The Australian National University: Diversity & Dialogue Iftar Dinner On Friday evening the 3rd of September, 2010, Bluestar Intercultural Centre and the Australian National University’s College of Arts & Social Sciences department co-hosted an Iftar dinner for the community of National University.

The Iftar dinner was titled ‘Diversity & Dialogue Iftar Dinner’. The University sponsor of the Iftar dinner Professor Toni Makkai , Dean of the ANU College of Arts & Social Sciences welcomed the guests to the Iftar dinner. She made reference to Bluestar’s pioneering work in this area and how these Iftar dinners have also made their way to understand and acceptance of Australian society. This kind of program will integrate the different faith community to wider community to Australia to maintain and enhance its harmonious social fabric, an atmosphere that is welcoming and inclusive is required. Bluestar Executive Advisor Orhan Cicek presented on the Spirit of Ramadan and thanked the University for their leadership in opening their doors to the university community. Cicek said the Australian National University has a reputation for delivering quality academic education and training in an inclusive campus atmosphere. The BIC and larger Australian community we appreciates and applaud the Australian National University’s recent endeavours in celebrating diversity and promoting social inclusion with local and international students. In these trying times where the concept of multiculturalism is under threat by intolerant voices within the Australian, the social inclusion of international students will go a long way in maintaining Australia's social fabric. The experiences within ANU of cultural diversity will result in your students becoming important ambassadors of dialogue not only for the university but also for the nation as a whole. As Ramadan, the month of fasting for the Muslim community, is approaching we find this to be a perfect opportunity for the university, by hosting a Diversity & Dialogue Dinner to display its leadership in fostering dialogue and providing an open opportunity for students, staff and community leaders to come together and interact over a dinner meal. Keynote Speaker Professor Amin Saikal, Director of Centre for Arab and Islamic Studies thanked the Bluestar and University to bring Academics of University and multifaith group of Australia together. He said Ramadan is a month of worship and the display of beauty. A time when sharing is of utmost importance. Muslims fast provide alms, donations and offerings and evaluate the reason for their existence and preparation for their eternal life. Ramadan is a month of network development. As a result of the Ramadan Iftar dinners, Academia, Journalists, Diplomats, Bureaucrats and elite Parliamentarians will be granted the opportunity to intimately liaise with and understand the mindset and values of Islamic leaders in a very sincere atmosphere. This will secure access to primary, reliable and accurate resources to utilize at times when an Islamic perspective on particular issues is required, rather than relying upon hearsay or heavily distorted perceptions. Ramadan is a month for positive impressions and integration exercises. The Ramadan Iftar dinners implemented in venues of significance with non-Muslim input will serve as a catalyst in the process of Muslims aligning themselves with Australian values. Preconceived ideas, hostile thoughts and incorrect understanding of western society and cultures will be overcome and Muslims will be more accepting and appreciative of the value systems that they are asked to abide by. Ramadan is a month of identity recognition. A positive impact will be welcomed by second generation Australian Muslims who will be able to interpret the Ramadan Iftar programs as a sign of solidarity. A clarification of the identity of Australian Muslims will be the outcome of these valued exchanges. The program then continued with a floor reflection and three guest speakers. Firstly, His Excellency Mr. Izzet Abdulhadi, Ambassador and Head of Delegation of Palestine, mentioned his appreciation in participating in this Iftar dinner that highlights the peace and harmony that Ramadan brings. Secondly, Mr. Sam Wong, Chairman of Canberra Community Forum stated that today, there is a need for communities and people from diverse religions to come together. He also added that in the holy month of Ramadan BIC has brought together community and multifaith leaders and in doing so has contributed positively to Australia’s multicultural society. Mr. Wong thanked BIC for the organisation of this Iftar program. Thirdly, Professor Elizabeth Deane, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Students) spoke on the importance of interfaith and intercultural dialogue and what is the most important role of Ramadan over the Muslim Community. Her strong message of support for dialogue activities left conversations continuing well after her presentation. Bluestar Executive Director Abdul Celil Gelim also complimented on the University’s adoption of the Iftar dinner concept as he saw a good representation from the university and the Muslim Students Association representatives to some international students attendance. Also in attendance were Muslims from the local business community. These events could only add in a positive sense to the university’s profile and from a broader perspective show that the community is willing to accept and embrace Muslims in our multi-cultural society. Gelim said Bluestar Intercultural Centre would like to assist the members of the Australian National University in forming relationships will be of mutual benefits as Academician personalities will be able to draw access to the perspectives of respected Muslim leaders when required and Muslim leaders will be able to communicate with the mainstream Muslim society using logical comments that are reflective of Islamic teachers, rather than producing radical remarks that have no grounds or references in Islam. We believe that by synergizing, together we will be able to set the foundations for a truly harmonious, multi-faith/ multicultural nation that exemplifies the term “pluralistic society”. Ramadan Iftar Dinners are the perfect medium for establishing solid friendships through social interaction. The objective of this Iftar Dinner program is to break bread together for the future of humanity and to enhance social cohesion, security and social harmony in this wonderful nation of ours. Mr Gelim presented a traditional Turkish gift to Professor Makkai and Professor Deane for appreciation of their partnership and vision in making the Iftar a reality.