Press Releases

Search

IONA Hosts Succeeding International Delegations From Afghanistan

View PDF

On September 18, 2014, IONA was the host of a large delegation from Afghanistan sponsored by the State department through the International Visitors Council (IVC). The group, which included five high-ranking political, governmental, and religious figures, came together at IONA to learn about our community and the services we provide as well as our interfaith and governmental networking. Ameer Mustapha Elturk representing IONA,

Rev. Dan Buttrey from the Interfaith Leadership Council of Metropolitan Detroit (IFLC), and Mr. Dawood Zwink, the Executive Director of the Michigan Muslim Community Council (MMCC), shared their experiences in peacebuilding, conflict resolution, and inter-communal dialogue.
IONA was honored to be selected to share stories, experiences, and techniques that helped shape the city of Warren after facing fierce resistance from city residents and officials in 2006 while pursuing the establishment of IONA as a mosque and learning center. “Working with interfaith leaders and government officials is key to building an inclusive city,” explained Imam Elturk. He praised the American justice system as he explained the role of the Department of Justice during the conflict.
Rev. Buttry, working in the field of conflict resolution, admitted how tough it could sometimes get. “The key to success is to remain resilient and not give up,” Rev. Buttry stressed. Mr. Zwink explained the MMCC’s mission in promoting both the Islamic and American values and the work MMCC does with civic engagement, charitable causes, and Jewish-Islamic relations among other activities.

On September 18, 2014, IONA was the host of a large delegation from Afghanistan sponsored by the State department through the International Visitors Council (IVC). The group, which included five high-ranking political, governmental, and religious figures, came together at IONA to learn about our community and the services we provide as well as our interfaith and governmental networking. Ameer Mustapha Elturk representing IONA,

Yesterday (Wednesday, November 19), Mr. Malawi Ghulam Sarwar, Head of Heart Peace Council, Herat Province, and Mr. Fazel Karim Aymaq, High Peace Council Member, Kunduz Province, sponsored by the State Department through the IVC, visited IONA to learn more about the great benefits of religious freedom and education here in America and how IONA has integrated into the multi-religious fabric of this country.
IONA, 28630 Ryan Rd., Warren, MI 48092 | Tel: 586-558-6900 | E-mail: center@iononline.org
End
IONA’s mission is to transform its members and help transform the surrounding communities to righteous, God-fearing people, who collectively strive for the highest moral standard and constantly seek forgiveness from our Creator to earn His pleasure. We seek His compassion and mercy in this life and in the hereafter. We rejuvenate our soul through internal struggle and spiritual exercise in worship of our creator God. The strength of our belief in God gives us the courage to establish good and forbid evil, thus promoting a system of justice for all mankind.