Palestine House has continued its commitment to being a hub for the community by hosting iftar dinners this Ramadan.
The self-described cultural embassy, which is based in Holborn, has gained a lot of attention, with the likes of Jeremy Corbyn and a slew of famous influencers visiting.
From 18 February to 19 March, they are hosting nightly iftar dinners.
Iftar is the ceremonial meal marking the end of the fasted day during the month of Ramadan and traditionally, this meal would be eaten with friends and family at home, or at the mosque.
Lois, one of the volunteers who works the nightly iftar diner, emphasises that this is a space for all.
“When I see that people have booked a seat by themselves, I try to sit them together. By the end of the night they’re leaving with each other’s numbers,” she told the North West Londoner.
Palestine House, functioning as a workspace during the day and a dinner/community hall by night, breaks away from the traditional venue many would associate with iftar.
It provides a third space alternative to the home dinners or gatherings at the mosque that would seem too intimate for non-observers, while keeping true to the communal style meals and cultural values for those that do.
The venue has extended its greetings to those who are fasting and those who aren’t. A similar audience can be found at some of their other cultural events like their Dabke lessons (traditional dance lessons) and a monthly souq (a traditional shopping bazaar).
The food that’s served is traditional Palestinian food. This includes dates, soup and falafel for starters, chicken and lamb on a bed of rice for main dishes and baklava and knafeh for desert.
The sense of community is equally reciprocated in the team who work during the iftar dinners.
Marzai, who joined the team a few months ago, said: “ I have somewhere to break my fast every single day. As someone who’s not from London, Marzai has also been able to find community.
The team has a younger demographic, but it does not impact what they do. Marzai said: “Every single person here operates with so much kindness, trying our best to be the best.”
Featured image credit: Rag’e Ali
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