Affinity allowed people of all walks of life to be involved in an Iftar dinner. This concept has grown from strength to strength since its inception and is now a feature article in a major news outlet. See feature below covered by Katrina Yu for SBS News Australia
AUSTRALIAN MUSLIMS MARK EID
http://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/1583144/Australian-Muslims-mark-Eid
Most of Australia's half a million Muslims have been celebrating the conclusion of the fasting month with Eid festivities. Local mosques were filled to capacity, as families came together to pray and reflect the importance of religion and community. The Gallipoli mosque in Auburn is the place of worship for one of the largest Islamic communities in Australia. During the next few days thousands will walk through its doors to offer their prayers. Around the country this morning, many like the Thomastown mosque in Melbourne, were packed to capacity. The message focused on the importance of community.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yXaXliK9e4A&feature=player_embedded
MONTH OF FASTING
During the holy month of Ramadan, hundreds of Australian Islamic households opened their homes to the wider community. Neighbours, colleagues and community leaders joined Muslim families to break bread after sun down and learn more about the faith and culture. The 'Open-house Ramadan' program allowed non-Muslims to experience this sacred time of the year in the most intimate of settings. Lauren Bothma and friend Natalie Woodhill were the guests of young Sydney-based couple Emre and Elle Kusbeci. The 20-year-old university student says she knew very little about Islam before attending the dinner. "I didn't know a whole lot about Ramadan. I studied Islam at school, read books, but being the community itself is totally different, Lauren Bothma told SBS. "Hearing how it affects them personally, their everyday life, it was really cool to have that insight."
Sydney-based interfaith organisation Affinity Intercultural started facilitating the dinners in 2006. They say the community response has been positive and they're planning to expand the program to more communities across the nation in the future. Ramadan is a 29 or 30-day period each year when over 500 million Muslims around the world fast. Islam teaches that from sunrise nothing should pass through their lips, but with sunset comes a time for family, friends and feasting.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jt2do7byIIk&feature=player_embedded
Affinity Intercultural Foundation thanks everyone who participated in an iftar dinner this year and for their support in celebrating diversity and enjoining social cohesion. In particular, Katrina Yu for her dedication and commitment in sharing, not only bread with us but also stories. We wish her well.
Affinity Board of Directors
