Sacred Togetherness
A call for interfaith solidarity fasts and donations during Ramadan and Holy Week
Food Insecurity in NYC
Recent research indicates that approximately 14.6% of NYC is food insecure, meaning at some point during the year they had difficulty providing enough food for all household members due to a lack of resources or insufficient money for food.
Since August 2022, nearly 180,000 migrants have entered our city. Nonprofits and houses of worship are on the frontlines providing shelter, food, legal support, among other social services. With this, the rate of food insecurity is likely larger than 14.6%.
With the observance of Ramadan, the need among Muslim migrants has grown substantially. However, food insecurity goes beyond Ramadan and remains a major social justice issues for our city. Mosques are on the front lines of fighting food insecurity for West African Muslims far beyond this month.
What is Holy Week?
Holy Week, which comes at the end of Lent, marks the most sacred week of the Christian liturgical calendar. Christians believe that Christ was crucified, died, and was resurrected on Easter Day.
Fasting, or abstaining from certain foods or meals, has long been a part of Lenten tradition. Committing to a season of fasting forces one to slow down, focus inward, and become self-aware.
Holy Week also allows us to become more outwardly aware and conscious of people suffering from injustice.
What is Ramadan?
Ramadan marks the 9th and holiest month of the Islamic calendar. For 30 days, Muslims abstain from food and water during daylight hours. They are also encouraged to refrain and reform bad habits, all while increasing their generosity towards those in need.
The practice of fasting is not only a physical exercise but a spiritual one. The month challenges hyper-consumerism and materialism; instead, Muslims pursue God’s blessings and forgiveness.
Almsgiving and Fasting Across Faiths
Like many traditions, Christianity and Islam, practice Almsgiving and Fasting.
Almsgiving strengthens our bonds with one another and allows us to participate in social change, transformation, and new life.
Fasting opens our hearts to God’s heart and desire for all to be made right in the world, so no one will hunger or thirst anymore.
Both Almsgiving and Fasting are opportunities to increase our awareness around food insecurity and injustice, particularly how it impacts low and no-income families and individuals, the unhoused, and asylum seekers in our city.
Calls to Action
Fast in Solidarity
Fast in solidarity with our Muslim siblings! Break your fast in “sacred togetherness.”
Donate
If you are unable to fast, donate what you typically spend on lunch/dinner to a local mosque.
The great services of hospitality provided by NYC mosques come with an equally large burden – especially financial – on the faith communities themselves, and there is a substantial need to fund Ramadan meals.
Where to Donate
The Interfaith Center’s Welcome NYC program aims to alleviate some of this logistical and financial burden on mosque’s by providing Iftar and Suhoor meals to mosques throughout NYC. See our donation link here.
The Gambian Youth Organization supports the work of Mosques and asylum seekers throughout the Bronx and NYC through food and other donations.
Sponsor an Iftar at ICNYU.
Donate time as a volunteer to Muslim Community Network and NYC Comptroller’s Iftar on the Go Program
Make an Intention
Though Lent and Ramadan will end in just a few weeks, food insecurity is major and persistent issue. One donation is only a starting point, so join us in advocating for sufficient, healthy, and culturally appropriate food for all New Yorkers year- round.
Will you be joining our call for Sacred Togetherness?