July 3, 2015

Holy month of Ramadan celebrated at annual Iftar dinner

The University and the Affinity Intercultural Foundation Wollongong (AIFW) hosted an Iftar dinner during Ramadan on Thursday 25 June 2015.

Iftar is the meal eaten after sunset during Sawm, the fasting that occurs during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. Iftar meals are a symbol of friendship, understanding and social harmony.

More than 50 people, including distinguished guests from local community, business and religious organisations, attended the event held at the Terrace Restaurant.

“This is an important occasion demonstrating UOW and AIFW’s commitment to celebrating diversity, encouraging social harmony, and facilitating cross-cultural collaboration,” UOW Community Engagement Manager Dr Melissa Thompson said.

New South Wales Liberal Senator the Hon Concetta Fierravanti-Wells, via a pre-recorded video, praised UOW and AIFW for their efforts to engage the local community during Ramadan. The Senator also commended the theme of the dinner, Sharing stories and celebrating culture, saying that “we work best when we work together”.

Other highlights of the evening included a performance by the Illawarra Flame Tree Dancers (pictured below), a Welcome to Country delivered by Aunty Jodi Edwards, a speech by Mr Blial Aydemir, General Manager of AIFW and an Azan (Call to Prayer) and Qur’an recitation by Mr Recep Kirkil, Head of Galaxy Foundation in Wollongong.