The Rumi Forum held its 4th Annual Peace and Dialogue Awards on October 26 at the National Press Club, Washington DC. Individuals and organizations dedicated to peace and dialogue were recognized for their contributions to the community by way of increasing social harmony and understanding between communities. This year's recipients were:

• The Honorable Arne Duncan, US Secretary of Education;
• The Honorable Eleanor Holmes Norton, DC Congresswoman,
• Unity Productions Foundation, Alex Kronemer & Michael Wolfe
• Didier Drogba, President, Didier Drogba Foundation

During the presentations, Senior Advisor Rev. Kenneth Bedell representing Hon. Arne Duncan said, "The Rumi Forum is an important partner in our shared work of creating a safe environment by promoting interfaith dialogue where we can all come to a better understanding of each other... Fethullah Gülen put it extremely well when he said: ‘In schools good manners should be considered just as important as other subjects. If they are not, how can children grow up with sound character? Education is different from teaching.' That's what we believe at the Department of Education. Good manners are different from teaching" Hon. Eleanor Norton said," Your mission of improving interfaith and intercultural dialogue makes me want to bring you to the Congress of the United States. I regard the award you've been kind enough to give me as one I can accept only as an inspiration to take back the spirit of Rumi to the House, where I serve,”

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Watch Video (full video)

Watch Video (Ori Soltes)

Watch Video (Arne Duncan)

Watch Video (Eleanor Holmes Norton)

Watch Video (Cynthia P. Schneider

Watch Video (Katherina Marshall)

Watch Video (Michael Wolf)

Watch Video (Alex Kronemer)

Watch Video (David Newton)

See Photos at Picasa