Exploring AI, Presence, and Purpose with Dr. Murat Baday We were honored to host Dr.

Interfaith Hot Meal Service On June 22, 2025, Abrahamic Alliance International (AAi) partnered with Pacifica Institute, Bay Area Cultural Connections (BAYCC), Congregation Sinai, and River Church Community to serve meals to unhoused neighbors in San Jose. This interfaith effort brought together Muslim, Jewish, and Christian volunteers to act in a spirit of compassion and solidarity.

From June 14–20, BayCC held its Boys Summer Camp at Redwood Alliance, bringing together students and mentors for a week of spiritual reflection, learning, and outdoor adventure. With a full daily schedule—including early morning prayers, Qur’an study, book discussions, and group reflections—the camp balanced focused spiritual development with fun activities like soccer, volleyball, and swimming.

From June 10–13, six outstanding students from our community traveled to Washington, D. C.

On the blessed day of Eid al-Adha, a meaningful act of service took place in Fremont, California. A group of volunteers came together to purchase and distribute fresh Kurban meat to Afghan refugee families who have recently arrived in the United States under difficult circumstances.

This Eid al-Adha, we distributed meat across Oakland and San Francisco to honor and embody the spirit of Qurbani. The meat was delivered to local leaders and community members as part of our commitment to shared celebration and solidarity.

On June 7, 2025 BAYCC and Pacifica Institute co-organized a meaningful Eid al-Adha celebration that brought together hundreds of neighbors, volunteers, and community partners. The event combined cultural celebration with hands-on service activities, showcasing the true values of Eid — generosity, gratitude, and community connection.

We had an amazing turnout for our very first Ladies’ Social Night! The evening brought together Muslim women from across the community to relax, connect, and enjoy meaningful conversations at Warm Springs Community Center. We were honored to feature live music performed by talented Muslim women from Sacramento, and our keynote speaker, Dr.

The trip started with boarding the flight to Hawaii on May 26, after a 6 hour flight the students landed and got situated in the hotel. After trying out fresh fish, they explored the area and played soccer on the beach.

Reflecting on God's Creation On May 16, 2025, Pacifica Institute and the Maryknoll Society co-hosted an interfaith gathering titled “Seeking God Together: Reflecting on God’s Creation. ” Held in the tranquil setting of Huddart Park’s Redwood Shelter, the event brought together participants from diverse faith backgrounds to explore the spiritual significance of creation through nature, dialogue, and shared experiences.

Exploring Faith Through Film and Conversation On May 10th, 2025, young women from the Youth Collective gathered in Menlo Park for a reflective and engaging Movie Night. The primary purpose of the Movie Night was to create a relaxed and engaging space for group bonding through shared experience.

A Weekly Journey of Reflection and Connection On May 3rd, 2025, women and college graduate youth gathered at Stevens Creek Canyon Park for Hike & Read, a recurring Sunday event that blends physical activity with spiritual reflection. The main purpose of these 3-hour-long Hike & Read events is to create a mindful and spiritually enriching experience by combining physical activity with reflection.

On April 22nd, 2025, BayCC volunteers joined the Bill Wilson Drop-In Center to serve lunch to unhoused young adults aged 18–24. This meal service was more than just providing food—it was about creating a space for connection and care.

Honoring a Life of Wisdom, Faith, and Service On April 12th, 2025, the Youth Collective team visited the resting place of the esteemed scholar, M. Fethullah Gülen Hocaefendi, whose wisdom and service continue to guide generations.

A Festival of Youth, Faith, and Community On Sunday, April 6, BayCC held its annual Ramadan For Me festival—a celebration where kids led the way in expressing what Ramadan means to them. The event kicked off inside the center with student-led theatrical performances, earning big rounds of applause from a diverse audience of families, mentors, and elders.

Reflections Across Borders On March 28, BAYCC hosted a uniquely personal iftar in Santa Clara—one that brought together Muslim guests from Asia, Africa, and America, as well as a visitor from a Christian background. The evening was small in number but rich in meaning.

Good Food, Great Company On March 25, BAYCC joined students at San Jose State University for an iftar that turned out to be one of our favorite evenings this Ramadan. The event kicked off with a thoughtful talk by Dr.

Interfaith Iftar at Netivot Shalom On March 23, BAYCC joined Congregation Netivot Shalom and the Pacifica Institute to co-host the 16th Annual Interfaith Iftar Dinner in Berkeley—a longstanding tradition that continues to bring Muslim, Jewish, and interfaith communities together in a space of respect, conversation, and shared celebration. Sixteen years in, this gathering still feels personal and genuine.

Shared Space, Shared Purpose On March 21, BAYCC co-hosted the Interfaith Iftar Dinner at St. Paul United Methodist Church (SPUMC) in Fremont, returning for its second year with familiar energy and a few new faces.

Sharing Faith, Food, and Friendship On March 20th, 2025, young women college graduates came together for Friendship Iftar, a heartwarming evening centered on connection, dialogue, and shared values. The main purpose of the Friendship Iftar was to bring people of different faiths together during the month of Ramadan to share a meal, build connections, and promote mutual understanding.

Building Community through Iftar On March 17, BAYCC volunteers were invited to attend a special iftar at the San Francisco Muslim Community Center on Mission Street—an opportunity to connect with the broader Muslim community in the city and begin building a more active presence in the region. The evening featured short appreciation talks from several community leaders, including Brother Ahmed, Imam Nail, and alumni of the Tanzania Hizmet Schools.

Building Community Through Faith and Connection On March 17th, 2025, young newlywed couples gathered for Newlywed Iftar, a warm and supportive evening designed to help couples connect with one another during Ramadan. It provided an opportunity to build community, share experiences, and reflect on faith and marriage in a spiritually uplifting setting.

Sharing the Spirit of Ramadan On March 16, a group of high school girls gathered at the Mountain View Community Center to break their fast, reflect on Ramadan, and spend time together. The evening started with an icebreaker, helping everyone feel comfortable, followed by a short presentation and dua before iftar.

Berkeley Community Iftar On March 15, 2025, the North Berkeley Senior Center became a space for conversation, connection, and shared experience during the Dialogue & Community Iftar, co-hosted by Pacifica Institute and BAYCC. The evening brought together attendees from a wide range of backgrounds to explore how open dialogue can help bridge divides and build community.