The U.S. leg of the “After the Reunion” commemoration tour—organized in memory of Fethullah Gülen following his passing—came to an emotional close with a spectacular finale in New Jersey.
The event took place at the Breslin Stage and Arts Center of Felician University, hosted by the well-known TV personality Kemal Gülen.
“We Continue to Live the Ideals and Action Taught by Hocaefendi”
The welcoming address was delivered by Dr. Erkan Ertosun, President of the Northeast America Civil Platform. He recalled that just a year earlier, on October 12, the same stage had hosted the Ümit Nağmeleri program themed “Inheritors of the Earth.”
“At that time,” Dr. Ertosun said, “our friends from around the world brought us a message: despite all the ordeals, difficulties, oppression, and pressure, this movement remains strong and continues tirelessly. Only eight days after that event, we experienced a moment that deeply wounded us all—our beloved teacher, Hocaefendi, departed for the horizon of eternity. A year has now passed, and we are once again together for this program themed After the Reunion. You have filled this 1,500-seat hall to capacity, with people even standing. With this presence, you are sending a clear message: yes, Hocaefendi is not with us physically, but his ideas, his ideals, and the actions he taught us are very much alive.”
A Night of Emotion, Art, and Remembrance
Throughout the evening, the audience experienced moments filled with deep emotion and meaning. Young artists opened the program with the poem “Let Your Name Be Heard”, marking the night with an artistic expression of devotion.
A series of theatrical sketches followed, dramatically portraying pivotal moments from Hocaefendi’s life—from his childhood in Erzurum to his spiritual journey in Edirne, his years among the youth in İzmir, his days of interrogation in Burdur, and the symbolic “fifth-floor lottery” scenes.
Many in the audience were moved to tears, especially during scenes depicting the migration journeys of devoted souls who left everything behind in pursuit of service and faith.
The evening concluded with a collective performance of “A New World,” emphasizing hope for a more just and peaceful world. The line “If we turn back, we are traitors” left an indelible mark on the hearts of the audience.
Audience Calls for Encores
Tanzanian singer Said electrified the crowd with his performance of “Kime Ne” (Who Cares), earning roaring applause:
‘We scatter roses in your path,
Your pain is ours to bear.
We sow roses along your way,
Don’t you worry, we’ll endure.
We renounce renunciation itself—
Who cares, who cares?’
His rendition of “Sefinem” (My Ship) brought a profound silence to the hall. The audience demanded encores of both “Kime Ne” and “A New World,” chanting “One more time!”
Tanzanian Amin and German Melike delivered a moving performance of “The Forerunners,” symbolizing the devoted individuals who packed their lives into a single suitcase and migrated to unknown lands—a moment that brought many in the audience to sobs.
Later, Said returned to the stage with the poignant piece “This Man Is My Teacher,” enveloping the hall in silence once more.
From Albania, Arseldi performed “We Came to Serve,” while fellow Albanian Xhoni energized the audience with “The Master of Humanity.” The crowd sang along enthusiastically. Tanzanian Lokman performed “Open Your Heart as Wide as You Can.”
Mehtap’s “Mother,” Kevser and Hatice’s “When You Love the Lord,” Ayhan’s “Sultan of My Heart,” Alican’s “Your Memory Is Enough,” and Esad’s “After an Everlasting Dawn” were all met with extended applause.
The final collective performance of “A New World” brought the night to a powerful close.
“These Programs Give Life to Our Hands and Strength to Our Arms”
Sharing his thoughts after the event, Dr. İsmail Büyükçelebi described the program as “magnificent.”
“Insha’Allah,” he said, “through programs like these, our teacher will become even better known. People will benefit more from his works, sermons, and talks, God willing. Our service will revive day by day. These programs are a source of hope for us—they give life to our hands and strength to our arms. May God reward everyone who contributed.”
Another participant, Abdullah Birlik, age 74, said he felt rejuvenated: “These were the songs we once listened to, but hearing them again tonight brought those days back to life for us. I believe Hocaefendi’s prayers are being fulfilled moment by moment—and they will continue to be fulfilled, God willing.”
