Eid Mubarak: Bridging Cultures and Celebrating Community Service with ACRF and PICO, Inc.

Eid, a festival that symbolizes warmth, unity, and spiritual upliftment, holds a special place in the hearts of over a billion Muslims worldwide. It is a time when people come together for feasts, prayers, charitable acts, and community gatherings.

In 2024, the American Center for Religious Freedom (ACRF) was a guest at the Eid celebration with the Pakistan Information and Cultural Organization (PICO, Inc.) in Arizona.

Under the guidance of Dr. Jannah Scott, the ACRF has been a champion for religious freedom and interfaith dialogue. The organization's mission extends beyond protecting worship rights; it aims to celebrate and honor the diverse religious traditions contributing to American society's rich mosaic.

Dr. Scott's involvement in the 2024 Eid celebrations with PICO, Inc. embodied ACRF's core values—religious freedom, cultural understanding, and the belief in community strength.

PICO, Inc. has been operating in the Arizona community for nearly two decades, driven by its commitment to service and cultural exchange. Its mission began with promoting Pakistani culture and building commercial ties between Arizona and Pakistan.

However, it has since evolved into a broader endeavor to create opportunities where diverse groups can unite and learn from each other.

The Eid celebration organized by PICO, Inc. was a testament to the beauty of cultural exchange and mutual respect. PICO President Omar Hameed, his family, and several hundred community members from various backgrounds were in attendance. 

Attendees had a wonderful opportunity for dialogue and friendship-building, reinforcing the importance of intercultural understanding.