(Lila P./Staff)

On February 27, from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m., students, faculty, and Academy families gathered in the Dining Hall’s hearthside for the annual Iftar dinner, continuing a tradition that began in 2023. Zaina A., leader of the MECCA, organized the event, wanting to teach her peers about Ramadan while bringing the community together over food and conversation.

The evening began with MECCA and MENA’s student leaders presenting the foundation of Islam and meaning of its five pillars and the meaning of Ramadan, which takes place in the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar: their holiest month. Muslims observe Ramadan by fasting as an act of self-discipline to develop empathy for those who lack access to food.

After the presentation, the community turned its attention to the food. Each year, the organizers order dinner from Lavash Cafe, which featured chicken kebabs and chicken shawarma served with rice, hummus, Baba Ganoush, kibbeh, grape leaves,falafel pita, Tzatziki  sauce, and fattoush salad. For dessert, there was warbat, a cream-filled pastry, and namoura, a coconut cake.  

“My favorite part of the Iftar Diner is watching my friends and teachers enjoy the food,” Noor said. “I love nothing more than hearing that the cuisine I grew up with is now loved by so many people in the community because of this event.”

Along with MECCA and MENA’s leaders, Ms. Chahal, Mrs. Hines, Dr. Losambe, and Ms. Porter helped plan the event. Students not in MECCA also volunteered to set and clean up. Noor said, “Their help truly shows the generosity of the CA community.”

At its core, the Iftar Dinner reflects one of the most important aspects of Ramadan: sharing meals with family and friends. Noor said many Muslim students view the CA community as an extension of their own families. When both gather to break the fast, they strengthen that sense of belonging.

This year, about 140 people attended the Iftar dinner, making it an Academy tradition.