(Overland Park, KS, 6/8/16) The Crescent Peace Society (CPS) will hold its annual interfaith iftar or fast-breaking dinner on June 11 at the Leawood Community Center.  The goal of the event is to share the experience of opening fast with the community and celebrate the holy month of Ramadan with neighbors and friends. 

"We value the friendship and support of our fellow Americans,” said Ahsan Latif, President of CPS. “In order to dispel misconceptions about our religion and what it is to practice Islam, it is our pleasure to bring people together to break their fast in the spirit of Ramadan.” 

This outreach effort is designed to enhance understanding of the Muslim experience in America and to help Americans of all faiths meet their Muslim neighbors by participating in a complimentary post-fast meal. Guests from all over the Kansas City Area have been invited, including local and state municipal officials, interfaith leaders, professors, activists and law enforcement officials. Expected guests include the mayors of Leawood and Overland Park and several members of the Kansas City refugee community. 

Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, is a special time for Muslims during which they refrain from food, drink, and other worldly pleasures from dawn to sunset daily. Fasting is one of the five pillars of Islam, which serves as a spiritual and physical cleansing of the mind and body respectively. 

WHAT: Crescent Peace Society Annual Interfaith Iftar 

WHEN: Saturday, June 11 at 7:30 p.m. with the fast opening at 8:45 p.m.
WHERE: Oak Room at the Leawood Community Center (lower level of the Leawood City Hall, 4800 Town Center Drive, Leawood, KS 66211
To RSVP please visit crescentpeace.org

The Crescent Peace Society is a Kansas City area interfaith organization seeking to enhance the understanding of Muslim cultures through educational and cultural activities involving the exchange of ideas and experiences among people of diverse cultures.  Its mission is to build bridges among faith communities, encourage dialogue, and promote justice and mutual understanding.

 MEDIA CONTACT: Ahsan Latif, President, 913-485-9218, latif.ahsan@gmail.com and Board Member Mahnaz Shabbir, 816-213-2536 and mahnaz@shabbiradvisors.com

(Overland Park, KS. 8/5/14) -- The Crescent Peace Society (CPS) today called on Congressman Kevin Yoder and also requests that the Republican Party of Kansas repudiate remarks by one of its officials inciting violence towards Muslims. 

Gavin Ellzey, the Kansas Republican Party 3rd District Vice-Chair recently tweeted: “Offending Muslims is the duty of any civilized person. Especially with a .45.”

CPS called on Congressman Yoder and the party to denounce the incendiary anti-Muslim comments and asked for an apology. "Anti-Muslim bigotry should have no place in the Republican Party and those expressing such intolerant views should be held accountable," said Ahsan Latif, President of CPS.

“Especially in light of the recent shootings in this very community at the Overland Park Jewish Community Center and Village Shalom, targeting our Jewish brothers and sisters, it is outrageous and harmful for a leader within the Republican party to make comments condoning and encouraging the use of violence against a religious minority,” Latif said. 

There are several mosques operating in Johnson County with large, peaceful congregations.  A week ago, on July 28, 2014, thousands of Muslims attended Eid prayers at the Overland Park Convention Center celebrating the end of Ramadan. 

“There are many opportunities for Mr. Ellzey to meet with members of the Muslim community in Johnson County and see for himself that the citizenry of this area includes a vibrant Muslim community who are happy, productive and respected Americans,” said Latif.  “On August 16, 2014, CPS will be holding its 18th Annual Eid Celebration and Awards Banquet at the Overland Park Marriott at 6 PM.  We would be happy to have Mr. Ellzey, but we would request he leave his .45 at home.”

The Crescent Peace Society is a Kansas City area interfaith organization seeking to enhance the understanding of Muslim cultures through educational and cultural activities involving the exchange of ideas and experiences among the people of diverse cultures.  Its mission is to build bridges among faith communities, encourage dialogue, and promote justice and mutual understanding. More information about the Crescent Peace Society can be found at www.crescentpeace.org.

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CONTACT: Crescent Peace Society President Ahsan Latif, 913-485-9218, latif.ahsan@gmail.com; Board Member Mahnaz Shabbir, 816-213-2536.