In Downtown New York, an Iftar Dinner That Celebrates—And Reimagines—Muslim Tradition

Through iftar dinners, donations, fundraising, community, and gathering, I’ve seen the generosity and love of Muslims have no limit. The iftar last week wasn’t just about the food on our plates or the warmth shared between those of us in the room. We’d gathered for another reason, too: Together, we raised money for a Muslim women’s shelter in New York. A Gazan woman recently arrived, eight months pregnant, after relentless bombing by the Israeli military.

Pillars Fund, a leading nonprofit that amplifies the narratives, talents, and leadership of Muslims, co-hosted this iftar. Kashif Shaikh, the cofounder and president, shared a few words about why hosting iftars with Muslims and non-Muslims has been “an important organizing endeavor in helping build solidarity and community—particularly during a difficult time for our Muslim siblings in Palestine and Sudan.”