Reflecting the spirit of inclusive coexistence, the Montgomery County celebrated the work of a Muslim organization that has built a reputation for timely welfare services over the last many years.
County Executive Ike Leggett expressed warm appreciation for the work Montgomery County Muslim Foundation has been doing with it training and welfare programs for the deserving and the newly arrived refugees in the neighborhood.
The County Executive, the MCMF and the Montgomery County Muslim Council partnered to host an Iftar dinner, which also became a large interfaith gathering, representing the county’s character as a pluralist an inclusive place.
The county, civil society and interfaith leaders expressed their commitment to preserve diversity and equality for all residents as they together symbolized the strength and energy of the county, as well as the country.
More than 400 guests attended the dinner including faith leaders from Muslim, Christian, Jewish and Buddhist faith.
Besides County Executive Ike Leggett, prominent leaders of the county including Roger Berliner (Council President) and Marc Elrich (Council Member) as well as U.S. Congressman John Sarbanes, Delegate Aruna Miller, Delegate Dr. Hassan Jalisi attended the event. Several Senior County and State Officials attended the event which included representative from the Office of Montgomery County Police Chief, Officials from Human Right Commission, Chuck Short, Rev. Mansfield Kaseman, Bruce Adam and several others.
During the event, the County Executive and County Council issued a joint Proclamation declaring “May 27, 2017 to June 24, 2017 a Muslim American Ramadan Heritage Month.”
In the Proclamation the County Executive and County Council President appreciated the contribution being made by almost 65,000 resident Muslims in diverse professions and trades in the Montgomery County.
US Congressman John Sarbanes in his address admired the significant role played by the Muslim community in Maryland in different fields and walks of life. The speakers particularly applauded Tufail Ahmed, chairman MCMF, for providing an inspiring leadership in an array of fields for people of all ages, and ethnic backgrounds.
In recognition of its sustained welfare work, the MCMF was awarded a “Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition” U.S. Congressman John K. Delaney.
The citation reads as follows:
“In Celebration of 2017 Annual Iftar Dinner and for your dedication to encourage and promote interfaith activities and dialogue in the community. Your commitment to creating community development services to reduce hunger in Montgomery County is a testament to your dedication to serve the needy”
In his remarks, Tufail Ahmad, Chairman of MCMF, expressed a deep sense of appreciation to County Executive and County Council for their endeavor to reduce hunger and poverty in Montgomery County.
Ahmad, a known Pakistani-American leader, drew attention of the County leader to the lack of sufficient office space which is preventing the efforts of MCMF to expand its various programs.
