Photo By Spc. Katrina Faulkner-Brown | Sheikh Abdullah reads scriptures from the Koran and speaks about peace and unity among...... read more read more
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By Spc. Katrina Faulkner-Brown
4th Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division
FORWARD OPERATING BASE LOYALTY, Iraq – In a spirit of reconciliation, Sunni, Shia and Christian leaders joined local government officials and coalition force representatives for an Iftar meal in eastern Baghdad, Sept. 15, 2008.
More than 300 guests from the 9 Nissan, Karadah and Rusafa Districts attended the evening event. For the holy month of Ramadan, Muslims fast during daylight hours but partake in an Iftar meal to break their fast after sunset. Iftar is not only a break from the fast but also is a celebration of sacrifice.
Several dignitaries addressed the attendees, who assembled for the reconciliation gathering to enjoy the Iftar meal and honor Ramadan. Speakers included Sheikh Abdullah, who opened the event with readings from the Koran, Iraqi Brig. Gen. Kifah, Father Timothaeus of the Assyrian Church of the East and Sheikh Omar Mohammed Moheedine of the 14th Ramadan Mosque.
Maj. Cloyd Colby, a Park City, Utah, native, the brigade chaplain for 4th Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, said Omar invited all the clergy from several communities regardless of whether they are Christian, Sunni or Shia.
"I joined them in their fast, so I was very hungry by the time it was time to eat," shared Colby, who said he has a good relationship with most of the sheikhs and clergymen in southeastern Baghdad, which helps them effectively communicate with coalition forces.
"I had never met Father Timothaeus before, but he was a very fine gentleman," explained Colby. "He is very serious about reconciliation and peace, and he is very forthcoming about his opinions. We had a good time together.
"I was very impressed by Omar. [He is] a very vibrant young man, and his father, Muhammad, is just very kind and genuine."
Appetizers for the Iftar meal included large trays of dates, drinks, fried snacks and a Kurdish yogurt drink made from sheep's milk, which attendees said is the preferred drink after fasting. Old friends and new friends shared a lot of fellowship as people talked and mingled. Umar gave copies of the Koran to coalition force leaders from 4th BCT, 10th Mtn. Div., and other guests who helped the reconciliation and unity efforts.
"The fact that the event took place just shows you how far we've come in a year," expressed Conrad Tribble, team leader of the Baghdad-2 e-PRT. in speaking about security and reconciliation efforts in eastern Baghdad. "The speakers all talked about the need for unity, which was a very positive message from all who spoke," added the Los Angeles native.
| Date Taken: | 09.15.2008 |
| Date Posted: | 09.24.2008 07:59 |
| Story ID: | 24070 |
| Location: | BAGHDAD, IQ |
| Web Views: | 351 |
| Downloads: | 319 |
This work, Iftar meal brings faiths together in spirit of reconciliation during Ramadan, by SPC Katrina Faulkner-Brown, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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