Today's Edition
SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)
In line with its mission to foster cross-cultural communication and cement the spirit of volunteerism, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre is hosting the fourth edition of "Jusoor" (Bridges) programme.
With six episodes spanning the holy month of Ramadan, the programme brings together people from diverse backgrounds.
This year, the centre has invited 137 representatives of embassies and organisations representing various cultures living in the UAE to experience the holy month at the mosque, according to the orgranisers.
By volunteering to distribute Iftar meals within the mosque, witnessing the firing of the Iftar cannon, and taking part in an array of cultural activities, the participants were introduced to the message and vision of the mosque.
The vision, inspired by the UAE's Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, highlights the importance of solidifying human values.
The event ends with a group Iftar, where participants gather around a table in an atmosphere of coexistence and fraternity.
One of the programme's participants, Peter Glaicar, shared his experience with Aletihad.
"I had the pleasure of assisting with distributing the Iftar meal boxes and participating in Iftar gatherings with everyone. It was a really nice experience. I encourage others to participate as well to experience a different aspect of someone else's faith and see the differences, but above all, to witness the need for harmony and peace," Glaicar said.
Flavia Young, another participant, said the programme helped her gain a brief understanding of the meaning and spirit of Ramadan.
Accompanying Young is her seven-year-daughter Isabella who shared her excitement with the Iftar cannon.
"The highlight of the programme was the Iftar cannon, which was very loud for the first time. I had ever seen or heard one before," she said.
For Juan Morales, the programme offered him a new experience. "It was a wonderful experience since it was my first time in the UAE, and I didn't know much about Ramadan. Sharing during Ramadan is a beautiful tradition."
Ahmed Shubbar, another attendee, said: "Although I lived here for the most of my life, I learned much during this programme, like food donations and the canon experience, since it was my first time seeing it live."
As for Gina Pizarro, the programme "makes everyone aware of the level of openness and tolerance that Muslims exhibit toward the outside world."
