Students at Lake Forest College marked the second day of Ramadan with an open iftar event on February 19, organized by the Arab Student Association (ASA) and Muslim Student Association (MSA). The gathering aimed to create a sense of belonging for both Muslim and non-Muslim members of the campus community.
The event featured food from local vendors Al Bawadi Grill and Selma’s Sweets. Volunteers prepared the venue by arranging dates, checking food labels, and welcoming attendees. Some students participated because they were observing Ramadan, while others joined out of curiosity about the tradition or for the opportunity to share a meal.
As sunset arrived and it was time to break the fast, attendees observed a moment of quiet before sharing dates and water in accordance with custom. This simple act allowed participants—some for the first time—to experience part of Ramadan’s traditions together.
The organizers described their motivation as rooted in values such as generosity, patience, and community. They wanted to offer more than just a meal; they hoped to foster empathy and connection among students. According to some participants, fasting is meant to teach empathy, while sharing iftar underscores that “we’re not meant to do life alone.”
By evening’s end, volunteers began cleaning up but noted that their primary goal had been achieved: bringing people together in an atmosphere of understanding. Conversations about future gatherings had already begun as chairs were stacked away.
Dr. Suha Dajani serves as faculty advisor for ASA and Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP).
