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Islamic Charity Projects Association Iftar Dinner 2022 at Salamah College Sydney

The sound of the Islamic call to prayer echoed as distinguished guests from local community, business, government and religious organizations gathered together to celebrate the Islamic Charity Projects Association’s 28th Annual Ramadan Iftar Dinner.

Over 330 dignitaries and special guests attended the event held under the patronage of Darulfatwa at the newly renovated Salamah College Assembly Hall on Friday 8th of April 2022 coinciding with the 7th day of Ramadan 1443AH.

For 28 years, ICPA has held this event to promote the noble values of the Holy Month of Ramadan as well as demonstrate ICPA’s commitment to celebrating diversity, encouraging social harmony, and facilitating cross-cultural collaboration.

Event MC and Salamah College School Principal Mr Wissam Saad recognized all the officials and dignitaries in attendance, which include:

Professor Sheikh Salim Alwan, chairman of Islamic High Council of Australia- Darulfatwa.

The Hon Jason Clare MP Federal Member for Blaxland representing Leader of the Opposition, The Hon. Anthony Albanese

Ms Wendy Lindsay, MP Member for East Hills representing the Premier of NSW The Hon Dominic Perrottet .

Mr Stephen Kamper, MP, Member for Rockdale Shadow Minister for Multiculturalism representing NSW Leader of the Opposition The Hon Chris Minns, MP

His Excellency Dr Ali M KRAISHAN Ambassador of Jordan,Her Excellency Mrs Wassane Zailachi & Mr Hamid Mernissi Ambassador of Morocco,Mr Yasser Mahmoud ABED Consul-General of Egypt,Mr Mashare Ali M BEN NAHEET Consul-General of Saudi Arabia,Mr Charbel MACARON Consul-General of Lebanon,Mr Khandker Masudul ALAM Consul General of Bangladish,Mr Lakshman Hulugalle Consul General of Sri Lanka,Dr Bilal AKSOY Vice-Consul of Turkey Representing His Excellency Mr Korhan KARAKOC Ambassador of Turkey,Mr Mayer DABBAGH Honorary Consul of Syria.

Mrs Anne Stanley MP Federal Member for Werriwa,Ms Julia Finn MP Shadow Minister for Sport, and Shadow Minister for Youth Member for Granville,Ms Lynda Voltez MP, Member for Auburn,Mr Paul Lynch MP Member of Liverpool,Senator David Shobridge Member of the Legislative Council- Greens,Ms Lee Rihnan former greens Senator,The Hon Councillor Lisa Lake (Mayor for Cumberland ),Mr Anthony Cooke NSW Police Assistant Commissioner representing NSW Police commissioner Ms Karen Webb APM,Ms Durga Owen Representing Julie Owens federal Member for Parramatta.

Councillor George Barcha Representing Mr Guy Zangari MP,Cr Masud Khalil Representing Cr George Greiss Mayor of Campbelltown,Councillor Joe Awada Representing Mayor Dr Christina Curry,Clr Bilal El-Hayek ,Clr Chris Cahill ,Clr Rachelle Harika Clr Jessie Nguyen ,Clr Barbara Coorey ,Clr Khodr (Karl) Saleh ,Clr Bhadra Waiba , Clr Nathan Hagarty Clr Betty Green Clr Steve Christou Clr Sabrin Farooqui , Clr Mohamad Hussein, Clr Carmen Lazar OAM, Mr Sam Kayal. Liberal candidate for Werriwa,Mr Andrew Charlton Labor Candidates for Parramatta,Mr Jamal Daoud United Australia Party candidate for Reid,Mr Oz Guney LIBERAL candidate for BLAXLAND.

After his welcoming remarks and acknowledgement of attendees, Mr Wissam Saad invited Salamah College student, Adam Malas to recite some noble verses of the Holy Qur’an.

This was followed by an inspiring performance of the Australian National Anthem by Ms Mariam Saad.

Mohamad Mehio, President

Mr. Mohamad Mehio, President of the Islamic Charity Projects Association was then welcomed to give his keynote address. In his address, Mr Mehio highlighted the importance of knowledge in being able to identify extremist ideologies and stand tall with a proud Australian Muslim Identity, ready to serve communities and our nation.

“Be assured that the ICPA is an assurance for peace and harmony in this country and abroad. While the world is busy looking at ways to counter violent extremism, many have overlooked the teachings of prophet Muhammad who fought and countered extremism some 1440 years ago. It is a task ICPA members have taken upon themselves so that

every one can differentiate between a good Australian Muslim and an “undercover” preacher of hate and extremism.

Professor Dr. Sheikh Salim Alwan

After commenting on the significance of the occasion, Chairman of Darulfatwa, the Islamic High Council of Australia, Professor Dr. Sheikh Salim Alwan spoke about how Darulfatwa harnessed the use of digital technology and social media during the pandemic to deliver greater awareness and guidance.

“Using digital technology and social media platforms, we have found a window into society enabling us to deliver awareness and guidance”.

He then reassured the guests of Darulfatwa’s long standing mission of promoting unity, truth, guidance and renouncing firm and in unity with abhorrent extremism and violence.

This was followed by the presentation of an enthralling video production which offered insight into the remarkable history and growth of the Sydney ICPA since its inception in 1989.

MC; Wissam Saad

MC Mr. Wissam Saad then read a written message on behalf of the Prime Minister of Australia, The Hon. Mr Scott Morrison MP who reiterated the significance of Islam.

“Islam shares an important message of compassion, contemplation, sacrifice and resiliance”

He praised the Muslim communities COVID-19 response efforts by saying “Muslim Australians and Muslim communities set an example and you play your part in responding to the pandemic”.

Hon Jason Clare, MP

The Hon Jason Clare MP Federal Member for Blaxland representing Leader of the Opposition, The Hon. Anthony Albanese praised the spirit of Ramadan and the opportunities it brings for cross-cultural understanding and awareness.

“Ramadan is not only the most important month of the year for Islamic Australians, but it's also an important month of the year for all Australians. It’s an opportunity for us to get to know each other better and develop that deeper understanding of each other”.

Among those who also expressed their joy in attending the Iftar dinner

Hon.Wendy Lindsay, MP

with the diverse community is Ms Wendy Lindsay, MP Member for East Hills representing the Premier of NSW, the Hon Mr. Dominic Perrottet. In her address, Ms. Lindsay expressed her delight in attending the Iftar and recognized the efforts of 2MFM radio for their great contribution in the local community.

“It’s done a lot for your community and also different broadcasting throughout this area”.

Hon.Stephen Kamper, MP

This was followed by a speech made by Mr. Stephen Kamper, MP, Member for Rockdale Shadow Minister for Multiculturalism representing NSW Leader of the Opposition The Hon Chris Minns, MP. Mr. Kamper praised ICPA for their efforts to engage the local community during Ramadan.

“The ICPA Iftar was a real eye opener for me personally to see essentially the inclusion and what you do for our society holding these events, greater awareness for the broader community”

CG Egypt Yasser Abed and Dr. Sheikh Salim Alwan

Other highlights of the evening included the official presentation ceremony to acknowledge the Graduates of the 2021 Al Azhar Course. Dr. Sheikh Salim Alwan, and Mr. Yasser Abed, Consul-General of Egypt, were called to the stage to present the 2021 graduates from Darulfatwa Australia, with certificates of recognition and appreciation.

The Islamic Charity Projects Association wishes to extend its thanks to all guests who contributed to the positive reception of the evening and for marking this noble Islamic occasion with the Muslim community.

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