NEW YORK | Over 450 members of the Seeds of Peace community from across the Middle East and South Asia have celebrated the Muslim holy month of Ramadan by breaking their daily fast together at Iftar dinners.
In Lahore, 43 Pakistani Seeds, Educators, and friends broke their fast on June 25.
“It was nice as many Seeds also brought one dish with them, as is the tradition of Seeds of Peace Iftar dinners,” said Director of Pakistani Programs Imran Khan.
In Pakistan, Seeds and Educators took the time during the meal to reflect on the year and share their experiences from the recent Seeds of Peace National Integration Camp program.
“I always love the way these dinners unite us as community,” said Faheem, a 2006 Pakistani Seed.
In Kabul, 24 Afghan Seeds, Educators, and community leaders met at a restaurant in Share-e-Naw on June 29.
“The gathering served to connect the Seeds to this group of community leaders who are also peacebuilders,” said Director of Afghan Programs Bahman Shahi.
Around 275 members of the Palestinian Seeds of Peace community met in mid-June for Iftar dinners in Gaza, Bethlehem, Ramallah, and Nablus.
“By creating this chance to connect, to share an Iftar together, Seeds of Peace helped to strengthen the Seeds of Peace community on the ground,” said Director of Seeds of Peace Educator Programs Daniel Moses.
Seeds and Educators in Gaza were joined at a Gaza Beach restaurant on June 23 by 2016 campers and their parents, as well as staff and members of the Shijaeya Community Project. The new campers and families met with Seeds of Peace staff before the dinner.
On June 18, Seeds of Peace Educators and Seed parents from in and around Ramallah joined the new Palestinian Seeds and Delegation Leaders for a festive meal.
In Bethlehem, parents of Seeds who attended the Seeds of Peace Camp in the last three years living in the southern West Bank were invited to an Iftar dinner on June 14, along with Educators.
“It was great to finally meet spouses of Educators with whom we work with so closely, but who we have never had the chance to meet,” said Claire Dibsy Ayed, Seeds of Peace’s Chief Legal & Business Affairs Officer.
For the June 15 Nablus dinner, guests came from Jenin, Tulkarem, and other communities across the northern West Bank.
“There were many smiling faces and many introductions to husbands and wives who have not been at Seeds of Peace events before,” said Moses. “There was a happy feeling, a sense of celebration and connection all around.”
In Cairo, 24 Egyptian Seeds and Educators met on July 1, and in Amman, 85 Jordanian Seeds, Educators, family and friends met on June 27 and were joined by American Seeds who are studying in the country.
“Ramadan is a time for renewal and commitment,” said Seeds of Peace Program Coordinator Farah Bdour. “That makes it the perfect time to celebrate the values of Seeds of Peace, strengthen ties within the community, introduce new Campers, share future plans and re-energizes Seeds with support.”