On Thursday 2nd September 2010, a total of approximately 150 guests gathered at the NSW Parliament House Strangers Room, in what has proved to be a much anticipated and enjoyed event over the last 10 years.
The 2010 Affinity Friendship and Dialogue Iftar Dinner showcased the coming together of politicians, academics, public servants, religious leaders from the major faith traditions and educators with the intention of recognising the efforts of individuals from within the Australian community who have been active in promoting intercultural dialogue. Such an event marks a milestone in the history of intercultural work in Australia, particularly in the bringing together of guests with diverse backgrounds and beliefs under one of the most prestigious roofs in Australia; highlighting the “spirit of bipartisanship” (Quoted Barbara Perry).
The evening began with acknowledgements by the Master of Ceremonies, Mr Osman Karolia and followed by welcome to Parliament by Mr Anthony Roberts MP, NSW Liberal Party, on behalf of Mr Barry O’Farrell, Leader of the Opposition.
Azan (Call for prayer) was performed by Imam Bilal Aksoy, Imam of Auburn Gallipoli Mosque. Guests were treated to a delicious meal, made all the more special as it was being shared during the holy month of Ramadan. This meal marked the end of the fasting day for many guests, an important act of worship observed by many Muslims during this month. The dinner was followed by Quran recitation by Imam Bilal Aksoy.
Guests were then welcomed by co-hosts,The Hon Paul Lynch MP and Minister NSW Parliament, who was also representing the Premier, and Mr Anthony Roberts MP, NSW Liberal Party Shadow Minister, as well as Mr Mehmet Saral, President of Affinity Intercultural Foundation. In his speech Mehmet Saral said, “Through dinners like this, our humanity comes to the fore rather than any prejudices we may have towards each other. That human touch makes all the difference for close bonding relationships. After these close human relationships are established, joint projects can be conducted between faith and cultural and governmental groups to create social harmony in this beautiful country of ours. This can only happen through close relationships between the leaders of this country and the leaders of community groups.”
The spirit of Ramadan was then presented by Mr Ahmet Keskin, Vice President of Affinity Intercultural Foundation. Mr Keskin shared his reflection by stating, “My reflections led me to ponder the extraordinary capacity of human beings to transcend, looking beyond themselves and flying with the two wings; one of servanthood to God and one of service to humanity. As such, the meaning of the following Prophetic tradition becomes apparent: “The master of the people is he who serves the people.”
The program was followed by a memorable presentation by keynote speaker, Professor Gail Whiteford, from Macquarie University on "The Importance of Social Inclusion in a Multicultural Multifaith Society."
Beautiful sentiments were followed by Spiritual Music by the Australian Sufi Music Ensemble added to the already warm atmosphere with guests remarking “what a pleasant evening”.
During dessert, Australian Affinty Award presentations began. In the following categories were the corresponding Award recipients for their outstanding efforts:
Youth Interfaith : Mr Hany Amer, President Egyptian Islamic Council.
Muslim Community: Sheikh Feeda Majzhoub, Member of the Australian Imam’s Council
Education: Mr John Oldmeadow, Executive Director, Board Of Education Uniting Church NSW Synod
Academia: Prof Rosemary Johnston, Head of Education UTS
Media: Ms Jacqueline Maley, Journalist - Sydney Morning Herald
Public Service: The Hon Richard Torbay, Speaker of the House NSW Parliament House.
Interfaith Dialogue: Bishop David Walker, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Broken Bay.
With the presentation of 7 awards and dinner completed, a Vote of Thanks was given by The Hon Barbara Perry, MP and Minister of NSW Parliament.
With the evening coming to a close, David Bishop Walker summed up the spirit and purpose of such events in saying “Events like this create a platform for interfaith dialogue whereas there may not have been a chance”.
