Silver Sage Foundation Reno volunteers recently had the pleasure of visiting Chief Kathryn Nance of the Reno Police Department. While the department’s new office opened last September, this visit marked our first in-person opportunity to offer congratulations and connect more deeply.
Our meeting was more than just a courtesy call — it was a meaningful exchange of ideas on how Silver Sage and the Reno Police Department can collaborate on initiatives that foster peace, harmony, and mutual understanding within our community.
As a token of goodwill and appreciation, we presented Chief Nance with a handcrafted porcelain plate from Türkiye, accompanied by a box of traditional Turkish delight. A small gift, but one rooted in our belief that “sweet conversations begin with something sweet.”
We’re excited about the possibilities that lie ahead and look forward to future collaborations that support intercultural dialogue and strong community engagement.
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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On a beautiful evening filled with warmth and togetherness, Intercultural Dialoghosted 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!
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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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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On March 15th, we had the honor of gathering with our community for a truly special Interfaith Iftar Dinner, graciously organized by the Silver Sage Foundation – Reno and hosted by the First United Methodist Church at their Downtown Reno location. The evening was a beautiful opportunity to unite in the spirit of Ramadan, break the fast together, and share a traditional Turkish meal.
This unforgettable evening was filled with warm conversations, thoughtful presentations from community peacemakers, and an overwhelming sense of collaboration. It was a true reflection of the spirit of unity, understanding, and respect that defines our diverse community.
We are deeply grateful to everyone who joined us in fostering understanding, celebrating diversity, and strengthening the bonds that make our community so unique. A heartfelt thank you goes to the First United Methodist Church for graciously opening their doors and making this meaningful event possible.
As we look ahead, we are excited to continue this important work, bringing our community together to promote peace, collaboration, and mutual respect. Stay tuned for future events and initiatives as we strive to create a more unified and inclusive community.
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Please join us in praying for the victims of the Earthquake in Turkey & Syria. We will host a virtual DUA (Prayer) Night on Saturday, February 11 at 7:30 pm (PT). There will be Quran recitation and Prayers (DUA) for the victims of the earthquake.
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Our boot camp is an intensive, short-term course designed to prepare you for a standardized test, such as the SAT or ACT, in a condensed amount of time. It often involves long hours of studying, practice tests, and drill sessions, with the goal of improving test scores and performance.
Our program offers a supportive and collaborative learning environment that allows students to study with your friends and make new connections with others who have similar goals. By studying alongside your friends, you will be able to provide each other with motivation, accountability, and a sense of camaraderie as you work towards your goal of improving your ACT scores. And not only will you have the opportunity to deepen your existing relationships, but you will also make new friends who share your passion for academic success. Overall, our ACT prep program is the perfect setting for you to achieve your full potential and have a fun and engaging learning experience.
Our next program will take place between March 13th and 15th.
We celebrate Eid al-Adha as a feast of sharing, self-sacrifice and compassion. People come together to rekindle friendships and help to those in need.
In 2020, Silver Sage Foundation organized a series of events to keep the spirit of Eid alive in spite of the pandemic. We adapted and organized our events in total respect to the social distancing rules.
As COVID-19 spreads through our nation and our community, we are all feeling anxious, uncertain and perhaps alone. Please join our Religious Leaders as we come together in prayer.
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