Join us on January 12 from 1:30 PM to 3:00 PM in South Hall for a meaningful panel discussion with two of our Muslim friends from Peace Islands New York. Together, we’ll explore the spiritual foundations of Islam, the unique experiences of being Muslim in New York City today, and the challenges and joys of nurturing a community of faith across generations in a changing world. The discussion will be moderated by Rev. Jabe Ziino.

SPEAKERS

Fehim Hoti

Fehim Hoti is a graduate of Brooklyn College with a degree in Psychology and is currently pursuing his Master’s in General Psychology at Hunter College. He is also a dedicated Youth Coordinator at Youth Island NY. During his undergraduate years at Brooklyn College, he was actively involved in campus life, promoting multi-faith inclusivity and community engagement. His contributions earned him the Volunteer of the Year award for the 2022-2023 academic year. As a Youth Coordinator at Youth Island NY and through his involvement with various communities, Fehim works with diverse youth groups from Albanian, Balkan, Mediterranean, Turkish, and Central Asian communities, fostering cultural understanding and youth development. He is passionate about advancing mental health and well-being through research and community-based initiatives.

Safiye Yigit

Safiye Yigit earned her Ph.D. in Philosophy and Education from Columbia University in 2024. Her dissertation, “Can One Exist More? Existential Virtues and the Prospect of a Virtue Ontology,” introduces the groundbreaking concept of existential virtues and proposes a new philosophical field: virtue ontology. Dr. Yigit has taught philosophy at New York University and Fordham University. She is a co-editor of The Moral Psychology of Curiosity (Rowman & Littlefield, 2018) and has authored numerous journal articles in ethics and epistemology. She is currently working on a book that expands on the themes of her dissertation, further exploring how existential virtues can reshape contemporary ethical thought.