Press

In the Name of God, The Compassionate, The Merciful

All Dulles Area Muslim Society (ADAMS)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 9/11/2007

SIXTH ANNUAL PEACE GATHERING HELD AT ADAMS CENTER

Members of the All Dulles Area Muslim Society (ADAMS Center) hosted interfaith leaders, government officials, local police and fire departments, and agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in their sixth annual Peace Gathering held on Saturday, September 8th , at ADAMS Center.

Begun in 2002, the Peace Gathering is an evening spent together to reflect on and remember the victims of the tragic events of Sept 11, 2001, and to share prayers for peace and compassion. It is an opportunity to remember that peace is a goal that comes only through the efforts and dedication of people of all faiths toward building bridges of peace and understanding. American Muslims Condemn Terrorism and Extremism.

In keeping with this annual tradition, those gathered honored the efforts made this past year by the members of the Loudoun County Sherriff Department, Town of Herndon Police Department, Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department, Sterling Volunteer Fire Department, Fairfax County Police Department, and The FBI Washington Field Office. Each Department was presented with a plaque commemorating their tireless dedication to the community and National Security.

The following interfaith leaders joined the All Dulles Area Muslim Society that evening and addressed the Gathering with their inspirational reflections on peace:

*Mr. Marshall Medoff, President, Beth Chaverim Jewish Reform Congregation
*Mr. David Boynton, Chairman, Langley Hill Friends Meeting Peace & International Outreach Committee
*Pastor Dr. Bruce Irwin, United Christian Parish
*Mr. Ray Daffner, President, Loudoun Interfaith B. R. I. D. G. E. S.
*Rev. Dr. Clark Lobenstine, Executive Director, Interfaith Conference of Metropolitan Washington
*Ms. Andrea Barrone, Jews for Jewish Muslim Understanding
*Mr. Lee Diamond, Chair, DC Area Chapter Brit Tzedek Shalom, The Jewish Alliance for Justice and Peace – Israeli and Palestinian Teenagers spoke about PEACE.

Sharing their thoughts on peace and bridge-building, the following government officials addressed the Gathering:
*State Senator Mark Herring
*State Senator Janet Howell

*Mayor Steve DeBenedittis, Town of Herndon
*Supervisor Catherine Hudgins, Fairfax County Supervisor
*Delegate David Poisson
*Delegate Tom Rust
*Sheriff Steve Simpson, Loudoun County

American Muslim Leaders that spoke at the event:
Mr. Rizwan Jaka, ADAMS President
Imam Mohamed Magid, ADAMS Executive Director
Mr. Omar Ashraf, ADAMS Chairperson of Board of Trustees
Mr. Farooq Syed, ADAMS Vice President
Ms. Farhanahz Ellis, ADAMS Interfaith Director
Mr.Bob Marro, Government Relations Committee Chairperson
Ms. Hidayah Jaka, ADAMS Girl Scout
Ms. Priscilla Martinez, ADAMS Girl Scouts Leader
Mr. Joshua Salaam, ADAMS Youth Director
Dr. Saeed Syeed, ISNA Interfaith/Outreach Office Executive Director

The evening concluded with dinner and the presentation of the plaques.

*Mayor Steve DeBenedittis, Town of Herndon
*Supervisor Catherine Hudgins, Fairfax County Supervisor
*Delegate David Poisson
*Delegate Tom Rust
*Sheriff Steve Simpson, Loudoun County

American Muslim Leaders that spoke at the event:
Mr. Rizwan Jaka, ADAMS President
Imam Mohamed Magid, ADAMS Executive Director
Mr. Omar Ashraf, ADAMS Chairperson of Board of Trustees
Mr. Farooq Syed, ADAMS Vice President
Ms. Farhanahz Ellis, ADAMS Interfaith Director
Mr.Bob Marro, Government Relations Committee Chairperson
Ms. Hidayah Jaka, ADAMS Girl Scout
Ms. Priscilla Martinez, ADAMS Girl Scouts Leader
Mr. Joshua Salaam, ADAMS Youth Director
Dr. Saeed Syeed, ISNA Interfaith/Outreach Office Executive Director

The evening concluded with dinner and the presentation of the plaques.