Come, come, whoever you are,
Come and come yet again,
Come even if you have broken your vows a thousand times.
Wanderer, idolater, worshipper of fire,
Ours is not a caravan of despair,
This is the date of hope.
Come, come yet again, come.

- Mawlana Jalaladdin Rumi

The famous 13th century Sufi poet was infamous for his acceptance of all humanity, despite skin or creed. Rumi has been highly recognized as a luminary in the continuous wage for peace as well as the most widely read poet in America. In 1999 the Rumi Forum was founded to promote and stimulate thinking about Peace and democracy in the world and to facilitate dialogue between people of different faiths, cultures and ethnicities. The forum is based on the clear intent of bringing people and ideas together.
This is the date of hope.