Ed Ramirez

Raindrop Turkish House held a prayer vigil and press conference in Houston for Standing Against Terrorism/Commemoration for the Victims of terrorist attack in Istanbul Turkey. Many dignitaries, community members and media have came to support Turkish American community and to share their grieve after the tragic and heartbreaking incident on Tuesday, June 28, 2016 in Istanbul Turkey.



“We thank you so much for joining us and standing in solidarity against terrorism. We as Americans and as citizens of the world must take action. this gathering of civil leaders congressman and citizens in our standing together in condemnation of the inhumane cowardice that is terrorism is a step perhaps the first step in the right direction”, said Mehmet Okumush, CEO of Raindrop , before inviting attendees for a moment of silence in remembrance of all the victims of terrorist attacks around the world

The prayer vigil was led by four community faith leaders. Rabbi Steven Morgen, Congregation Beth Yeshurun, Mike Cole, General Presbyter, Presbytery of New Covenant, Rev. David Roschke, Ecumenical Representative Texas Louisiana Gulf Coast Synod and Ali Riza Candir, Muslim Chaplain at Baylor St. Luke's Medical Center. The roomful of guests from many different faith backgrounds joined the prayers and said “amen”.



The president of Texas Turkish American chamber of commerce president, Orhan Osman, has delivered a public statement on behalf of the Turkish American community condemning terrorism and terrorist attacks, followed by Raindrop Youth Development Center elementary children passed roses to the audience. “We must do more to leave our children a better tomorrow! we must do more to leave them a world filled with peace not overshadowed by fear and sorrow but a brighter future because they are our future” said Mehmet Okumus and invited all dignitaries to stage to share their remarks.



Sheila Jackson Lee, US Congresswoman, talked about terrorism has no religion no nationality and the importance of being united, knowing one another and shared her sympathy for people who lost their lives at this violence act of terrorism.

Randy Weber, US Congressman mentioned “no amount of fear or terrorism or violence can destroy the determination that we have for this great country, love of our fellow brothers sisters, our humanity and to be determined that we will seek peace and freedom at any cause.”

Dr. Alma Allen, Texas State Representative, shared her prayers with Turkish community for those lives who have been affected by terrorist attack in Istanbul.

Joe Ramirez, Mayor of Sugar Land city, mentioned that this gathering delivers our message to terrorists and the message he said “we will not live in fear and we will go about our daily lives with one another in brotherhood the way God intended to be.”

Other dignitaries, who shared their remarks are, Sam Merchant from Congressman Al Green, US Congressman, Jeremy Brown from Texas Senator Rodney Ellis’ office, Vernon Lewis from Chris Brown, Houston City Comptroller’s office, Donald Perkins from Houston city council member Larry Green’s office, Adrian Garcia, Former Harris County Sheriff, Ed Gonzalez, Former Mayor Pro-Tem for the city of Houston, Houston Police Assistant chief, Mattie Provost, Martin Cominski, CEO of Interfaith ministries of Greater Houston, MJ Khan, the president of I.S.G.H., Mustafa Carrol, executive director of CARE, Cynthia Cisneros, Vice president of ABC 13, Shah Haleem, the president of Bangladeshi Community Association, Harry Gee, President of Sister cities of Houston, Zafar Tahir from Pakistan American Community, Marcy Williams, President of Brays oaks Super neighborhood 36, Sheri Cortez, President Of Glenshire Women Association and Ruhi Ozgel, President of Houston-Istanbul Sister City Association.

They all have sent their condolences to the victims and their families and friends, and emphasized on the fact that fear is not going to divide us and we must and will be united.