Press Release: Chicago Area Muslims to Mark Ramadan with Interfaith Dinner

(Chicago, IL, 10/04/05) – The Chicago office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) announced that the Muslim community in Chicago’s Southwestern Suburbs is marking the start of Ramadan by opening its doors to neighbors, interfaith leaders, law enforcement and elected officials. Mayors, village trustees, and chiefs of police from Burr Ridge, Hinsdale, Oak Brook, Willowbrook, Darien, and Westmont are expected to attend the iftar meal (breaking of the fast) hosted by the community’s Muslim Educational & Cultural Center of America (MECCA). WHAT: Community Interfaith Ramadan Meal hosted by MECCA

WHEN: Reception, 12:30 – 5:30; Program 5:30 – 6:30; Dinner 6:30. Wed, October 5 p.m.

WHERE: Ashton Place, 341 75th St. Willowbrook, IL

“Ramadan creates for a spirit of community and sharing,” said Yaser Tabbara, CAIR-Chicago Executive Director. “It also provides a wonderful opportunity through which Americans of all other faiths can connect on a personal level with their Muslim neighbors.” Ramadan is the month on the Islamic lunar calendar during which Muslims abstain from food, drink and other sensual pleasures from break of dawn to sunset. It is scheduled to begin in the US on October 5th.

CAIR, America's largest Islamic civil liberties group, is headquartered in Washington, D.C., and has 31 regional offices and chapters nationwide and in Canada.

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CONTACT: Ahmed Rehab, 312 212-1520, 847 971-3963;communications@cairchicago.org; Yaser Tabbara, 312 718-3725;director@cairchicago.org ; Hani Atassi, MECCA 630 661-6275