Shoulder to Shoulder is an interfaith organization dedicated to ending anti-Muslim sentiment by strengthening the voice of freedom and peace. Founded in November 2010 by over 20 national religious groups, Shoulder-to-Shoulder works not only on a national level, but offers strategies and support to local and regional efforts to address anti-Muslim sentiment and seeks to spread the word abroad.
It is in that spirit that we'd like to share information about The United States of Love Over Hate: A Ramadan Supper Series, a nationwide effort to connect non-Muslims to community/mosque-led and home-based Iftars during the month of Ramadan (mid-May to mid-June). Please see below information on ways to engage!
We all know that relationships with others can be transformational. In a world that seems to be dividing at alarming rates we need to sit down with real, living, breathing human beings more often. Thankfully, many of our religious traditions have spaces built into the regular rhythms of life to make this even more possible.
During the month of Ramadan (May 16 - June 15, 2018), many Muslims fast from sunup to sundown, then gather together - in mosques, homes, restaurants, and elsewhere - to break their fast each evening of the month. Sometimes these dinners (called Iftars) are small family affairs, while others are more festive gatherings of larger groups.
This year, Shoulder to Shoulder has teamed up with Se7enFast, the Islamic Society of North America, and The People’s Supper for The United States of Love over Hate: A Ramadan Supper Series. The primary goal of this effort is to identify, support, and connect people to Iftars open to interfaith guests across the United States, in order to help facilitate local relationship building among Muslim and non-Muslim communities. We will offer guidance to those already planning Iftars, as well as guidance and support to those looking to put together Iftars (including both larger community dinners, as well as home-based dinners).
Additionally, houses of worship are invited to display “Love - Your Neighbors” signs outside their buildings during the month of Ramadan, to show their commitment to standing with and getting to know their neighbors.
How do I participate?
- REGISTER a community Iftar
- HOST a home-based supper*
- ATTEND a community or home-based Iftar**
- DISPLAY a free downloadable “Love -Your Neighbors” sign during Ramadan (and beyond!)
- Use #LoveOverHate #MyRamadanDate on social media to share about your suppers!
*Please note: if you are NOT Muslim and want to host an Iftar, you are required to be working with a Muslim co-host or partner in order to participate in this campaign. However, there are many other ways for you to participate! Please stay tuned, as we will be sharing these events for you to join as the season approaches. Thank you!
**Nationwide listing coming soon, once enough hosts have registered! Learn more at the Shoulder to Shoulder website.
If you have any additional questions, please don't hesitate to reach out to us: info [at] s2scampaign.org.
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