Mayor Turner attends the 28th annual Iftar Ramadan dinner With more than 2,000 people & Members of local, state and congressional delegations

By: Raja Zahid A Khanazada

HOUSTON :Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner has said “Houston is a big diverse family and the Muslim community is an important part of that diversity.”

It’s a great city. As we say, it’s the most diverse city in the United States,” Turner said at annual Ramadan Iftar dinner arranged by Karachi Houston Sister City Association along with the Islamic Society of Greater Houston (ISGH) and other collaborating organizations. An estimated 2,500 people gathered for the annual Houston Iftar Ramadan dinner. In city we cherish and build relationships, we stand up for each other, we protect each other, we support each other, we undergird each other, we embrace one another and we say to the rest of the globe, if you want to see what a family looks like, come to the city of Houston,he said and added that because around our table, are people that come from all over, but we are supportive of one another because we are Houston Strong, and we are Houston Proud.”president karachi sister city association Saeed Shaikh presented the welcome address and thank all the volunteers and other organization for their cooperation. Member of Congress Shiela Jackson,Al green, oil tycoon Javed Anwer, ISGH President Sohail Syed and prominent community leader MJ Khan also spoken this occasion.more than 2,000 Persons Celebrated the Tradition of Iftar in Houston Texas: “For so many years now, Houstonians of all

background come together to rejoice the tradition of Iftar here in this the fourth

largest metropolis of USA. This event is organized by untiring group of volunteers,

who are Muslims & Non-Muslims; Women & Men; Old & Young; Professionals &

Businesspersons.”

These were the words of Muhammad Saeed Sheikh, Coordinator of the past eight

years of the largest greater community gatherings of USA in Ramadan. This “The

Houston Iftar” has been happening for the past 20 years.

Iftar is the breaking of fast as the day ends during Ramadan, and traditionally

families, friends, & communities gather together to break the bread. This all-

inclusive Houston Iftar revives this tradition every year, where Mayor of the City is

the Chief Guest, and several federal & local elected officials, Consul Generals of

various countries, heads of various community organizations, & Houstonians from

all walks of life are present.

Every year this event has a different organization being the Chair, and this year

the Dawoodi Bohra Community of Houston was the Chair.

“This years’ event is my fourth Houston Iftar. The Muslim Community of Houston

is a salient part of the fabric of Houston, and I want to make sure that this

enterprising community is represented at the City Hall & participate in all aspects

of the society. Today is the largest ever gathering of the Houston Iftar, and I feel

honored to be speaking to you all today. We are a big diverse family here in

Houston, and Muslim Community is an important segment.”

These were some of the sentiments of Mayor of Houston Sylvester Turner, as he

spoke to the assembled 2,000 Houstonians. Members of Congress Sheila Jackson

Lee & AL Green; oil magnate Syed Javed Anwer, ISGH President Sohail Syed,

former City of Houston Councilperson Masrur Javed Khan also spoke.

The Houston Iftar is organized by the Houston Karachi Sister City Association in

collaboration with the Islamic Society of Greater Houston (ISGH), along with 50

community organizations. Several Sponsors, especially Syed Javaid Anwar of

Midland Energy, ISGH, Helping Hand USA, Islamic Relief USA, and other

organizations, businesses, & individuals contribute (cash & in-kind) to make this

event a success By the Grace of God.