Category Archives: Sister Cities of Houston
Houston Iftar dinner 2014 with the Mayor of Houston was a success!
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The 4th Annual Houston Iftar Ramadan Dinner with Mayor Annise Parker showed, this year again, a beautiful portrait of Brotherhood where all races and religions shared and enjoyed peacefully under one roof.
On Saturday, June 12th 2014, Iftar gathered together several communities with members of all faiths and denominations to break the daily fast during this prestigious dinner at the Bayou City Events Center. During Ramadan, Muslims request forgiveness for sins in the past, pray for direction and assistance in abstaining from everyday troubles, and endeavor to cleanse themselves through self-control and great acts of faith.
Almost 2000 people attended this meaningful event organized by the Baku, Abu Dhabi, Istanbul and Karachi Houston Sister Cities Associations and hosted by collaborating organizations such as the Azerbaijan Center, Raindrop Turkish House, the Islamic Society of Greater Houston, His Highness the Aga Khan Council for the Southwestern United States, the Pakistan Chamber of Commerce-USA, the National US-Arab Chamber of Commerce, Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston, the Council on American Islamic Relations Texas Chapter, the Hashoo Foundation, and many others!
The Mayor of Houston and other Congressional, County, City, business, civic leaders and Members of Consular Corps of Houston also attended the multi-cultural event to show their support and solidarity. After being introduced by Aftab Ghesani, President of His Highness the Aga Khan Council for Southwestern United States, Mayor Annise Parker highlighted the importance of solidarity and diversity as foundations of the City of Houston while addressing the full banquet hall. The Mayor also made emphasis on the wonderful work that all Sister Cities are able to accomplish together.
The Mayor of Houston was joined by a Guest of Honor, S. Javaid Anwar, President and CEO of Midland Energy. Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee and Congressman Al Green, both congressional representatives whose districts are located in Houston, also greeted the audience and presented proclamations to the organizers of the dinner for their hard work towards creating a more diverse and bonded society. All the volunteers at this event were a perfect representation of diversity and unity!
The Azerbaijani community together with the Pakistani, Turkish, Arab, and American communities were all proud to be a part of this symbolic event and look forward to the next ones to come.
On behalf of the Organizing Committee of Houston Iftar 2014, we would like to express our sincere gratitude to all the volunteers and participating organizations for their strong support!
Read more on:
http://www.azertag.com/en/node/1252970
http://www.thenews.com.pk/article-154062-Houston-Mayer-Annise-Parker-attends-Iftar-dinner
http://www.geo.tv/article-154062-Houston-Mayer-Annise-Parker-attends-Iftar-dinner
https://www.facebook.com/CAIRNational/posts/10152278546822695
http://photonews.com.pk/houston-mayer-annise-parker-hosts-iftar-dinner/
Houston Annual Iftar Dinner
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What is Ramadan?
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar; Muslims worldwide observe this as a month of fasting.This annual observance is regarded as one of the Five Pillars of Islam.The month lasts 29-30 days based on the visual sightings of the crescent moon.
This year, Ramadan will start in June 28th and finish on July 28th.
During Ramadan, Muslims request forgiveness for sins in the past, pray for direction and assistance in abstaining from everyday troubles, and endeavor to cleanse themselves through self-control and great acts of faith.
18th Annual Sister Cities of Houston Children’s International Parade
In preparation for the opening ceremony of the Houston 2011 Ifest, HBSCA adopted a class at Poe’s Elementary School in Houston to represent Baku in the 18th annual Sister Cities of Houston Children’s International parade. HBSCA volunteers visited the kids in their class room to give a presentation about Baku and Azerbaijan and teach the children a few words of Azeri language which was received with great enthusiasm by the kids and their teacher Ms. Donna Williams. The school children and their teacher also represented HBSCA at the official opening ceremony of the 2011 IFest by Mayor Annise Parker.
Houston-Baku Sister City Association 