Philly's interfaith Iftar event, held on March 19, brought together people from various religious backgrounds to share a meal and engage in dialogue. Hosted by the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations and other local organizations, the annual gathering aimed to promote understanding and unity during Ramadan, a significant time for Muslims who fast from dawn to sunset. According to the City of Philadelphia's website, this year's theme, "Nostra Aetate" (In Our Time), highlighted interreligious dialogue and the Catholic Church's outreach efforts.
With the ongoing Palestine-Israeli conflict, leaders like Randy Duque, Imam Quaiser Abdullah, and Muhammed Said Selmanlar have been striving to facilitate conversations. "The main goal of this Interfaith Iftar is to bring together individuals from diverse faiths and backgrounds to foster mutual understanding, empathy, and connection," Selmanlar told the City of Philadelphia's news site.
Through shared traditions such as fasting, participants found common ground. The program included speakers and facilitated dialogue at each table., urging attendees to exchange stories and discuss promoting intercultural exchange. "By just creating space where they can interact. Additionally, the theme of the event is centered on Nostra Aetate, which is a Catholic centered document that reiterates the importance of working together. By centering the theme on the tradition of another religion (Catholicism) while upholding the significance of Islam, it creates other points of connection," Abdullah explained in the same interview.
Organizers emphasized the importance of experience over message, with Abdullah referencing psychologist Gordon Allport's theory on reducing prejudice through contact. Food plays a central role in bringing people together, Duque mentioned, suggesting community potlucks as a bridge between different cultures and faiths. "Food! It brings people together! Whether it’s inviting someone of a different faith or culture to a dinner or organizing a potluck to welcome new immigrant neighbors," Duque said in his interview with the city's publication.
Looking beyond Ramadan, the organizations seek to maintain engagement through interfaith dialogues and community events. Selmanlar announced continued efforts for educational programs and participation in various religious observances. Meanwhile, Abdullah highlighted the Masjid +3 initiative, part of a collective effort to clean up and collaborate across religious boundaries. As dusk fell at 7:13 p.m., the attendees of the Iftar, including Jews, Christians, and Muslims, united to break their fast, echoing the shared spirit of religious seasons like Lent.
