Nov. 21, 2012
On November 14, Councilmember Peter F. Vallone Jr. gave opening remarks at the event, “Astoria, Then and Now”, hosted by the Interfaith Center of New York at Bohemian Hall. Panelists included Joe DiPietro, president of the Federation of Italian-American Organizations, Moustafa Elshiekh of EIHAB Human Services and long-time Astoria resident Susie Loukis.? The event was moderated by Assemblymember Aravella Simotas. The councilmember shared with attendees his story of being born and raised in Astoria and how it has evolved into one of the most diverse neighborhoods in the world. “Astoria should be held up as an example for the entire world of how all ethnicities, cultures, and religions can live together in one prosperous community,” Vallone said. The Interfaith Center is dedicated to promoting cross-cultural exchanges while continuing dialogue amongst the many immigrant communities in Astoria.
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