In a heartfelt evening filled with warmth, tears, and unity, the Australian Relief Organisation (ARO) hosted a special Iftar on Monday 24 March 2025 in Sydney welcoming 20 newly arrived Palestinian families.
Attended by over 100 guests, the gathering was not just about breaking fast—it was about breaking isolation, restoring hope, and embracing one another with compassion during the sacred month of Ramadan.
“This is not just a meal,” an ARO representative shared. “This is a message from our hearts: you are not alone. We stand with you.”
Among the most touching stories was that of Batoul Hashem, a former final-year dental student from Gaza. Her life was turned upside down when war erupted.
“Everything was taken from us—my university, my dreams, my sense of safety,” she recalled, her voice heavy with emotion. After enduring deep hardship, Batoul migrated to Australia.
“The first two months here were the hardest of my life,” she said. “I didn’t know the language, I had no friends, and I felt invisible.”
Through determination and community support, Batoul began rebuilding. She started working as a dental assistant, improved her English, and is now studying Oral Health Therapy at the University of Newcastle.
Today, she is not only pursuing her dreams again, but she has also become an ARO volunteer, giving back to the same community that embraced her. “This is my second chance,” she said. “I thank ARO for helping me believe in life again.”
Another powerful moment came from guest speaker Clarice, a recent revert to Islam. Her journey was deeply influenced by the steadfast faith of the Palestinian people.
“Their resilience and connection to God moved me in a way I can’t describe,” she shared. Clarice is now pursuing Islamic Studies at Charles Sturt University, while working as a soccer coach for preschool children.
She spoke about the joy of giving back through education and child development, and the importance of fostering meaningful community connections. “Islam gave me peace—and a purpose to serve others,” she said, her words resonating deeply in the room.
ARO CEO Serkan offered a heartfelt prayer for the Palestinian families and extended his gratitude to the volunteers and donors who made the evening possible. “Tonight, we are not just feeding bodies—we are nourishing hearts and souls,” he said.
The evening also saw Professor Jane Fulton, Executive Director of the Sydney Peace Foundation, distribute gifts to families as a gesture of solidarity.
ARO handed out toys, gift bags for children, and food packs containing 23 essential items to support the new arrivals. Each family also received a gift voucher, offering them the dignity of choice as they begin to rebuild their lives in a new land.
Though ARO was honoured earlier this year with a humanitarian award from Tony Bourke, the true recognition was found in the smiles, shared prayers, and emotional embraces that filled the room.
The night concluded with a moving vote of thanks delivered by Salar Aga, who said, “Tonight, we shared stories, we shared prayers, we shared pain—but above all, we shared love. Thank you for being part of something deeply human and profoundly spiritual.”
As Ramadan continues, ARO remains a beacon of hope and healing, proving that when hearts unite, lives are transformed—and new beginnings blossom.
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