WHITEHALL TOWNSHIP, Pa. – Inside the Muslim Association of the Lehigh Valley in Whitehall Township, the community came together for Iftar on Sunday, a meal to break fast during Ramadan.
“It’s getting bigger and bigger each year,” said Mubashar Mugal, one of the organizers.
Mugal said this year’s theme is pray for peace, as conflicts happen across the world.
“There’s a lot of issues going on with a number of nations and people and you know, that regardless of what’s going on, we at the end of the day want to pray for everybody’s peace and well being,” said Mugal.
This year’s event features activist and New York Times best selling author Shaun King.
More than 700 people of all different faiths gathered here, building community ties over a shared meal.
“You know, if we all do our part, it will have a lasting impact for generations to come,” said Mugal.
“This is our largest Iftar. This is our third annual one,” said Tayyab Mohammad, one of the organizers.
Mohammad is one of the 40 volunteers helping out.
“From this event, I hope that everyone can take away that at the end of the day, it’s always what’s surrounding you and it’s about communities, how we can come together and help one another,” said Mohammad.
“You know, and just bring out the community for a good cause and you know, there’s a lot in the world right now that’s meant to divide us and we feel like events like this shine a good light on you know, the similarities we have with everybody,” said Mugal.