The Lebanese Muslim Association’s second annual Grand Community Iftar brought the community together in its thousands on Friday 13 March, transforming the area outside the iconic Lakemba Mosque (Masjid Ali Ibn Abi Taleb) into Australia’s largest open-air gathering of its kind.
The event again highlighted the spirit of generosity and togetherness that defines the holy month of Ramadan.
Families, neighbours and visitors from a wide range of cultural backgrounds gathered along the closed-off Wangee Rd to break their fasts together, reinforcing Lakemba Mosque’s reputation as a vital hub of our community.
(The LMA was formed in 1962 and as such is Australia’s oldest non-profit Islamic organisation, while the Association opened the doors of Lakemba Mosque for the first time in 1977.)
A memorable moment marked the beginning of the Iftar when the Adhan was recited from the mosque’s minaret by long-serving imam, Sheikh Yahya Safi, whose voice echoed across the sunset skies.
Organisers had anticipated around 2,500 attendees, but the turnout exceeded all expectations, with more than 3,500 people joining the gathering.
Tables and chairs stretched along Wangee Road as far as the eye could see, as volunteers and catering teams worked feverishly to distribute meals to the crowd.
The LMA acknowledged that organising a large community iftar involves a complex logistical effort and considerable financial commitment, particularly when thousands of meals must be prepared and served within a short window of time.
LMA Secretary and spokesman Hajj Gamel Kheir said the overwhelming turnout reflected the importance of shared community experiences during Ramadan
“Seeing so many people come together outside Lakemba Mosque to break their fast for the second successive year again reminds us what Ramadan is truly about: generosity, unity and community,” Mr Kheir said.
The evening relied heavily on the efforts of LMA staff and volunteers, as well as catering partner Al Aseel Catering & Events, who worked tirelessly, serving meals to the large crowd.
Following the success of this year’s gathering, planning is already underway for the 2027 Grand Community Iftar, with the aim of making the experience even more welcoming and comfortable for the growing number of attendees each year.
