Bluestar Intercultural Dialogue Centre organized the Second Annual Social Harmony Iftar jointly with the Australian Centre for Christianity and Culture and Charles Sturt University on Tuesday, 17 August 2010 at the ACC&C Chapel. Parliamentarians, High Commissioners of Pakistan, Malaysia, Bangladesh, Ambassadors of Syria and to Iraq, several academics, officials from the foreign affairs and businessmen attended the Iftar dinner.

The program started with the Call for Prayer (Ezan) followed by the breaking of fast and then continued with the reading of the Holy Quran.

Abdul Celil Gelim, Executive Director of Bluestar Intercultural Dialogue Centre gave a welcoming speech. In his speech Mr. Gelim stressed that the dialogue Centre was established in Canberra at the beginning of 2009 by a group of young Muslims, in the capital it has produced many joint projects in different sectors to contribute to Australia’s multiculturalism. He continued his speech with “Ramadan is a month of worship and the display of beauty. A time when sharing is of utmost importance. Muslims fast provide alms, donations and offerings and evaluate the reason for their existence and preparation for their eternal life. Individuals from non-Muslim backgrounds have the opportunity via invites to share the break –fast with their Muslim friends. Such events will enable non-Muslims to acquire primary, undistorted information about Islam allowing the stereotyping and prejudices to cease and promote a harmonious multicultural society. As a result of the Ramadan Iftar dinners, Academia, Journalists, Diplomats, Bureaucrats and Parliamentarians will have opportunities to understand the mindset and values of Islamic leaders. This will secure access to primary, reliable and accurate resources to utilize at times when an Islamic perspective on particular issues is required, rather than relying upon hearsay or heavily distorted perceptions”. At the end of his speech Gelim thanked the Centre, Charles Sturt University and attendances.

In his speech on behalf of the Australian Centre for Christianity and Culture, retired Anglican Bishop, George Browning pointed out that it is an important success in Australia for people with different cultures to live together. He explained “Our Muslim brothers and sisters have reminded us of values that we have forgotten. They have reminded us our 40 day fasting period which was revealed to Prophet Jesus. In the future fast-breaking periods, we must prepare similar environments for our Muslim brothers and sisters. We must invite them to our homes and provide our hospitality. I would like to thank Bluestar for reminding us of these values.”

Federal the Hon. Senator Kate Lundy mentioned her delight at attending this Iftar program and noted in her speech,“I am proud to share the same environment and be together with Muslims at an Iftar program. It is an honour to be with you on this night where people with different beliefs and different background to sit and accepting each other in the Australian society. I thank those you prepared this envrionment.”

Prof. Ross Chambers, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) of Charles Sturt University pointed out social reconciliation and peace at the Social Harmony Iftar dinner, and stressed that the need for mutual tolerance is indispensable and on this issue mutual hospitality is unavoidable. Prof. Chambers continued his speech with

“This country has many opportunities. It is a country where everyone respects each other and certain foundations of democracy reside. The most important point that brings us together is our moral values. Moral values are universal values in Islam and Christianity, within both religions this issue is a fundamental basis. Finally, everyone should respect each other’s religions and show an effort to make the world a more livable place, in order for this to happen, intercultural dialogue must be kept alive. For this we must show our mutual hospitality and make this world a more livable place by showing each other our respect.”

He ended his speech by expressing his pleasure in being a part of an Iftar project together with Bluestar Intercultural Centre.

Dr. Salih Yücel, Lecturer in Islamic Studies at the Monash University talked about the “The spirit of Ramadan, Social Harmony and Culture of Empathy”. After pointing out that in all religions there is fasting, Moses and Jesus fasted for 40 days and for muslims it is obligatory to fast for 30 days, Dr. Salih Yücel explained the contributions of Ramadan to social life, the needs of the poor being met, in Turkey alone 30 millions peoples’ needs are met and this month is is a time when compassion and mercy reach peak point. He continued his speech with “According to official statistics during the month of Ramadan in muslim and western countries the use of alcohol and cigarettes decrease by 30%. Regardless of religion, during this month people give each other material and moral support. This month is a time for the rich to understand and help the poor and people in need, and to know the value of Allah’s blessings. This month is a month for the food being cooked at home to be shared with neighbours and friends. Which is why, compared to other months, this month is a time when muslims worship and remember Allah more.”

On the floor  reflection, Mr.Nic Manikis, Director of office of Multicultural, Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Affairs,  Rev. Gregor  Henderson, National President of the Uniting Church,Imam Ahmed Yousef,  President of  Islamic Research Library in Canberra Islamic Centre andMs Jennifer Rowland thanked to organiser in their speech. They all mentioned their pleasure in attending the program, that there is a need for these types of organizations in the capital and hope the dialogue centre will meet these needs and emphasised the importance of the continuation of these programs in the future.

On behalf of the Christian group, Dr. Mark Coleridge the Catholic Archbishop of Canberra and Goulburne gave a closing speech. He said “Christianity and Islam are two religions in the world with solid foundations. The followers of these two religions sit around a table and discuss common values with respect eachother. In this context, Although there are some differences between the fasting in Islam and Christianity. İt is a great politeness for muslims to bring us togetherin a wonderful occasion. I would like to thank  Bluestar Intercultural Centre, Charles Sturt University and the Australian Centre for Christianity and Culture for the organizing of this program.”

Lastly, on behalf of Bluestar Intercultural Centre, Mr. Mehmet Saral gave a closing speech. He said “In a short period of time Bluestar has made very good projects and contributions in ACT. Tonight we can all see an example of this. We will eliminate misunderstandings and disputes in this way to coming together.” He pointed out that Islam is a religion of peace and tolerance, in order to accomplish this there is a need for reciprocal social interactions and these types of organizations will add value to Australia’s multiculturalism. Mr. Saral thanked all attendances of the program and everyone who contributed to the organization.

Mr. Gelim, Executive Director of BICpresented gifts to the partners of the organization Prof. Ross Chambers, Charles Sturt University Deputy Vice-Chancellor and retired Anglican Bishop, George Browning on behalf of the Australian Centre for Christianity and Cultureend of the program.