On the sacred evening of March 25, 2025, as hearts softened and prayers ascended to the heavens during the final nights of Ramadan, the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) graciously hosted a spiritually profound and deeply inclusive Laylat al-Qadr program. This was not only a gathering of faith, but a celebration of shared humanity, transcending backgrounds, beliefs, and languages.

The evening was a heartfelt manifestation of the Hizmet Movement’s core values: service, dialogue, education, and peaceful coexistence. In a world too often divided by fear and misunderstanding, Las Vegas became a beacon of hope, sending forth a message of brotherhood, compassion, and unity to the world.

“Love and tolerance are the most essential elements of a better world,” reminds Hocaefendi Fethullah Gülen, and this night echoed his words in every corner.

Distinguished guests from diverse faiths, cultures, and civic institutions gathered under one roof, unified by their respect for this holy night and their shared commitment to building bridges of understanding. It was a night that reminded all present that dialogue is not a luxury, but a necessity in today’s world.

Captain Dave Sims of LVMPD added to the heartfelt acknowledgments by extending thanks to  executive members of Silver Sage.

“Hearts open when hands join,” said one guest, “and tonight, Las Vegas held hands in harmony.”

The guests enjoyed a c traditional Turkish cuisine, lovingly prepared and shared as a gesture of hospitality. After dessert, many were introduced for the first time to the rich aromas and cultural warmth of authentic Turkish coffee—a symbol of slow conversation and lasting connection. What began as a meal became a shared experience of new friendships, heartfelt conversations, and the gentle unfolding of interfaith solidarity.

“If hearts can meet, differences can disappear,” Hocaefendi reminds us. And indeed, on this night, differences melted away into mutual respect and admiration.

We extend our deepest thanks to every volunteer, organizer, sponsor, and community partner who contributed to this sacred evening. Your devotion reflects the spirit of selfless service for the betterment of all. Let this night be a seed, planted in the soil of our hearts, blooming into ongoing dialogue, cooperation, and peace.

May this blessed night continue to shine in our memories and inspire us to build a world where compassion is the common language, and service to others is the noblest expression of faith.

Las Vegas, NV – March 21, 2025

On a beautiful evening filled with warmth and togetherness, Intercultural Dialog hosted its much-anticipated Annual Iftar Dinner, bringing together a diverse gathering of faith leaders, community members, and distinguished guests. The event served as a powerful testament to the values of dialogue, understanding, and building bridges across cultures and beliefs.

An Evening of Gratitude and Togetherness

The night began with heartfelt appreciation for the incredible volunteers who worked tirelessly to prepare the evening’s meal while fasting—a true act of generosity and devotion. Special thanks were also extended to the dedicated community members who decorated the venue and ensured that every detail of the event reflected the spirit of hospitality.

A particularly spiritual and moving moment came when an executive member of Silver Sage Intercultural Dialogue, beautifully recited the Adhan (call to prayer), marking the time to break the fast. As the call to prayer marked the moment to break the fast, attendees shared a delicious meal, symbolizing the essence of Ramadan—gratitude, patience, and selfless giving.

Inspiring Keynote & Meaningful Conversations

The evening featured a thought-provoking keynote address by Professor David Fott, who shared insights on the power of human connection and the role of interfaith dialogue in fostering peace. His words resonated deeply, reminding us that “understanding begins with conversation, and peace begins with listening.”

As the evening ended, final remarks from Dr. Christie Batson, Ms. Allyson Egbert, and Mr. Anar Mehraliyev all, in an unplanned yet deeply moving way, centered on the importance of rebuilding neighborly relationships. Dr. Batson fondly recalled how, in her childhood, her mother would send her to a neighbor’s house to borrow sugar or salt—an experience that today feels almost lost. Ms. Allyson emphasized the simple yet powerful act of knocking on a neighbor’s door, highlighting how small gestures can create lasting friendships. Anar Mehraliyev, in his closing remarks, shared a deeply moving true story from the Hizmet Movement, about a teacher who persisted in building bridges in a divided community.

At first, neighbors of different faiths kept their distance, hesitant and even unwilling to engage. But the teacher never gave up. He continued knocking on doors, reaching out, and slowly, hearts and minds began to change. One day, a local priest told him, “We were taught all our lives to stay away from each other. But now, I see that there is no difference between us.”

A Night to Remember

The Annual Iftar Dinner was not just an event, it was an experience of love, unity, and mutual respect. It reinforced the belief that through shared meals, open conversations, and genuine compassion, we build bridges that strengthen our communities.

As the night drew to a close, one sentiment remained:

“Keep knocking. Keep connecting. Because behind every door is the possibility of a new friendship.”

 May the spirit of Ramadan continue to inspire us all throughout the year!