Monroe Township, NJ – March 19, 2024 – On Sunday, March 17th, the Muslim organization Muslims4peace (M4P) partnered with the Monroe Muslim community to host a well-attended interfaith Iftar dinner. The event brought together over 250 residents, faith leaders, and elected officials to celebrate Ramadan and promote interfaith understanding.
Breaking Bread, Building Bridges
The Iftar, meaning “fast-breaking,” is a central tradition during Ramadan. Muslims abstain from food and drink from sunrise to sunset, and the Iftar signifies a time for families and communities to gather for reflection and celebration. M4P’s event aimed to broaden this tradition by fostering connections across faiths.
Prominent Guests
The Iftar dinner welcomed a distinguished guest list, including local professors, community members, and government officials:
Prof. Raza Mir, William Paterson University
Somayah Elsamra, Community Member
Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman
Newark Mayor Ras Baraka
Cranbury Mayor Eman ElBadawi
Rev. Bob Moore
Spoken Word Artist Ayah Abbasi
Community Activist Mehdi Husaini
NAACP Reverend Sonya Redd
Franklin Twp BOE Member Sami Shaban, Esq
Kausar Shaik
CAIR NJ Executive Director Selaedin Maksut
A Night of Unity and Inspiration
A special address by a guest speaker Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman focused on the importance of interfaith collaboration in addressing social justice issues. This message resonated with the diverse audience, highlighting the importance of working together to tackle societal challenges.
Celebrating Our Community
Beyond the formal program, the Iftar offered a welcoming space for attendees to connect and learn about each other’s traditions. The event fostered a spirit of unity, respect, and peace within the Monroe Township community.
Muslims4peace: Building Bridges
M4P’s interfaith Iftar dinner exemplifies their dedication to building bridges between communities. By promoting interfaith dialogue and understanding, organizations like M4P contribute to a more inclusive and peaceful society.
Contact:
For further information about the event or M4P, please contact
Info@muslims4peace.org
