IID Oklahoma City hosted an Panel Forum followed the theme of which was “Fasting in Abrahamic Faith, on Tuesday 23, 2011. The Panel forum was followed by a Dinner of Abrahamic Traditions. The event started by the welcome speech of the Executive Director of IID Oklahoma City, Mr. Orhan Osman.  The Panel Discussion was moderated by Rev. Dr. George Young, and the panelists were  Rabbi Abby Jacobson from Emanuel Synagogue, OC professor  in Biblical Studies Dr. Lynn Mcmillon, and Dr. Vahap Uysal, Assistant Professor of Finance , OU.

U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Oklahoma Hon. Sandy Coats,Oklahoma FBI in Charge Hon. James Finch, and Dr. Carole H. Hardeman, Associate Dean/Professor at Langston University, were among the fifty –five participants of the event. The panelists shared their perspectives about the concept of fasting in their traditions. Rabbi Jacobson of the Emanuel Synagogue emphasized that fasting was a significant way of worship. She said that people fast on various occasions; over a person who pass away, lack of rain, or after an achievement. Dr. Mcmillon, giving some reference to the life of Jesus, said that fasting secretly is encouraged in Christianity.  Dr. Vahap Uysal who spoke about the fasting in Ramadan explained that Ramadan was not only abstaining from eating and drinking. He said, “ Muslims fast in Ramadan because it is prescribed by God, and in the month of Ramadan Muslims seek to please God  helping the less fortunate, feeding the orphans, and visiting the elderly.”

Towards the end of the event, the guests asked the panelists questions about their talk. The Panel discussion was followed by dinner comprised of home-style Turkish food which was donated by volunteers of the IID Oklahoma City.