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LVMPD and Silver Sage Foundation Unite the Community for a Meaningful Night of Reflection and Fellowship Unite the Community for a Meaningful Night of Reflection and Fellowship

On March 11, the Silver Sage Foundation, in partnership with the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, hosted a special Community Iftar Dinner at LVMPD Headquarters, bringing together residents of Las Vegas from diverse backgrounds, faiths, and walks of life.

The gathering took place during the final days of Ramadan and was dedicated to honoring Laylat al-Qadr, often referred to as the Night of Power; a deeply spiritual night in the Muslim tradition associated with prayer, reflection, and gratitude. The evening offered a unique opportunity for members of the Muslim community and neighbors from other faith traditions to share in the experience of breaking the fast together.

More than simply a dinner, the event served as a heartfelt moment of connection. Faith leaders, community members, civic partners, and guests sat side by side, sharing food and conversation in an atmosphere of mutual respect and friendship. The gathering reflected a shared commitment to strengthening relationships and building understanding among the many communities that call Las Vegas home.

A central role in making the evening possible was played by the devoted volunteers of the Silver Sage Foundation. With quiet dedication and sincere hospitality, volunteers worked throughout the day and evening to prepare the space, welcome guests, coordinate the program, and ensure that everyone felt at home.

Their efforts went far beyond logistics. The volunteers created an environment that reflected the true spirit of Ramadan service, generosity, humility, and care for others. Many guests expressed appreciation not only for the meal that was served but for the warm atmosphere of fellowship that filled the room.

Partnerships like the one between Silver Sage Foundation and the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department highlight the importance of dialogue and cooperation between community organizations and public institutions. By opening its doors for events like this, LVMPD continues to demonstrate its commitment to engaging with the diverse communities it serves.

As the evening unfolded, guests shared reflections, prayers, and meaningful conversations that carried the spirit of Ramadan gratitude, compassion, and unity. For many attendees, the gathering was a reminder that even in a large and diverse city, simple acts such as sharing a meal can bring people closer together.
The Silver Sage Foundation expressed its gratitude to LVMPD, community leaders, and all who attended, while offering special recognition to the volunteers whose dedication made the evening both welcoming and memorable.
Through initiatives like this community iftar, Silver Sage Foundation continues its mission of fostering understanding, nurturing friendships across cultures and faiths, and strengthening the social fabric of Las Vegas.

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More Than a Meal: A Heartfelt Iftar Gathering Among Friends

On the evening of March 6, we were blessed to gather for a warm home iftar in the company of dear friends. Ms. Allyson, Mr. Martin, and Mr. Mujahid Ramadan joined us for this special evening, while Mr. Yavuz and Ms. Kevser graciously opened their home and hearts as our generous hosts.

The table was filled with delicious food, lovingly prepared, but what truly nourished the evening were the sincere conversations and the spirit of friendship that surrounded us. Stories were shared, hearts were opened, and a beautiful atmosphere of understanding and companionship filled the home.

There is a well-known Turkish proverb that captures the essence of such moments:
“The heart neither seeks tea nor a coffeehouse; the heart seeks companionship; tea is merely the excuse.”
Indeed, the Iftar was simply a reason to gather, while the real treasure of the evening was the meaningful dialogue and the warmth of being together.

As the time for Iftar arrived, we broke our fast in gratitude. The call to prayer gently filled the room creating a sense of reverence, inviting us to pause and reflect. Saying prayers together after the adhan became the crown of the night; a moment that reminded us that beyond the food and conversation, it is the shared spiritual connection that gives such gatherings their deepest meaning.

It was an evening of gratitude, friendship, and heartfelt connection; a reminder that sometimes the most meaningful bridges between people are built around a simple table, sincere conversation, and shared moments of faith.

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Annual Signature Iftar Dinner

On March 1, Silver Sage Foundation Intercultural Dialogue gathered hearts once again for its 3rd Annual Signature Iftar Dinner; an evening where faith, culture, and friendship met around one table.
As the sun gently surrendered to the desert horizon, guests arrived with warm greetings and open hearts. Among them was the Honorable Shelley Berkley, whose presence honored the spirit of unity that defines our city. We were also privileged to welcome Mr. Marvin Gawryn, Executive Director of the Interfaith Council of Southern Nevada, Henderson Fire Chief Scott Vivier, and many other distinguished faith and community leaders who stood with us in solidarity and friendship.
Ramadan is a month of reflection and gratitude; and Iftar is its daily gift: the moment when patience turns into thanksgiving. As the call to prayer echoed softly and the fast was broken with dates and water, silence carried a sacred weight. It was not merely hunger being satisfied; it was hearts recognizing one another in shared humanity.
The evening unfolded like a gentle tapestry of cultures. After dinner, traditional Turkish coffee was prepared and served in its authentic style; slow, fragrant, intentional; inviting conversation to linger and friendships to deepen. Alongside it, delicate slices of Turkish baklava offered sweetness, reminding us that hospitality is an art shaped by centuries of care.
Then came the breath of the Ney; the traditional Turkish reed flute; its sound rising softly like a prayer carried on wind. The melody seemed to speak without words, telling stories of longing, devotion, and hope. In another corner of the hall, an artist carefully inscribed the names of our guests in elegant calligraphy, each stroke deliberate and graceful. Watching one’s own name transformed into art became a quiet reminder: every individual carries beauty, every name carries dignity.
In her closing remarks, Mayor Shelley Berkley shared how happy she was to attend our program. She reflected that Las Vegas is one of the most diverse cities in the world, and how beautiful it was to witness that diversity embodied before her eyes; people of different faiths, cultures, and backgrounds sitting at the same table and dining together. With warmth and sincerity, she expressed her desire to continue participating in our future gatherings, saying, “Please invite me again. I would love to attend.” Her words were not only encouraging; they affirmed the value of building spaces where diversity is celebrated through genuine connection.
Throughout the evening, conversations crossed traditions, titles softened into friendships, and differences became bridges rather than barriers. Faith was not debated; it was lived; through kindness, attentive listening, and shared presence.
The 3rd Annual Signature Iftar Dinner was more than a program. It was a testimony that in a world often hurried and divided, there are still spaces where people gather with sincerity. Spaces where diversity is not merely acknowledged, but cherished. Spaces where the table becomes a symbol of something greater; shared purpose, shared hope, shared future.

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Celebrating Friendship and Community at Our Ramadan Iftar Dinner – February 2026

Silver Sage Foundation-Reno, in partnership with Truckee Meadows Community College (TMCC), recently hosted a Ramadan Friendship Iftar Dinner that brought together faculty, community members, and guests for a meaningful evening of connection.

The gathering reflected the true spirit of Ramadan-sharing a meal, strengthening friendships, and celebrating values of unity, compassion, and mutual respect. Guests from diverse backgrounds came together around the same table, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere filled with conversation and understanding.

We are grateful to TMCC and to everyone who participated and helped make this evening a beautiful reminder of the importance of community and togetherness.

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Iftar Dinner at The Church of Jesus Christ Latter Day Saints

On February 27, 2026, an evening of light and friendship unfolded in Henderson as Silver Sage Foundation gathered with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for a heartfelt Iftar during the sacred month of Ramadan. For the second year in a row, our Latter-day Saint friends opened their house of worship not only as gracious hosts, but as true partners in fellowship. Side by side, we set the tables, prepared the meal, and awaited the sunset together in quiet, shared anticipation; hearts aligned in purpose long before the fast was broken. The warmth in the room could be felt long before the first date was tasted.
We are grateful for the presence of Michelle Romero, along with Henderson Councilmen Dan Stewart and Jim Seebock, whose attendance reflected the spirit of unity that defines our city.
A special highlight of the evening was Ms. Mukaddes’ engaging presentation on understanding Ramadan. With clarity and grace, she explained that fasting is more than abstaining from food and drink; it is a discipline of gratitude, empathy, and spiritual refinement.
We are deeply grateful to Ms. Allison Egbert, Mr. Martin Egbert, and Ryan Woodward for partnering with us so wholeheartedly and for opening not only their place of worship, but their hearts. Their sincerity, generosity, and gracious hospitality transformed a simple gathering into something far more meaningful; a true experience of shared belonging.
Silver Sage Foundation extends heartfelt thanks to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and to every individual who made this night possible. It was more than a meal. It was friendship in action; sincere, mutual, and rooted in faith; a living testament that when hearts open, communities flourish.

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Night of Light and Unity

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.

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Intercultural Dialogue of Silver Sage Foundation Hosts Inspiring Annual Iftar Dinner

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!

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Cooking Club Iftar Program

During the blessed month of Ramadan, the spirit of togetherness and sharing was alive and well in our Cooking Club. Even with the special season of fasting, our members didn’t miss a chance to come together and celebrate the joy of community, food, and friendship.

We were fortunate to have one of our members open their home, creating the perfect space for our Iftar dinner. The evening was filled with laughter, love, and of course, a delicious spread of dishes that showcased the talents and culinary creativity of our club members.

We are grateful for the love and warmth our members bring to every event. As we continue our cooking adventures, moments like this are a true testament to the bonds we’ve built within the Cooking Club.

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Iftar Dinner with Epiphany Episcopal Church

The Intercultural Dialogue Team recently had the honor of collaborating with Epiphany Episcopal Church to host a beautiful and meaningful Iftar Dinner. This event brought together members of both our communities, offering a chance to break bread, share stories, and reflect on the values that unite us.

With our close friends from Epiphany in attendance, the evening was filled with warmth and gratitude. As we gathered to celebrate this special occasion, we not only enjoyed a delicious meal but also engaged in thoughtful discussions, focusing on the commonalities that bind us together despite our differences.

What made the evening even more special was the heartfelt gratitude shared by our friends from Epiphany. Several of our guests took the time to write letters expressing their thanks and the deep sense of friendship they felt, reminding us of the power of connection and mutual respect.

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Silver Sage Foundation and Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Partner for a Successful Iftar Dinner

On March 8, the Silver Sage Foundation and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints came together to host a heartwarming and impactful Iftar Dinner event, marking a wonderful collaboration between two organizations committed to serving and uplifting our community. The event was a shining example of what can be achieved when different groups unite in a spirit of faith, love, and service.

The Iftar Dinner was more than just a meal—it was a celebration of community, shared values, and the power of coming together for a common cause. The evening brought together individuals from all walks of life to enjoy a delicious dinner, build meaningful connections, and engage in conversations centered around faith, compassion, and service.

We want to express our sincere gratitude to everyone who attended, volunteered, and supported this event. Your presence and contributions made a significant impact, and we are deeply thankful for your commitment to service and community. We also extend our heartfelt thanks to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for hosting us and for being such a positive force in our shared mission to serve others.

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