Intercultural Association of Michigan, along with the Kaufman Interfaith Institute, organizes the Abrahamic Dinner every year for the purpose of strengthening friendship and understanding among three Abrahamic Traditions: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. We proudly host a diverse group of attendees from churches, synagogues, and mosques, as well as members of the wider community from around the region. All are welcome to attend!
2020: REFUGEE STORIES OF FAITH AND HOPE
Winifred Eshragh, Jasna Putnik & Clementine Sikiri
Our country is deeply enriched by individuals who for one reason or another had to leave their home and start a life here in the United States. The journeys and stories may be vastly different, but in each there is hope. These profound individuals shared snapshots of their experiences and what has sustained them along the way.
Speakers
Jasna Putnik, Executive Customer Representative at Merck
Clementine Sikiri, Social Worker at Bethany Christian Services
Hasan Ali Yurtsever, Executive Director at Huddled Masses.
This year's Abrahamic Dinner took place on February 11 at Masjid at-Tawheed.
Imam Morsy Salem
Event highlights
2019: LISTENING TO NEW VOICES: THE NEXT GENERATION SPEAKS
Our host, the Very Reverend Fr. Michael Nasser
This year's Abrahamic dinner took place on Wednesday, February 20, 2019 at St Nicholas Orthodox Church.
Speakers
Allison Egrin, Jewish Student and Hillel President at Grand Valley State University
Allison LoPrete, Christian Student and Kruizenga Ambassador at Hope College
Tuba Jaherun, Muslim Student at Calvin College
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Allison Egrin, Allison LoPrete, and Tuba Jaherun
Musical Invocation - Baha'i Community
Event video
2018: LISTENING TO NEW VOICES: WOMEN INTERFAITH LEADERS
Event video
In the spirit of Sarah, Hagar, and Mary, we took time to hear the voices and stories of women leaders who are bringing new life to interfaith understanding in our community.
Speakers
Zahabia Ahmed-Usmani, Program Coordinator at the Kaufman Interfaith Institute
Shelby Bruseloff, Student Life Coordinator at Hillel Campus Alliance of Michigan
Margarita Solis-Deal, Director at the Dominican Center of Marywood
Speakers
2017: STANDING TOGETHER: LOVING AND SUPPORTING OUR NEIGHBOR
The 2017 theme was "Standing Together: Loving and Supporting Our Neighbor"
Speakers
Dr. Sheldon Kopperl, Professor at Grand Valley State University
Reverend Robert Linstrom, Senior Pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church
Dr. Sharif Sahibzada, Imam at Islamic Center and Masjid of Grand Rapids
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2016: CONFLICTS, VIOLENCE, & RELIGION
Speakers
Len Robinson, Temple Emanuel
Rev. Jen Porter, Westminster Presbyterian Church
Imam Morsy Salem, Masjid At-Tawheed
More on this year's dinner from The Rapidian
2014: RELIGIOUS TOLERANCE
Amina Mohamed, GVSU alumna and Jeff Padnos, President of Padnos Corporation
On Thursday Oct 30th 2014, Grand Rapids celebrated its 4th Annual Abrahamic Dinner in The First Park Congregational Church. The Niagara Foundation organized the Annual Abrahamic Dinner independently in previous years, but in 2014, the Kaufman Interfaith Institute joined the effort as a cosponsor.
Speakers
Jeff Padnos, President of Padnos Corporation
Rev. John Geaney, Rector/Pastor of the Cathedral of Saint Andrew and the Director of Catholic Information Center
Dr. Achmat Salie, Director of Islamic Studies at the University of Detroit Mercy
