Iftar?? In a nutshell: the Islamic Society of the Gold Coast has invited the members of our club to participate in a meal, celebrating 'breaking fast', at the location of the Gold Coast Mosque in Arundel. Here is an extract of their invitation:"In this sacred month of Ramadan, we would like to take an opportunity to invite you and your team to have an Iftar (breaking fast) and dinner at the Islamic Society of Gold Coast.... ... In order to spread the spirit of goodwill and happiness, we look forward to your participation, we hope you will take part in the event to make it a great success."
But - but - but... Isn't Rotary supposed to be non-denominational? Yes, indeed! But that doesn't mean that Rotarians are not permitted to practice their religion, or for that matter - as in this instance - communicate with members of other religions. Quite the opposite: The fourth Object Rotary is "The advancement of international understanding, goodwill, and peace through a world fellowship of business and professional persons united in the ideal of service." (click here for the full text of the Objects of Rotary). The Islamic Society has in the past been instrumental of getting container loads of our wheelchairs into the war torn areas of Syria, Afghanistan etc. Yes, this is exactly what International Understanding is all about.
A fair number of our members and their partners attended (see picture, by Mark Twyford). To no doubt, it is events of this nature which provide the means to break down barriers. A sincere 'Thank you!' goes to the Islamic Society for the invitation.