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CHICAGO: Muslim Americans across the US are celebrating the holy month of Ramadan by hosting iftars to celebrate community engagement in local society and government.

The iftars are themed to showcase public needs and concerns; support charities, needy children and families; increase awareness of US foreign policy; and gather people of all religions.

The Virginia chapter of the Arab America Foundation announced that a Ramadan iftar will be held on March 7 at Raouche Hall in Falls Church. 

“These gatherings create opportunities for dialogue, hospitality and mutual respect, helping to bridge cultural and religious divides,” AAF President Warren David told Arab News, adding that the event is part of the foundation’s mission “to strengthen bonds and empower Arab Americans.”

Also on March 7, at Wallace Hall in New York City, the Catholic Organization of St. Ignatius Loyola will co-host with the Peace Islands Institute and local Muslim leaders an iftar featuring panel discussions on the community. 

On March 8 in Palo Alto, California, Muslims will host an event to promote the need for foster parents who host and support orphaned children.

In Texas, Houston Mayor John Whitmire will give the keynote address at an iftar at the Bayou Center on March 9. The event is hosted by the Islamic Center of Greater Houston for the 26th year.

“Houston is truly one of the most diverse international cities in the nation, and it will be a great opportunity to show case our religious, cultural and social diversity by participating in this religious celebration with all of our brothers and sisters,” the organizers said.

“This is a remarkable opportunity to show solidarity and unity among not just various Muslim organizations and religious groups, but also to remind all that we share the same human values, respect and dignities as do the rest of our citizens of this great city, irrespective of race, color, religion, or the origin of an individual.”

In Chicago, where elections are in full gear for April 1, several mosques, the Arab American Chamber of Commerce, and community organizations such as the Palestine Club have partnered to host an “Iftar Candidate Town Hall” on March 13 to bring the community and government officials together.

Sponsors said they hope to encourage Muslims to vote in local elections, and to present a strong, positive public profile of the community among non-Muslims.

“There will be thousands of iftar events celebrating Ramadan across the nation, but also demonstrating the patriotism and support Muslims have for this country. The iftar events traditionally address a wide range of community needs during Ramadan from California to New York, and including in Chicago,” Hassan Nijem, chairman of the AACC in Chicago, told Arab News.

“Ramadan isn’t only an important holy event for Muslims, it’s also an opportunity for Muslims here to engage and educate non-Muslims about who we are, what we stand for, and emphasize that we’re no different than any other ethnic or national or immigrant community in this country.

“It’s also very uplifting for our community, which over the years has been the target of racism, discrimination and much misunderstanding.”

Nijem said many Arabs and Muslims are running for local government offices in Illinois elections on April 1. 

This year, Ramadan will be followed by National Arab American Heritage Month in April, giving Arabs and Muslims a “needed positive national boost,” Nijem said.

With the rise in Arab candidates running in elections, “we’ve also seen a large number of video Ramadan greetings from American candidates and politicians hoping to appeal for Arab-American votes,” he added.

On March 15 in Newark, California, the charity Human Appeal USA will host an iftar to rally support for rebuilding Gaza at Chandni Restaurant.