Sunday night, an interfaith iftar dinner hosted by state Reps. Salman Bhojani, Uless and Nima Bhojani included religious leaders from across North Texas and U.S. Senate candidate Rep. Colin Allred, D-Dallas. ), about 40 local politicians gathered.
“Our prayer is that we will remember our common values and the common call to justice that runs through all of our faith traditions,” Allred said in a short speech. mentioned in. “And for our democracy, because at the end of the day our democracy protects our ability to practice our faith traditions.”
Interfaith relations are an important topic for Bojani, who became one of the first two Muslims elected to the Texas House of Representatives in 2022. As a new lawmaker, he introduced several bills to expand religious freedom. A bipartisan bill passed now prevents school districts from scheduling standardized tests on certain holidays that are sacred to Jews, Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs and Christians.
“Let us remember the importance of pluralism,” Bhojani said at the event. “Let us embrace the diversity that enriches our society and celebrate the contributions of each and every person gathered here tonight.”
Iftar is a fast-breaking meal held every night after sunset during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan. Bhojani's son Arish, who introduced his father at the event, said Bhojani plans to organize this event every year.
In addition to Allred and Bhojani, members of eight religions spoke at the event in Irving about how their respective traditions view interreligious relationships.
The speaker was Christian pastor Patrick Moses, Democratic candidate for Tarrant County Sheriff. Joel Schwitzer, regional director of the American Jewish Committee; Imam Mujahed Bahaha of Fort Worth. Hindu representative Bindu Patel. Sikh Harbhajan Singh Virdi. Ava Damri, representative of Zoroastrianism. Bhante Virmalakiti of Buddhism. and Maha Iskandar of the Baha'i faith.
