Over 500 people sat down for a charity Iftar in Saint John the Baptist Church in Molenbeek on Sunday as part of the commune's efforts to become European Capital of Culture in 2030.
Iftar is the meal that breaks the fast after sundown during Ramadan, the holy month celebrated by followers of Islam.
Over 500 people people from diverse cultural and social backgrounds sat down to Iftar together to mark the first weekend of spring, which takes place during the Muslim celebration Ramadan and the Christian celebration Lent.
This initiative, organised by Molenbeek For Brussels 2030 as part of its bid for the title of European Capital of Culture, was held in collaboration with local associations and residents of Molenbeek. The event aimed to highlight the solidarity and generosity that are deeply rooted in the community’s identity.
Credit: Veerle Vercauteren / MB2030.
The event's slogan Sadaka means generosity in several languages.
"These values of solidarity and generosity, reflected in the spirit of Sadaka found in various cultures, are at the core of this candidacy. This is what we want to showcase to Europe," said Fatima Zibouh and Jan Goossens, co-leaders of Molenbeek For Brussels 2030.
The event featured hot meals, sweet treats and beverages prepared by the local community and donated by participants. Members of Molenbeek's Muslim and Christian communities performed music throughout the meal.
Ten years after the Paris attacks in November 2015 and nine years after those in Brussels (March 2016), Molenbeek is determined to overcome the stigma that has surrounded parts of its community and affirm the richness of its cultural diversity. The Culture Capital candidacy is a cornerstone of these efforts.
