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RTI Club organizes a family Ramadan breaking of the Ramadan fast at Bethlehem Hotel The Remember the Innocents children's club organized a breaking of the Ramadan fast (Eftar) on November 5th, 2003 at the Bethlehem Hotel to celebrate the month of Ramadan which began in late October. The children invited their friends, HLT staff members and Mr. Robin Wainwright from the Holy Land Trust U.S. Support Office who added a special ambiance to the night by praying for peace and justice in Palestine and by asking God to strengthen our will and light our way in the continuing nonviolent struggle to resist the occupation. The RTl Club welcomed the Holy Land Trust group, sitting as one family at one table with shared objectives and goals, celebrating this day as Christians and Muslims: one people with one aim. The Christian members, to show their respect for the Muslim observance, fasted for the day alongside their Muslims friends and neighbors. Fasting is very important for both Christians and Muslims and it serves many purposes. While fasting from food and drink, people are reminded of the suffering of the poor. Fasting is also an opportunity to practice self-control and to cleanse the body and mind. And in this most sacred month, fasting helps Muslims feel the peace that comes from spiritual devotion as well as kinship with fellow believers. We began to eat after sunset and the call to prayer was made. During the month of Ramadan, we normally break the fast with a soup that is healthy for the stomach after a long day without eating, then move onto salads and then finally we reach the main course: a delicious traditional Palestinian meal called Eqdar made of rice, meat and yogurt. Ramadan is a "month of blessing" marked by prayer, fasting, and charity. This year Ramadan and Christmas come in a similar time of the year. The Group enjoyed a nice discussion after eating and drinking coffee. The RTl Club spoke about their future plans and projects and enjoyed meeting and talking to Mr.Wainwright. |