Sharing Fast Breaking (Iftar) Dinners: A Platform for Interfaith Understanding
At the Atlantic Institute, we believe in the transformative power of communal dining, particularly during significant religious observances like Ramadan. Our Sharing Fast Breaking (Iftar) Dinners are a cornerstone of our efforts to foster understanding, respect, and unity within our diverse community.
Our Iftar dinners come in two distinct formats, each offering a unique opportunity for cultural exchange and interfaith understanding. The first type of Iftar dinner involves large community gatherings, typically hosted at our center or in partnership with other local organizations such as hospitals, places of worship, museums, news agencies, and public offices. These interfaith events draw people from various backgrounds and faiths, offering a platform for communal bonding, shared experiences, and fostering a deeper understanding of the significance of Ramadan and Iftar.
We welcome partnerships and invite organizations interested in promoting interfaith understanding to collaborate with us for these large gatherings. Together, we can create a more inclusive community through these Iftar dinners.
The second type, known as “Experience a Ramadan Iftar Dinner with Muslim Families,” offers a more intimate experience. These smaller dinners are held in the homes of Muslim families, inviting guests to share in the warmth of a family Iftar. This setting provides an authentic experience of the practices and traditions associated with Ramadan and Iftar, allowing for deeper, more personal conversations and connections to be formed.
Announcements for these home Iftar dinners are made a couple of months before the start of Ramadan, providing ample time for those interested to plan and participate. These intimate gatherings promote cultural exchange and foster a deeper understanding of the traditions of Ramadan.
In both cases, our Iftar dinners promote the exchange of ideas and experiences, encouraging dialogue and understanding among individuals of various faiths and backgrounds. By engaging in these shared meals, participants can better appreciate the richness of our diverse community and the principles of respect, empathy, and unity that guide the Atlantic Institute.
Through these Iftar dinners, we aim to contribute to a more peaceful and understanding world, one meal at a time. Join us in our mission to promote interfaith understanding and cultural exchange through these unique dining experiences.
