For more than twenty years, Sydney based Affinity Intercultural Foundation has hosted a series of iftar dinners that unite individuals from varied backgrounds to honour the essence of the Holy Ramadan and foster interfaith dialogue. This Ramadan was no exception as Affinity continued its tradition of building harmony through a series of inspiring iftar gatherings.
Amidst the backdrop of societal fragmentation, Affinity’s Ramadan Iftar gatherings persistently served as a unifying force, drawing individuals together to foster dialogue and cultivate enduring connections.
These iftar dinners serve as a vital platform for guests to explore pivotal topics including social cohesion, justice, and universal human values, thereby nurturing a profound sense of community and mutual understanding.
On Thursday 14 March 2024, Affinity’s inaugural iftar dinner, held proudly in collaboration with the University of Notre Dame Australia, heralded the commencement of their inaugural iftar dinner journey towards unity and cooperation.
Themed “Embracing Differences and Creating Harmony,” the event convened 100 guests at the University of Notre Dame Australia. Jacinta Collins, Executive Director of the National Catholic Education Commission, delivered a stirring keynote address, establishing the atmosphere for an evening brimming with profound connections.
Following suit, on Monday 18 March, the Affinity NSW Parliament Friendship & Dialogue Iftar Dinner, now in its 15th year, unfolded at the NSW Parliament House.
Co-hosted by The Hon Stephen Kamper MP and Mr Mark Coure MP, Minister and Shadow Minister respectively for Multiculturalism, the event welcomed 250 guests under the theme “Listen with ears of tolerance. See through the eyes of compassion. Speak with the language of love. (RUMI)”
Notably, the presence of NSW Premier Chris Minns MP and Leader of the Opposition Mark Speakman MP further emphasised the bipartisan commitment to promoting dialogue and mutual respect in the community.
Giridharan Sivaraman
Giridharan Sivaraman, the newly appointed Race Discrimination Commissioner, delivered a powerful keynote message of unity and understanding while Angus Olsen, the 2024 NSW Local Hero, graced the occasion with his presence, imparting profound insights that stirred the hearts and minds of all in attendance.
The Ramadan journey extended further with the third iftar dinner, taking place on Saturday 23 March, in collaboration with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Wattle Grove church, under the theme of “Harmony in Faith.”
This historic event, marking the inaugural iftar hosted at the church, united 80 guests in a spirit of unity and cooperation. Joseph La Posta, CEO of Multicultural NSW, delivered an inspiring message, highlighting the shared values among diverse faith communities.
Reaching its peak, Affinity’s Ramadan concluded with the 11th Building Harmony Iftar Dinner, proudly organised in collaboration with the Uniting Church Synod of NSW & ACT, held on Wednesday 3 April. This year’s gathering, hosted at Blacktown Uniting Church, centred around the theme “Peace Transforming Communities.”
Patricia Garcia AO delivered a compelling keynote address, while Rev Dr Patrick McInerney provided a reflective response, emphasising the pivotal role of peace in nurturing inclusive communities. The evening embodied the values of peace, respect, love, and coexistence.
In addition to these iftar dinners, Affinity also hosted traditional home iftar gatherings with local Sydney Muslim families. This initiative aimed to further promote connections and understanding among members of the Australian community.
Guests discovered the warmth of Ramadan hospitality as they were graciously welcomed into the homes of Muslim families, where they were invited to partake in evenings of delicious food and meaningful conversation.
These home iftars reflect more than just the host families opening their doors; they mirror the opening of their hearts, as beautifully expressed by Rumi: ‘There is a window from one heart to another heart,’ embodying true and meaningful dialogue.
Affinity’s Ramadan legacy firmly stands as a testament to the organisation’s unwavering dedication to promoting peace, unity, and understanding across cultural and religious divides. Through two decades of iftar dinners, Affinity continues to inspire individuals to embrace diversity and work together towards a more inclusive, harmonious and peaceful society.
Their iftar dinners are a reflection of the true spirit of Ramadan and a fabric of social cohesion: compassion, sharing, and togetherness.
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