Islamic Relief USA Hosts Alexandria City Officials For Iftar

By Syed Hassan

Islamic Relief USA hosted its 7th Annual City of Alexandria Interfaith Ramadan Iftar at its headquarters (3655 Wheeler Avenue) on Tuesday, March 4, with the recently elected Mayor Alyia Gaskins thanking the organization for inviting her to one of her favorite events.

Iftar refers to the evening meal that marks the end of the daily fast each day during the holy month of Ramadan.

Gaskins, who previously served as a city council member before making history by being elected the city's first female African-American mayor, described the annual iftar as one of her favorite events.

She said the staff have always welcomed her and other city officials with "overwhelming kindness and generosity," making them feel "a part of the family."

Gaskins added the event enables her to get to know new people.

"I always meet someone I don't know," she said. "We meet as strangers and walk out as friends."

"Ramadan is a time of reflection, gratitude, and giving."

She was grateful for IRUSA's hospitality. "I'm so grateful to know you and deepen the partnership."

IRUSA Chief Executive Officer Ahmed Shehata described Ramadan, which started on March 4, as "a learning season"

"It is about how we work, how we feed each other, and how we help each other. We're all brothers and sisters," he said. "The mandate is to help all human beings."

Shehata said he has long valued IRUSA, as it taught him the importance of integrating with all of society, beyond the American Muslim community.

However, it is clear that that community has shown its impact, especially in the immense success IRUSA has experienced over the years to expand projects and programs in over 40 countries. Unlike many other non-governmental organizations, IRUSA does not depend on government funding to facilitate its operations.

In the United States alone, he said the U.S. Programs budget will increase to expand, among other things, the food security programs. A prime example of this is the hot meals food truck campaign that has launched in New York City, Chicago, and Detroit. He said the organization plans to have one that will serve Virginia and the surrounding area.

He thanked Director of Public Affairs Research and Advocacy Department, Christina Tobias-Nahi, and Araif Youseff, the organization's chief operating officer, for helping the organization get exposed to elected officials and Islamic centers, respectively.

He looks forward to partnering with the City of Alexandria on future programs and projects.

The evening was capped off with poetry from acclaimed City of Alexandria Poet Laureate Zeina Azzam. She, along with Sonya Melescu, a local yoga instructor who has run Friday morning sessions at IRUSA headquarter for the sisters, were presented with flowers. Both expressed gratitude for the kind gesture.