As we welcome Ramadan this year, we know that this beautiful time is tinged with immense grief. Because we continue to experience the excruciating reality in Gaza and Israel, we have decided that this moment calls for something more intimate and personal – a format where we can be together as we stand in the divides between and within our communities. 

Instead of convening our traditional large and celebratory Iftar this year, we are encouraging you to gather with people you care about and to be there for one another, to ask thoughtful and loving questions that widen our perspectives. As such we would like you to host your own Iftar for Muslims, Jews and allies. As an Iftar host, you will reach out to your community and invite and gather people you care about for this meaningful experience.  

When people gather in more intimate settings, the connections are more powerful. Right now, when so many of us feel isolated and in despair, we need those close connections. We need to balance our inner and outer work – our personal reflection and gathering together to build our compassion and resilience. Both practices are necessary to answer this crucial question: Who are we in this moment? 

At a time when so many of us are feeling isolated and in despair, it may feel awkward and even futile to be in community. In the spirit of Ramadan, this is exactly when we need to be present for each other. Our traditions call on us to show up, grieve in community and hold space for telling stories of our loved ones. We are all called to do something together. 

Help us continue to bring the NewGround community together in this challenging time.