August 1, 2013

Last week, a few minutes before sunset, MPAC’s Los Angeles office was filled with the faces of MPAC’s past. More than 30 former Summit delegates, interns and volunteers, had gathered for the annual Young Leaders iftar.

SEE: Young Leaders Annual Iftar Photo Album (Flickr)

The evening began with a icebreakers where the attendees, who spanned from more than a decade's worth MPAC activism, met new fellow leaders and learned more about one another. As friendships were made and reunited, the call to prayer silenced the room and led to the breaking of the fast and lining up, shoulder to shoulder, for prayer.

During dinner, Edina Lekovic, MPAC’s Director of Policy and Programming, reminded everyone to stay active in the community and to stay motivated.

Dr. Maher Hathout, MPAC’s Senior Adviser, talked about the benefits of fasting during Ramadan and how it is essential to our existence. Adding humor to the room, Dr. Hathout offered a dollar to anyone who could answer his question: How do you liberate yourself? Many tried to answer, but all failed.

“Liberation means that we are not controlled, rather, we are in command of ourselves, not controlled by desires, etc,” he said. “Ramadan is the liberation of the shackles that pull us down.”

A great evening was concluded with photographs and more sharing of memories. Each year, MPAC makes a commitment to the development of young leaders through our Summits, internships and fellowship programs. Join this growing family of leaders, activists and visionaries.