NEW JERSEY: The American Cultural Alliance has set a new example of promoting religious tolerance. It brought people of all religions together under one roof in New Jersey.
The American Cultural Alliance organized a grand interfaith celebration at the Royal Albert Palace in New Jersey, which began with the recitation of the Holy Quran.
Prominent figures of the Pakistani American community, Dr. Zubair, Kamran Khan and Mateen Abbas, together with other community organizations, revived this tradition established by their late friend Sam Khan. Dr. Zubair delivered a welcome address, introduced his team, the host committee and the volunteers.
Addressing participants, he said that differences based on religion, nationality and language should not only be seen and understood as differences but also as the beauty of different civilizations and cultures.
Later, Dr. Zubair handed over the hosting of the event to Raba Khan and Maskhira Mohammad, who were part of the host committee.
They said that despite different civilizations and cultures, beliefs and traditions, everyone has come together and set a great example of unity and consensus.
Members of Pakistani, Indian, Bangladeshi, Nepali and other communities participated in the event in large numbers and made the event more exciting.
Addressing participants, Scouts leader and community leader Syed Naqvi said that it is the duty of all of us to spread the message of peace, unity and solidarity.
Mayor of Town Edison Sam Joshi also specially attended the event and paid tribute to his close friend, the late Sam Khan.
He said that Sam Khan established the tradition of bringing everyone together, which is becoming stronger today.
Later, Sam Khan’s nephew Hanan moderated the event. He said that people of different religions and schools of thought have gathered here and given the message that unity and brotherhood should be promoted above the differences of religion, nationality, color and race.
The interfaith harmony ceremony was also attended by prominent figures from the Muslim, Hindu, Sikh, Christian and Jewish communities in large numbers.
On this occasion, Imam Hammad Ahmed Shibli and Imam Jawad addressed the audience and highlighted the importance of religious tolerance.
They said that the Creator of the universe made us all from clay and created us from the existence of Hazrat Adam and Bibi Eve and there should be no hatred among us on the basis of differences in worship, faith and ideologies.
The ceremony was also attended by Pakistan’s Deputy Consul General in New York, Omar Sheikh. He said that in the current situation in the world, there is a great need to connect each other, promote unity, consensus and brotherhood.
The Indian-origin president of the Edison Council Nish Patel and other Indian leaders who participated in the event said that there is no difference between us except religion and nationality.
They said that everyone wants respect and honor and it is important to accept each other’s fundamental differences.
Later, leaders of different religions were invited to the stage and welcomed and thanked for their arrival.
On this occasion, leaders of the Jewish and Christian communities emphasized the need for interfaith. At the ceremony, the dancing group of the Indian community demonstrated their art in a great way, which greatly entertained the audience.
Earlier, Kelly Horne, an official and civil rights council of Newark, New Jersey, congratulated the American Cultural Alliance for organizing the interfaith ceremony and appreciated their efforts.
Various performances also continued in the interfaith celebration. An artist from the Nepali community captivated everyone with a magnificent display of traditional and cultural dance.
The ceremony was attended by a large number of elected citizens and local representatives from the towns, counties, councils and cities of the state of New Jersey.
Addressing audience, the speakers said that the beauty of America is that all religions and nationalities are equally respected here. They said that in whatever field you are in, live together with everyone and work together, this is the path to progress.
Addressing the audience on this occasion, local elected leaders said that participating in today’s ceremony is a matter of honor and all the organizers deserve congratulations. They said that such activities should continue to be held. At the end of the ceremony, the volunteers were appreciated for their services, encouraged and prizes were also distributed.
