Twelve Gates Foundation at New York State Assembly and New York Governor’s Iftar Dinner

On Monday, April 25, 2022, New York Governor Hon. Kathleen Courtney Hochul hosted Iftar Dinner in the New York State Museum, in Albany, New York.

Yonkers, District 90, Assemblyman Hon. Nader J. Sayegh and Guru Dileepkumar Thankappan arranged invitations to this dinner for a peace and interfaith delegation to be present. The four-person delegation included Guru Dileepji, Imam Shamsi Ali, Imam Muhammad Shahidullah, and Twelve Gates Foundation President, Dr. Frank Kaufmann. 

Introduction and Recognition in New York State Assembly

Prior to the Dinner, Assemblyman Sayegh introduced the interfaith and peace delegation on the floor of the New York State Assembly. Here is the video of this presentation, and welcome from House Speaker Pro Tempore, Hon Jeffrion L. Aubrey and Assembly delegates.

Here are images from the Statehouse and this introduction. In one of the pictures on the house floor, is Assemblyman David I. Weprin Assembly District 24

Iftar Dinner 

After introductions to the Assembly, our same delegation moved across the concourse to Governor Hochul‘s invitational Iftar dinner. Imam Shamsi Ali called the Azan (the call to prayer to conclude the day’s fast), after which all gathered for Maghrib prayer (sunset prayer). The meal was abundant and appreciated. After some time, educator Debbie al Montasseroffered thoughts and commentary. Imam Mansoor Omar expressed gratitude on behalf of the community and introduced Governor Hochul to offer a keynote for the evening. The Governor spoke for several minutes on the importance of the day, and in praise and gratitude for the contribution to New York, and to American culture by Muslim Americans. The governor made efforts to visit and greet each table once the program formally concluded. 

Here are some pictures from the Iftar dinner. The religious delegation was joined in the dinner by author and professional therapist Dr. Mark Hillman