On March 21, a group of Muslim residents hosted Newton’s first community-wide interfaith Ramadan event. During Ramadan, Muslims fast daily from dawn to sundown and customarily gather with family and friends to break fast in the evening with a meal, Iftar. For this event, about 250 Muslim and non-Muslim residents gathered at the American Legion Post 440 in Nonantum to break fast with community members from across the city.
Attendees included Mayor Ruthanne Fuller, City Councilors, principals of various Newton Public Schools, members of the School Committee and Human Rights Commission; representatives from Newton Police and Families Organizing for Racial Justice; clergy from different faiths; and families across every village.
The organizers hosted this event to celebrate multi-culturalism and strengthen bonds of friendship citywide, reflecting Newton’s diversity and the Ramadan traditions of giving, charity, and prayer. “This event was a dream come true,” said Amira Elamri of Newton Centre, one of the organizers. “I led a similar event when I lived in Watertown, and I am grateful for the same chance to unite Newton, regardless of all the world’s problems.” Added Leena Albasha Abouhilal of Newton Highlands, “I have lived here for almost 20 years, and it was so heartwarming to share Iftar with supportive neighbors; we have a beautiful community.”
The event opened with children’s readings, followed by remarks from Dr. Faisal Khan, the Director of Religious Affairs for the Islamic Center of Boston at Wayland, and Mayor Fuller. At sunset, after the evening call to prayer (Adhan), attendees were invited to break fast with Iftar, pray if they wished, and dine together over interfaith dialogue. The program concluded with Muslim vocal music (nasheed) by a member of the Noor Ensemble.
Tayyaba Nazim, another organizer, remarked, “To be at an event, hosted by Newton Muslim families and so graciously being attended by the larger interfaith community is an honor- our hearts are full!” Melissa Birke Chu and Kol Chu Birke, a Newtonville couple, were excited to take part. “This was Newton at our best! The food was delicious, and only topped by the wholehearted care and welcome. This gathering was a true labor of love; all of us who attended felt it.”
The event was sponsored by Newton’s Muslim residents, supported by a grant from the Harmony Foundation, and catered by Alibaba Restaurant (Boston); Punjabi Grill (Framingham); Blacker’s Bakeshop, Oak Hill Pizza; Cafe Nero, Betrucci’s (Newton); Cedar Market (Norwood).