The Ramadan Break-Fast Dinner (Iftar) has been an annual event on the Toronto cultural map since 2003 It is a community and bridge building event that brings together Muslims and Non Muslims of all genders, sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions, classes, colours and dis/abilities to eat and break a bread together so that we may know one another.
A unique event hosted by Toronto Unity Mosque, Salaam: Queer Muslim Community, and HUMAN+. We continue to invite group, community and individual sponsors! please contact elfin925@rogers.com if you would like to help sponsor the Iftar!
The Iftar is open to ALL regardless of religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, race, class, or disability* or other status. This year’s Salaam/Peace Iftar is being held on the 1st day of Ramadan, the Muslim month of Fasting. Start Ramadan at the Peace Iftar @ the 519 Church Street Community Centre!
The Salaam Peace Iftar welcomes CCMW – The Canadian Council of Muslim Women as 1st time sposnor of the Iftar. We welcome back Egale Canada and IRQO (Iranian Queer Organization).
Break-fast time for July 20 is 8:53 PM.
Program:
Doors Open: 7:00 pm
Program Begins: 7:45 pm
Welcome & Event, Sponsor and Community Introductions: Host El-Farouk Khaki
Performances/ Music/ Spoken Word: Various local artists including Troy Jackson.
We will begin with the Adhan/ Call to Prayer @ 8:53, followed by appetizers, and then communal prayer.
Everyone is invited to join in communal prayer regardless of religion, faith, or creed. However, participation is not mandatory.
This year’s Maghrib prayers @ the Iftar will be led by Lali Mohammed. *** see below for a brief bio
Participants are encouraged [but not required] to join in fasting on that day.
After the prayer, a meal will be served.
We are very excited as this year’s menu will be catered by FABARNAK with organic halal meats, local ingredients and vegetarian options.
Participants may also bring a non-alcoholic beverage and/or dessert to share!
Participants are encouraged to mingle and socialize with old friends and make new ones.
In celebrating and sharing Muslim traditions and cultures, this year attendees will be treated to a number of singers, musicians, performers and spoken word artists.
Cost is ‘pay what you can’ with a recommended donation of $20 per person to help defray costs. You can also pay online by clicking on ‘Donate’ on our website at:
http://salaamcanada.org/donate/
Even if you’re not attending & would like to donate, we would appreciate your generosity.
Please note: Space is Limited and the food is catered.
THIS YEAR we can only accommodate 240 people.
PLEASE Confirm your attendance by July 10, 2012 by emailing:
elfin925@rogers.com OR on FB. DO NOT DO BOTH & PLEASE DO NOT RESERVE SPACE IF YOU ARE UNABLE TO ATTEND>
ONCE YOU RSVP, you will be sent the location details
WE need VOLUNTEERS for July 20. Please contact me.
Background:
Lali Mohammed: Named the “New Face of Gay Activism” in 2011 by the Toronto Star, Lali Mohamed is an award-winning diversity and equity advocate, organizer and community engagement enthusiast. As a Black Somali-Canadian queer African Muslim, Lali is committed to the tenants of social justice and a politics of intersectionality. Most recently, he was named 1 of 100 Anti- Racism Activists in Ontario by the Racism Free Ontario Campaign and received an LGBT Youth Justice Award by the Toronto Police Services. Lali is the founder of Queering Black History Month, an annual photography exhibit and panel discussion that honours the histories and contributions of LGBT African, Black and Caribbean Canadians. He is this year’s LGBT Youth Line Social Justice award.
Background:
Troy Jackson: Troy Jackson is a Canadian Pop, Punk, Funk Recording Artist. He represents a social conscious re-evolution in Pop Music that is speaking out for Justice, Equality and Dignity for all People In Life and on that Dance Floor! He believes in the collective power of the world majorities he belongs to as Queer Human Being of Color. www.enjoytroyjackson.com
Background:
Fabarnak. Building Community around the Table
FABARNAK Restaurant and Catering is a social enterprise initiative of The 519 Church Street Community Centre. We provide a structured training environment that helps people with employment barriers to gain work experience under the guidance of a professional team of chefs and front-of-house staff. http://fabarnak.com/
Background:
Salaam: Queer Muslim Community is a Muslim identified organization that works to create community & safe space for LGBTI Muslims, their families, friends and allies. Salaam works against gender apartheid, and advocates for the full participation of women in all aspects of Muslim sacred space. Both women and men have led the Maghrib communal prayer at past Iftars. http://www.salaamcanada.com/
HUMAN+: Exploring the intersectionalities that make us HUMAN. The ‘+’ makes us ‘human positive.
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=91407799094&ref=ts
Toronto Unity Mosque: ‘el-Tawhid’ Juma Circle: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=99769188589
A gender equal, LGBTI welcoming mosque space started in 2009 that has helped start / resource 5 similar communities.
* NOTE: The building is accessible to wheelchairs.