On October 15, 2014, Peace Islands Institute (PII) and the United Nations Association Young Professionals of the Southern New York State Division (UNA-SNY YP) held a Communal Dinner Celebration on the occasion of Yom Kippur and Eid Al-Adha holidays, which coincided on October 4, 2014. Distinguished panelists and experts shared their insights on how the communalities between cultures, religions and ethnicities can advance the peace worldwide. Following the panel session, dinner, which had several tastes from different cuisines, was served.
Camelia Mortezazadeh, who is the Middle Eastern Affairs Committee Director of the UNA-SNY Young Professionals, indicated “What brought us here tonight is to speak about the commonalities of our different backgrounds”. Ms. Mortezazadeh also underlined that rather than talking about the differences, we need to elaborate more on what brings us together.
In his opening remarks, Mehmet Kilic, Director of the Center for Global Affairs of the Peace Islands Institute said: “There are two types of people: there are ones who are peacemakers and ones who are trouble makers.” Mr. Kilic said that this communal dinner aims to build a stronger bond of friendship among the people from diverse cultures and religions. Mr. Kilic has also introduced one of the most remarkable peacemaker projects of the Peace Islands Institute: Young Peace Builders. He underlined that the purpose of the Young Peace Builders was to bring Muslim and Jewish teens together and create an atmosphere where they can talk about their culture, religion and find commonalities. Mr. Kilic talked about how these “young peace builders” joined their efforts together and cooked for the victims of Hurricane Sandy, when the help was most needed.
Camelia Mortezazadeh, who is the Middle Eastern Affairs Committee Director of the UNA-SNY Young Professionals, indicated “What brought us here tonight is to speak about the commonalities of our different backgrounds”. Ms. Mortezazadeh also underlined that rather than talking about the differences, we need to elaborate more on what brings us together.
In his opening remarks, Mehmet Kilic, Director of the Center for Global Affairs of the Peace Islands Institute said: “There are two types of people: there are ones who are peacemakers and ones who are trouble makers.” Mr. Kilic said that this communal dinner aims to build a stronger bond of friendship among the people from diverse cultures and religions. Mr. Kilic has also introduced one of the most remarkable peacemaker projects of the Peace Islands Institute: Young Peace Builders. He underlined that the purpose of the Young Peace Builders was to bring Muslim and Jewish teens together and create an atmosphere where they can talk about their culture, religion and find commonalities. Mr. Kilic talked about how these “young peace builders” joined their efforts together and cooked for the victims of Hurricane Sandy, when the help was most needed.