speakers from both associations. Muslim Speaker Dr Salih Yucel from Monash University enlighten the guests on ‘Ramadan and Fasting in the Quran’. The CCJ Speaker was Michael S. Cohen. Mr Cohen focused on the ‘Importance of Fasting’ reflecting on many common attributes of the Abrahamic religions. Mr. Orhan Cicek wrapped up the night with a vote of thanks and exchange of gifts. In summary, the whole evening left a look of satisfaction on the faces of the guests. One participants said, "nights such as these are essential if we are to move forward as a community and nation at large." |
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Iftar Dinner at
Melbourne University The Cross-Cultural Dialogue Society of The University of Melbourne in conjunction with the Australian Intercultural Society held an Iftar Dinner on the 18th of September, 2008. Being the first of its kind in Victoria, it brought together academics and students from the university over a much enjoyed dinner. The evening was opened with The President of the CCDS Can Aksu's welcoming speech and the followed by the Adhan (call to prayer) for the guests to brake their fasts. Short speeches from both organisations representatives' were also benefited from.
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Mildura Iftar Dinners
The wave of intercultural dialogue continued throughout Victoria
with two major Iftar dinner programs at Mildura. Mildura Council and
Sunrasia Mildura Tafe hosted separate Iftar programs in Mildura. The
intercultural Iftar programs are organized in conjunction with AIS's
annual multicultural Iftar dinners project. Members of various
communities, from both Muslim and non-Muslim backgrounds were
invited to the events where they shared Iftar dinners and socialized
in a sincere atmosphere. Teachers and students from Isik College
Mildura also attended the event. |
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AIS
VIP Home Iftars The Australian Intercultural Society again this year hosted a number of VIP guests at various Muslims homes as Iftar guests during the month of Ramadan. It was a great privilege to host such a distinguished list of guests. This gives such guests an opportunity to share in the experiences of a Muslim family and allows them to share with the Muslim family of their own experiences. It is a great means by which Muslim families are honoured and helps to break down the barriers that can exist. Guests included the Governor of Victoria, heads of various Government departments, Police Commissioners, Academicians from various universities, politicians and leaders of religious faiths. |
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