23-03-2025
Community gathers for free Iftar meal at Brooklyn restaurant
BAY RIDGE, Brooklyn (PIX11) — A Brooklyn restaurant brought the community together for a free Iftar meal Saturday in the spirit of Ramadan.
A spread of traditional Palestinian dishes, including Maqluba, mansaf, and hummus, filled tables outside Ayat in Bay Ridge as the community gathered for the meal.
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In a display of generosity and unity, Ayat owner and founder Abul Elenani embraced the community, welcoming people of all religions and backgrounds.
'Ramadan is more about giving than receiving so we give as much charity as we possibly can,' Elenani said. 'Invite everybody in as much as we can. So, it's one of those nights where we chose to invite everybody in and feed as many mouths as possible.'
Iftar, the evening meal that breaks the daily fast during Ramadan, is a sacred time of reflection and togetherness. Families and communities gather to share food and gratitude after a day of fasting. The line sprawled down the block outside the restaurant as New Yorkers like Sophia Touri came together to embrace the spirit of giving.
'What a beautiful community event for everyone to come together 'cause truly we've been dealing with a lot in this community, especially with the month of Ramadan, with the ceasefire being amended and just all of this happening globally,' she said. 'It's not just about Palestine. It's about all the countries that are in need today and so coming together just kind of shows our support for everyone.'
Elenani said at a time when communities can feel more divided than ever, the event served as a powerful reminder of what can unite us.
'We're all united somehow. We should all be united at the end of the day.'
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