Suprovat Sydney report: As Ramadan returns amidst a backdrop of sorrow and anguish, the Islamic Charity Projects Association (ICPA), under the auspices of Darulfatwa Australia, hosted its thirtieth annual iftar, uniting leaders, officials, and communities in a solemn call to save children of the world.

The noble occasion commemorating the blessed month of fasting for Muslims worldwide, reflected on an unprecedented surge in violence, displacement, and deprivation, casting a shadow over the festive aura of this holy month. From the indiscriminate targeting of innocents to the ruthless siege and famine in Palestine, tragic events viewed in a video presentation in tribute to the suffering of the people of Palestine, have woven themselves into the fabric of daily existence.

The prestigious guests in attendance included:

• The President of the Islamic Charity Projects Association (ICPA), Haj Mohammed Mehio
• Representing Darulfatwa – the Islamic High Council of Australia, Dr Sheikh Ibrahim El Shafie
• Federal Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations, The Hon. Tony Burke MP (ALP)
• Federal Minister for Education, Leader of the House of Representatives, Member for Blaxland, The Hon Jason Clare MP (ALP)
• Government Whip, Ms Anne Stanley MP (ALP)
• Member for Fowler, Ms Dai Le MP (IND)
• Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government, Minister for Emergency Services, Minister for Youth Justice and representing the Premier of NSW, The Hon Chris Mins
• Member for Bankstown, The Hon. Jihad Dib MP (ALP)
• NSW Leader of the Opposition, The Hon Mark Speakman MP (LP)
• Parliamentary Secretary for Multiculturalism representing Minister Stephen Kamper, The Hon Mark Buttigieg MLC (ALP)
• The Hon Anthony D’Adam MLC (ALP);
• NSW Shadow Minister for Multiculturalism, Mr. Mark Coure MP (LP)
• Member for Holsworthy, Mrs. Tina Ayyad MP (LP)
• Member for Liverpool, Ms. Charishma Kaliyanda MP
• Member for Parramatta, Ms. Donna Davis MP (ALP)
• Member for Granville, Ms. Julia Finn MP (ALP)
• Member for Fairfield, Mr. David Saliba (ALP)
• Member for Auburn, Ms. Lynda Voltz MP (ALP)
• Member for Leppington, Mr. Nathan Hagarty MP (ALP)
• Consul General of Lebanon, Mr Charbel Macaron
• Consul General of Iraq, Mrs. Intisar Al-Dawoodi
• Consul General of Indonesia, Mr. Vedi Kurnia Buana
• Consul General of Türkiye, Mr. Ali Sevim
• Head of Consulate of Malaysia NSW, Dr. Fahmi Bin Abdul Rahim
• Honorary Consul of Bosnia, Mr. Amir Sahinovic
• Multicultural NSW CEO, Mr. Joseph La Posta
• Mayor of Liverpool Council, Mr. Ned Mannoun (LP)
• Mayor of Canterbury Bankstown Council, Mr. Bilal El Hayek (ALP)
• Mayor City of Parramatta, Mr. Pierre Esber (ALP)
• NSW Police, Assistant Commissioner, Mr. Anthony Cooke APM
• Head of religious department for the Turkish community, Sheikh Ozkan Gokcebay
• Head of religious department for the Bosnian community, Dr. Mirsad Ef Kalajdzic
• Deputy Mayor, Clr Rachelle Harika (ALP)
• Clr Khodr Saleh OAM (ALP)
• Clr Richard Ammoun (LP)
• Clr George Zakhia (LP)
• Clr Barbara Coorey (LP)
• Clr Marie Saliba (ALP)
• Clr Steve Christou (IND)
• Clr Edy Sarkis (LP)

Hajj Mohammed Mehio, President of ICPA, delivered an impassioned plea for immediate political action to cease hostilities and alleviate the humanitarian crisis plaguing Palestine. Emphasizing Australia’s pivotal role in fostering multiculturalism and global harmony, Mr. Mehio urged collective efforts to combat religious extremism and uphold the values of tolerance and moderation.

Echoing these sentiments, His Eminence Dr. Sheikh Ibrahim El-Shafei underscored the significance of Ramadan as a time for spiritual awakening and reflection. Amidst the world’s myriad sorrows and injustices, he called upon the Australian government to champion justice and extend aid to the afflicted and marginalized.

The evening culminated in a poignant display of solidarity, with a touchy video presentation highlighting the plight of the Palestinian people. Politicians, in turn, expressed unwavering support for a ceasefire and the realization of Palestinian rights to security and stability.

As Ramadan unfolds, the ICPA and Darulfatwa Australia reaffirm their commitment to fostering a world of compassion, justice, and coexistence. Through collective action and unwavering resolve, they stand united in the pursuit of peace and dignity for all.

Mohammed Zakir Hossain is a dynamic Multimedia Presenter at Suprovat Sydney – the only Bangladeshi Community Newspaper in Australia also attend.