Bay Area Muslims in the United States are determined to show support for the suffering Palestinians in Gaza during Ramadan 2024. Through communal gatherings and fundraising efforts, they aim to bring joy and strengthen their community, while also enjoying delicious food during Iftar and Suhoor.
Supporting Gaza: Bay Area Muslims Unite Through Food During Ramadan 2024
( Credit to: Kqed )
Bay Area Muslims in the United States are determined to show support for the suffering Palestinians in Gaza during Ramadan 2024. Through communal gatherings and fundraising efforts, they aim to bring joy and strengthen their community, while also enjoying delicious food during Iftar and Suhoor.
( Credit to: Kqed )
For many Muslims in the Bay Area, Ramadan is a time of spiritual reflection, community prayer, and charitable activities. It is also a time to enjoy delicious food during Iftar and Suhoor. However, this year, the suffering of Palestinians in Gaza due to the ongoing war is weighing heavily on the minds of many Muslims. Despite their own fasting, they are determined to show support for the community during Ramadan 2024.
Irfan Rydhan, the founder of HalalFest, an organization that focuses on cultural events and festivals centered around halal food, believes that Ramadan is the perfect time to bring the community together through food. Every Ramadan since 2021, HalalFest has created a schedule of restaurants in the Bay Area that offer special meals during Iftar and Suhoor. In addition, they have organized fundraising efforts to support the people of Gaza, partnering with over 60 restaurants to raise over $125,000 in donations. Rydhan is excited to spend time with his family and the community during Ramadan and bring joy to people through food.
Samiha Shaheed, the creator of California's Hungry and Halal, a food vlog that focuses on halal food and restaurants, emphasizes the importance of supporting businesses that align with one's values. She encourages people to move away from brands that have shown support for Israel's military and instead support Palestinian-owned restaurants. Shaheed is looking forward to the sense of community during Ramadan and believes it is the best time to strengthen the Muslim community.
Shazad Shafi, the creator of The Halal Food Reviewer, sees Ramadan as a time to connect with one's spiritual self. He values the special prayers at mosques and cherishes the time spent with family during the month. Shafi was impressed by the community response to the fundraising efforts for Gaza, noting that the participating restaurants were packed.
For those looking to experience Iftars and Suhoors in the Bay Area, there are several options available. Many mosques in the area host daily Iftars, although some may require a small donation or advance registration. As for Suhoors, there are several halal restaurants that stay open late into the night. In San Francisco, Cafe Da Fonk!, Kinara Fusion, Haraz Coffee, and Delah Coffee offer extended hours. In the Peninsula, Dahab Restaurant and Cafe is open late on weekdays. In the South Bay, El Halal Amigos, Angry Hot Chicken, Zareen's, Bibz and Ribz, Falafel Flame, Chikin Drip, Chicken G's, Oklava Cafe, and Wayback Burgers all offer Suhoor hours. In the East Bay, Port of Peri Peri, Kabob Fusion, Yeeshaans Grubb, Falafel Fremont, Mirchi, Maya Halal Taqueria, The Burger Shop, Lahore Di Khushboo, Bismillah Restaurant, Chicken G's, and Bundoo Khan have extended hours during Ramadan.
During this holy month, Bay Area halal foodies are determined to support their community and show solidarity with the people of Gaza. Through food and communal gatherings, they aim to bring joy and strengthen their community during Ramadan 2024.