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Dear Catholic Community, and All Who Mourn,

We are deeply saddened by the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis, a remarkable spiritual leader whose legacy transcended borders and faith traditions. Throughout his life, he championed the causes of compassion, justice, and human dignity, and his message resonated with the hearts of believers from all walks of life.

As members of the Silver Sage Foundation, we honor his tireless efforts to foster understanding between religious communities, particularly between Muslims and Christians. He embodied the message of Jesus (peace be upon him)—a call to humility, mercy, and solidarity with the vulnerable. His voice for the poor, the oppressed, and refugees around the world will remain a beacon of moral courage.

Pope Francis also reminded us of our shared responsibility to care for our common home, the Earth, and to rise above the politics of division in pursuit of a more compassionate humanity.

His leadership encouraged us to take meaningful steps toward bridging differences through genuine dialogue, mutual respect, and shared service. These values echo deeply within the Hizmet philosophy we follow, which is rooted in the teachings of Hocaefendi M. Fethullah Gülen, who beautifully expressed:

“Interfaith dialogue is not a luxury, but a necessity. It is the only way for humanity to reach mutual understanding, peace, and coexistence.”

In this spirit, it is our heartfelt wish that the legacy of Pope Francis will inspire an even deeper commitment to dialogue, reconciliation, and collaborative efforts for peace—especially among the followers of the Abrahamic faiths, who share so much in history and in moral vision.

We offer our sincere condolences to the Catholic world, to our Christian brothers and sisters, and to all those who were touched by the Pope’s message of human fraternity. May his memory live on as a source of strength and a call to conscience for generations to come.

With peace and prayers

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Strengthening Community Ties: Silver Sage Visits Chief of Reno Police

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.

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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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Nevada’s First Legislative Iftar – A Historic Evening of Unity and Celebration

On March 20, 2025, Silver Sage Foundation-Reno had the distinct honor of hosting Nevada’s First Legislative Iftar Dinner at the Nevada State Legislative Building in Carson City. This momentous event took place at 6:15 PM in Room 3100, bringing together leaders to celebrate the spirit of Ramadan.

The evening was a beautiful blend of community and leadership, as nearly one hundred attendees gathered for an Iftar dinner filled with warmth, unity, and meaningful conversations. We were delighted to welcome a distinguished group of guests, including Nevada’s Attorney General, three state senators, and fifteen assembly members. Their participation made the event even more special and reflective of Nevada’s commitment to diversity, inclusion, and mutual understanding.

The Iftar served as a remarkable reminder of the power of dialogue and collaboration, fostering relationships. As we broke our fast together, we celebrated not only the holy month of Ramadan but also the shared values that unite us as Nevadans.

We would like to extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who attended and supported this historic event. It was an unforgettable evening, and we look forward to continuing efforts to build bridges and foster understanding within our state.

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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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SSF Reno and First United Methodist Church Iftar

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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Central Asian Iftar at Silver Sage!

In a heartwarming display of cultural unity and tradition, the Central Asian community recently gathered at the Silversage Foundation cultural center to celebrate an iftar party during the holy month of Ramadan. The event, which brought together individuals from various Central Asian countries, served as a beautiful reminder of the region’s rich history and the shared values that unite its diverse cultures.

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