The annual Iftar organized by the 'I am Egyptian' Association took place in Qena, Egypt, for the twelfth consecutive year, celebrating the holy month of Ramadan with community spirit. Held on the tenth of Ramadan, this year’s event honored the memory of Egypt’s great crossing with over 800 participants from diverse backgrounds uniting to share food and fellowship.
The Iftar gathered individuals from various societal segments across Qena’s centers and villages. Muslims and Copts, young and old, came together, reflecting the essence of national unity and brotherhood. Attendees expressed joy at the event, which epitomizes the heartfelt essence of Egyptians, particularly visible within Upper Egypt, where the notion of social solidarity remains strong.
Notable figures included numerous Al-Azhar and endowment sheikhs, along with Coptic Church clergy, all of whom contributed to the event’s festive and inclusive atmosphere. This gathering underscored the strength of brotherly relations among the nation’s citizens. The media coverage of the event highlighted its significance, as various platforms reported on the congregational unity displayed.
Among the notable attendees were parliamentary, religious, and executive leaders, such as MP Ahmed Abdel-Maged, Sheikh Mohamed Zaki from the Ministry of Endowments, Hani Antar representing the Ministry of Education, and Dr. Hoda Al-Saadi, the rapporteur for the National Council for Women. Each contributed to the sense of importance surrounding this special occasion.
MP Najla Bakhoum, president of the 'I am Egyptian' Association and House of Representatives member, expressed her delight at the impressive turnout and the spirit of unity observed. She stated, "This annual gathering reflects the beautiful diversity of the Egyptian people, where various groups come together to share love and joy, fostering unity and compassion." Her words encapsulated the event's ethos, marking it as not merely a communal meal but also as a significant symbol of nationhood.
The faces of the attendees were radiant with smiles, reinforcing the deep sentiment of communal joy shared during the Iftar. This event stands as a vivid reminder of Egypt’s enduring message of unity, reaffirming the commitment to social cohesiveness and the celebration of its rich heritage.
With participants sharing different traditions yet united for the common cause of celebrating Ramadan, this Iftar served as the perfect embodiment of the country's spirit—highlighting how, even amid diversity, camaraderie can flourish. The humility of the gathering, marked by shared experiences, signals the hope of continued togetherness among the nation’s various communities.
The 'I am Egyptian' Association, through its consistent organization of these events, has showcased the essence of what it means to come together as one nation. Each meal shared becomes not just nourishment but also goodwill, laying the foundation for stronger bonds among people of different beliefs and backgrounds.
Events like this Iftar contribute to reinforcing the fabric of national identity, providing opportunities for love, acceptance, and peace among all Egyptians. With each passing year, the gathering transcends its original purpose of merely sharing food, representing instead the shared hope for unity and mutual respect across the land.
This year’s successful Iftar at Qena is just one of many examples of how communities can bridge divides and celebrate together, ushering in the ideals of brotherhood and collective joy during Ramadan. The spirit of the evening will undoubtedly resonate throughout the year, inspiring future gatherings and initiatives aimed at fostering the same unity demonstrated this Ramadan.
Oftentimes, it is through such communal events—the breaking of fasts and sharing of meals—that true connections are made, fortifying friendships among diverse groups and providing spaces for healing and common ground.