The spirit of Ramadan was embraced with warmth and unity at a special Iftar gathering held at The Renaissance – The White Room in East Lidcombe on Thursday, 20 March. This event brought together distinguished guests, community leaders, and representatives from diverse backgrounds to share in the spiritual and communal essence of breaking fast during Ramadan.
The evening was gracefully hosted by Tetyana, who served as the Master of Ceremonies (MC), ensuring a smooth and engaging flow of the program. To commence the evening, Uncle John Dickson delivered a heartfelt Acknowledgement of Country, paying respect to the traditional custodians of the land.
Following this, the audience was deeply moved by Ramadan reflections shared by Sheikh Mahmoud Zaoud, who spoke about the significance of faith, patience, and charity during the holy month. This was followed by the call for Athan and the Maghrib prayer, marking the time for attendees to break their fast together in a moment of spiritual connection and gratitude.
Inspiring Addresses by Community Leaders
The night continued with a powerful keynote address by Aunty Galila Abdelsalam OAM, the CEO of the Islamic Women’s Association of Australia (IWAA). Aunty Galila’s speech underscored the importance of community support, inclusivity, and empowering women in leadership roles within the Australian Muslim community.
Adding to the richness of the evening, Bishop Daniel of the Coptic Orthodox Church took to the stage to highlight the importance of interfaith harmony and the shared values between different religious communities. His words served as a reminder that events like these strengthen the bonds of unity and mutual understanding.
A significant highlight of the night was the address by Professor Talal Yassine AM, Managing Director of the Salaam Group of Companies. Prof. Yassine shed light on the pioneering role of Islamic superannuation, Islamic finance, and age & disability care in Australia, emphasizing the need for ethical and faith-based financial solutions that cater to the needs of the Muslim community.
Distinguished Guests in Attendance
The event was further honoured by the presence of local government representatives, including Clr Ola Hamed, Mayor of Cumberland City Council, and Clr Saud Abu Samen of Canterbury Bankstown Council. Their attendance reaffirmed the strong support of local government for multicultural and interfaith initiatives that foster community cohesion.
In addition, Oz Arab Media was well represented at the event by Dr. Charbel Tadros, Annie Fahoum, Harry Jing, and Margaret Jing, reflecting the media organisation’s commitment to covering significant multicultural and faith-based events in Australia.
A Memorable Conclusion
As the evening drew to a close, Avinder Vij delivered a vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to all attendees, speakers, and organisers who made the event a meaningful and enriching experience.
The Iftar gathering at The Renaissance was a resounding success, not only celebrating Ramadan but also reinforcing the values of inclusivity, interfaith dialogue, and community support. Such events continue to bridge cultures and faiths, creating an environment where diverse communities come together in the spirit of unity and shared humanity.
