Around 100 guests attended, with the evening’s food prepared by Stanley’s Café/ Restaurant. The menu featured traditional Albanian dishes, including byrek and baklava.
The event included speeches from several speakers, including City of Greater Shepparton Mayor Shane Sali, Islamic Council of Victoria board member Abdel Kareem Halabi, Albanian Society vice president Alvin Resul and Imam Hysni Merja.
Attendees also watched a short documentary on interfaith dialogue. The breaking of the fast was marked by the Adhan (call to prayer), performed live by Imam Hysni, before guests enjoyed their meal and spent the evening socialising.
Beyond sharing a meal, the gathering embodied the values of unity, community, tolerance and peace central to Islam.
“One of the most significant aspects of the evening was the presence of faith leaders from various traditions,” Imam Hysni said.
“Priests, pastors, Buddhist community leaders and imams all gathered together, sharing a meal and, perhaps more importantly, breaking down the barriers that often divide us.
“It was a powerful moment, not just of breaking the fast, but of breaking down the walls that separate people based on their faith and backgrounds.
“The evening was filled with warmth, laughter and meaningful conversations.
“The gathering not only celebrated the holy month of Ramadan but also served as a reminder of the importance of unity in our diverse community.
“The Interfaith Iftar dinner is an example of how sharing simple traditions can foster understanding, respect and lasting bonds between people of all beliefs.
“This remarkable event stands as a shining example of how faith can be a bridge, not a barrier, and how shared humanity can create stronger, more connected communities.”
How did the Interfaith Iftar start?
“Three years ago, when I arrived in Shepparton, I decided to attend a church for English language lessons,” Imam Hysni said.
“The insightful conversations I had there opened my eyes to a new world.
“While I am an imam, the person I was speaking to had no idea of that at the time.
“After introducing myself, I was offered a coffee.
“The person was a board member of the church and had been serving in various capacities there for many years.
“We shared a warm and engaging conversation, and that was the beginning of something special.
“Today, I am fortunate to have many friends who are priests.
“I can visit their churches, meet them for coffee and even receive invitations to their homes.
“It’s a beautiful, supportive community that should be shared with others.
“This experience inspired me to create the Interfaith Iftar Dinner during Ramadan — a platform for people from different faiths to come together in fellowship.
“What we are witnessing now is just the beginning of my big vision.”
