On the evening of 5 March 2026, the heart of Lakemba came alive as nearly 1,000 community members gathered on Haldon Street for a special open-air Ramadan Iftar and Taraweeh prayer, creating a powerful display of unity, faith, and community spirit.
The event was proudly organised by Human Appeal Australia, the Lebanese Muslim Association, and the City of Canterbury Bankstown Council, bringing together families, community leaders, and guests from across Sydney to share in the blessings of Ramadan.
As the sun set, attendees sat together along the vibrant Haldon Street to break their fast in a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The open-air setting provided a unique opportunity for the community to gather in the spirit of togetherness, reflecting the true essence of Ramadan—compassion, generosity, and unity.
Following the Iftar, the evening program began with a beautiful recitation of the Holy Qur’an, setting a spiritual tone for the night. Guests were then uplifted by moving nasheed performances from Sheikh Mutasim Alasali from Syria, whose powerful voice resonated deeply with the audience and created a heartfelt Ramadan atmosphere.
Several distinguished guests addressed the crowd, highlighting the importance of community solidarity and the significance of Ramadan as a time of reflection and giving. Among the speakers were Bilal El-Hayek, Mayor of the City of Canterbury Bankstown, and Bashar Al-Jamal, Director of Human Appeal Australia, both of whom spoke about the value of collaboration between organisations and the community in hosting events that bring people together. Which was reassured in a speech by Dr Arif Shakir from the Lebanese Muslim Association.
The evening was also attended by, alongside special guests NSW Ministers Jihad Dib and Sophie Cotsis, who joined the gathering to show their support and appreciation for the diverse and vibrant community of Lakemba.
As the program concluded, the community gathered in prayer. Isha prayer was led by Sheikh Yehya Safi, followed by Taraweeh prayers and a heartfelt dua led by Sheikh Mutasim Alasali, bringing the evening to a spiritually uplifting close.
The event stood as a remarkable example of what can be achieved when community organisations, local government, and residents come together. The Lakemba Community Ramadan Iftar not only provided a shared meal but also created a powerful moment of connection, faith, and harmony for all who attended.
As Ramadan continues, events like this remind us of the importance of unity, generosity, and the strength found within community. 🌙
