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Thank you for Attending ING’s Annual Supporters’ Dinner!
ING’s Annual Supporter’s Dinner on Saturday October 9th featured interfaith entertainment, a video clip about ING’s work and a notable panel discussing the future of Islam in the U.S.
The event began with a fast-paced performance by San Jose Taiko, which is composed of youth who are dedicated to this Japanese art form. It was followed by welcoming remarks by ING’s co-chairman, Javed Patel, who emphasized the importance of ING’s work, and an interfaith invocation by three faith leaders
Following the evening’s theme of featuring entertainment that simultaneously represents America’s diversity and unique culture, the Temple Emanu-El Youth Choir performed a medley of songs. After dinner the audience was shown a video clip of testimonials about the impact and need for ING’s work in the community, a theme that was reiterated throughout the evening. After remarks by Imam Aladdin ElBakri, Muslim spoken word artist Baraka Blue presented the last piece of the evening’s diverse entertainment.
The highlight of the evening was an on-stage conversation with Muslim thought leaders, Rashad Hussain, President Obama’s Special Envoy to the OIC, Dr. Umar Faruq Abd-Allah of the Nawawi Foundation, and Sh. Hamza Yusuf from Zaytuna College on the topic of the Future of Islam in America. The lively conversation was moderated by ING board member, Prof. Marianne Farina of the Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley.
ING is looking forward to a busy and productive year with the support of its supporters, friends and volunteers.
Share your feedback on ING’s Annual Supporters’ Dinner
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ING President Meets the Dalai Lama
ING’s president, Maha Elgenaidi joined a dozen other interfaith leaders from around the Bay Area on stage with the Dalai Lama on Tuesday October 12 at the San Jose Convention Center. The event was attended by 12,000 people. The theme of his talk was Awakening the Heart of Compassion, in which he referenced a classic 11th century text that focuses on purifying one’s attitude to awaken an altruistic heart. In the course of his talk, he referenced the similarities of Buddhist teachings with those of other faiths including Islam. The Dalai Lama described this text as one of his main sources of inspiration.