NEWYORK: The Nassau County Office of Asian American Affairs hosted its annual Iftar dinner. County Executive Bruce Blakeman presented certificates of appreciation to various figures from the Pakistani American community.
The Iftar dinner, organized by Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman and the Office of Asian Americans Affairs at the David Mack Center for Training and Intelligence, began with the recitation of the Holy Quran and the Naat-e-Rasul Maqbool (peace be upon him).
The American national anthem was sang, followed by a salute and march by a police contingent.
The event was hosted by executive director of the office of Asian American Affairs Aun Naqvi who welcomed the guests upon their arrival and also introduced them.
A large number of people from the South Asian community attended the iftar dinner.
Addressing participants, Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman said that anyone who has worked hard and honestly after coming to America, success will surely follow their footsteps.
This Iftar dinner provided an opportunity for people of different faiths and communities to come together in one place.
Heads and members of various organizations of the Pakistani community, including Pakistani Consul General in New York Amir Ahmed Atuzai, also participated.
Renowned religious scholar Mufti Mohammad Farhan and Imam of Al-Khoei Center Sheikh Fadhil Al-Silani highlighted the virtues and importance of Ramadan.
Addressing participants, they said that the thirty days of Ramadan have a message of teaching discipline, patience and tolerance.
The Iftar dinner participants spent time with each other and discussed efforts to promote religious harmony.
County Executive Bruce Blakeman awarded his senior advisor Chaudhry Akram with a medal in recognition of his services.
Later, Bruce Blakeman presented citations to various figures from the South Asian community for their community service services, regardless of race or color.
