Community, food at center of Iftar potluck dinner

Read Time:4 Minute, 22 Second

Members of the BHS Multicultural Club, the Muslim Student Association and their guests gathered to enjoy conversation, games, prayer and the sharing of favorite dishes at the Fifth Annual Iftar Ramadan Potluck Dinner on Thursday, March 12.

The evening began with speeches and well wishes for the approximately 120 students, friends, relatives, teachers, staff and administrators in attendance, followed by a spirited trivia game where teams displayed their knowledge of Muslim heritage and the Boonton School community.

Anoushah Haroon was accompanied by her sister, Merub, who graduated last year.

“I liked seeing our community learning about new cultures and about Islam,” Anoushah Haroon said. “I liked making people happy when I did their henna. My sister knew a lot of people there so it made me learn new things about my sister, too.”

Ahmet Akseki attended this year’s event with his mother and brother. He commented, “The Boonton Iftar was very nice to see how everyone can work together. It was a great symbol of everlasting hope.”

During Ramadan, the meal that breaks the fast after sunset is the iftar, with fasting usually ending at sunset with the sharing of dates. Dates were distributed to all tables to share in this ritual that is meant for spiritual reflection and quick energy restoration, bringing families and the community together with this continuation of the cultural tradition stemming back to the Prophet Muhammad.

The official serving of the food at this year’s iftar began after the maghrib sunset call to prayer. Guests patiently waited for all to return back to the cafeteria to partake of the buffet of traditional favorites based on many cultures. Ahmet Akseki and his family offered pasta with tomato sauce, Turkish style. Kanafa was elaborated by Maya Elkady. Zahraa Awan brought a pasta dish, and Hanne Kapiyoldas contributed chicken with rice. Dolly Adeel confectioned Machboos, a fragrant, spiced rice dish that is popular in the Middle East.

Other traditional favorites that were offered included grape leaves, lasaña, bacalaítos, eggplant parmesan, macaroni bechamel, meat dumplings, spicy chicken, pizza, mini calzones, macaroni and cheese, arancini (Italian rice balls), hummus and vegetables, tabbouleh, samosas, masala fries, house salad, and tortilla española.

Alaa Abdelhady, BHS school custodian, has worked here for more than nine years and he loves coming to the Iftar event.

“It’s great for people to get together at the Iftar to share their traditions and heritage,” Abdelhady said.

Elif Tiryaki shared, “I wanted to come to the Iftar because I enjoy doing something that relates to my religion. I also wanted to support and help because these types of activities don’t happen every day. We had fun, we ate food, we did henna designs, all of the fun activities, we even played games. So these are the reasons that I enjoyed the Iftar.”

The henna booth offered traditional designs to willing participants in the cafeteria. This provided guests with an opportunity to experience this ancient art form often known as “mehndi.” Temporary henna designs were drawn on their hands, connecting individuals to this cultural tradition.

Mr. Engelberger attended the dinner for the second year in a row and said that “it’s one of my favorite events that we do at the school.” He enjoyed the decorations, the fritters and the meatballs and potatoes and was impressed that the event drew students, families and staff from outside the multicultural club.

Dolly Adeel opened the evening’s celebration and stated the following message:

“Welcome, ladies and gentlemen! My name is Dolly Adeel and it is a true honor to have you all here today. I want to start off this evening by talking about Ramadan. Ramadan is the holiest month of the Islamic calendar – a sacred time when Muslims fast from dawn to sunset to practice self-discipline, reflection and empathy for those less fortunate.’

“We’ve gathered tonight to honor our Muslim brothers and sisters, which is especially meaningful here in New Jersey, home to one of the largest and most diverse Muslim communities in the nation. It is wonderful to see such a great turnout! We truly appreciate everyone who came and shared food at our last celebration, and this incredible spread you have all brought today perfectly captures the spirit of community and gratitude that defines this month.”

Dolly continued, “Before we begin, we want to give a special thanks to Mrs. Hanafi, Mrs. Demirrors, and Señora Buck for their incredible support in making this event possible. We would also like to thank our President Khadija, Co President Zainab, and Vice President Hania for all of their work putting this iftar together. As you enjoy the meal, please be mindful of food allergies and kindly ask about the ingredients. Now, we can move on to the games portion of tonight. Hania, Khadija, and Zainab will be handing the games so I will hand over the mic to them. Thank you again for coming and I hope you enjoy tonight!”

Her positive message set the tone for the festivities before handing the floor to the club officers.

Officers Khadija Khasaf, Hania Salman, Zainab Chaudhry and Aqsa Awan then took charge, leading a program filled with delicious food, engaging games, and meaningful conversation. The night was defined by the vibrant atmosphere and sense of community.