Turkish Cultural Center New Hampshire Turkish Cultural Center New Hampshire
The Third Annual Friendship Dinner & Award Ceremony with a Special Tribute to James Foley – November 19, 2014
In a room packed with 150 people, you could hear a pin drop while Dr. John Foley spoke of his son, James, and the passion that Jim had for his job, for people and for life in general. The Turkish Cultural Center-New Hampshire hosted their Third Annual Friendship Dinner and Awards Ceremony on Wednesday, November 19, at the Radisson Hotel. Dr. Foley was presented with a Certificate of Appreciation in Memory of his son James, who was brutally slain this past summer. In his speech, Dr. Foley spoke about how his son was a beacon of light in all that he did. He spoke of Jim’s love for Istanbul and the people of Turkey and how his son couldn’t stand to see the Syrian people suffering, especially the children. Jim helped to raise money for an ambulance because he hated that people were taken to hospitals in the back of trucks. Dr. Foley spoke of how Jim brought strength to other prisoners. He also addressed how much his son believed and gave his life for freedom of the press. Dr. Foley commented that this was a very fitting tribute to his son.
The TCCNH, along with Peace Island’s Institute and Embrace Relief, opened a well in the out skirts of Uganda, in Jim Foley’s name. Now, over 2,000 will be able to draw water from a well bearing Jim’s name. Other award recipients were Governor Maggie Hassan, Leadership; New Horizon’s for NH, Community Service; Dr. Paul LeBlanc, education; and Kevin Landrigan, Media.
Guests of the TCCNH were welcomed by Eyup Sener, president of the Center and then enjoyed an evening of Turkish music, video presentations, and Turkish delights from Mediterrano, located in Hillsborough, NH. Keynote speakers were Dale Eickelman, Dartmouth College. Prof. Eickelman spoke on “Turkish Islam Goes Global: Education, Interfaith Dialogue, and the Common Good”. He spoke of the Hizmet Movement and their dedication to bringing relief to those in need, without worrying about borders or religion and educating children whose own countries cannot or will not educate them. Also speaking was Emre Celik, president, Rumi Forum, Washington, D.C. Mr. Celik speech on “So that others may live….” Also spoke about the Hizmet Movement’s peaceful message of interfaith dialogue and how important it is for religious leaders, especially, to have peace and acceptance throughout the world, no matter what religion. If religious leaders cannot get along, how can the rest of the world. Among those attending were elected officials, academic professions from high school through college, business leaders, and visitors from as far away as Washington, D.C.
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