Nearly 250 people, including ambassadors from 25 countries, 32 senators and parliamentarians, 15 academics, leaders of Muslim communities in each state, religious representatives and businessmen from various sectors attended the iftar, which was sponsored by Turkish businessmen in Australia.
During the iftar, after the ezan -- the Islamic call to prayer -- verses from the Quran were read and some pieces of traditional mystic music were performed. Federal Member for Calwell Maria Vamvakinou expressed her happiness at having the opportunity to participate in the iftar during a speech she delivered at the event. Underlining the importance of Ramadan in strengthening one's self-restraint and helping people empathize with the less fortunate, Vamvakinou stated that Ramadan can create a bridge between different cultures and religions.
Federal Member for Farer Sussan Ley highlighted that the iftar held at the Parliament House demonstrates the respect of all Australians for the holy month of Ramadan, a time that is welcomed with excitement by the 340,000 Muslims living in Australia. She also read some verses from the Quran during her speech and said Ramadan is a chance to break bad habits.
Orhan Çiçek, the executive advisor of the Australian Intercultural Society, said, “This iftar contributed much to the relations between Muslim communities in the country and the Federal Parliament,” and thanked the guest for attending the iftar.
