Universal Foundation and Old First Reformed Church organized a joint prayer service for the commemoration of the victims of the September 11, 2001. Members of Muslim, Christian and Jewish faiths came together for a special interfaith prayer service on Sunday September 9, 2007. The program started with praises and prayers to the Lord Almighty. Imam Ekrem Ozcan performed recitation of the Holy QURAN. The program continued with the sermons given by Dr. Gazi Erdem, Attaché of Religious Affairs of the Turkish Consulate General in NY and by Rev. Dr. Daniel Meeter, Pastor of Old First Reformed Church.

Yusuf Cirak, president of UF, introduced Universal Foundation to the congregation of the Old First Reformed Church. Mr. Cirak pointed out the importance of interfaith dialogue between believers of Muslim, Christian, and Jewish faiths in Brooklyn. He said: “We are the children of Abraham, who is the common ground for the three major religions.” He informed the participants of the prayer about the activities and programs of Universal Foundation; the goals and vision to build a better future, educate new generations to better understand of each other, show respect and tolerance to others and live in peace and harmony in our community.

At the end of the service, Rev. Dr. Daniel Meeter and Dr. Gazi Erdem gave a joint prayer with the participation of Muslims, Christians, and Jews in the Church. The audience in the church joined the prayer with “amen” and charity offerings.

 The program concluded with home made Turkish food offerings by Universal Foundation. Participants of the service exchanged ideas and thoughts in their faiths while enjoying the Turkish foods.     

Some Pictures from the Interfaith Prayer Service