The Turkish Cultural Center of Queens celebrated its 9th annual friendship dinner April 24 th Tuesday night at the Flushing town Hall.
Every year different issues are targeted. This years theme was hate crimes and young peace builders.
The evening began with art exhibition of pictures and strong statements made by powerful people such as Martin L. King Jr, Ghandi, Fethullah Gulen and many more. There was about 200 guests including Queens County Clerk Audrey Pheffer,District Attorney Richard Brown's Office,Senator Toby Ann Stavisky, Queens Borough Deputy President Barry Grodenchick, Mirna velasquez Immigrant Affairs Director of Representative Joseph Crowley, Susie Tanenbaum community and Cultural Coordinator for Borough President Helen Marshal and educators, community leaders, religious leaders and many more.
the guests were shown a brief video about TCC Queens, then invited to enjoy delicious Turkish food along with appetizers and dessert. The atmosphere was a welcoming and peaceful one. Every table consisted of people from different walks of life.
Every year peace awards are given out. This years peace awards recipients were Queens College. The other recipient was Mr. Ibrahim Sayar for Peace island institute his speech consisted of a short video of powerful people regarding Fethullah Gulen and his importance in the role of making peace in the world through tolerance and understanding.
Community awards were also given to Helping Hands Relief Foundation and Angel in Queens-Jorge Munoz.
The evening ended with a very meaningful song by Cat Stevens/Yusuf Islam "Peace Train". The song focuses on similarities rather than differences.
