By Aaron Cordy
RAMADAN is a special time for the Greater Shepparton Islamic communities. It is a chance for Muslims to come together with family and community, in faith and reflection and celebrate the blessed month through fasting and the joyous iftars.
The GV Afghan Youth Association and GV Afghan Women’s Association had plenty to celebrate at the community iftar they held on Saturday, March 8, among members of the Afghani community and special guests.
Iftar is the meal held at sunset in the holy month of Ramadan when Muslims taste that first drop of water, dates then food after a long day of fasting. An iftar can be shared among family and friends or can be a community affair like the one held by GVAYA and GVAWA. The important thing is sharing food, and when it is Afghan food you know you are in for a real treat.
Afghanistan people first began to settle in Greater Shepparton in the early 2000s. For many, it was a hard trip, some of which included stops in refugee camps in Pakistan and Iran as well as a stay on Nanus Island.
Two decades on from the first arrivals, the Afghani community continues to enrich Greater Shepparton, as young leaders in their community work hard to integrate into Australian life while holding onto their beautiful vibrant culture.
Zazela Abbasi and Safar Ibrahimi hosted the night, with speeches from Zhara Khademi, Mohammad Zirirka, Qader Karimi, Habiba Ibrahimi, Farzana Khademi, and Wilmot Road Community Hub Leader Sarah Pearson sharing the wonderful achievements by the local Afghan people over the last year.
The iftar coincided with GVAWA’s first anniversary, which provides an essential voice for Afghani women in the community.
“I am also incredibly grateful to my supportive and trusting community, especially the women who encourage and believe in us. Their unwavering trust keeps us going, even when faced with challenges,” said GVAWA founder Zahra Khademi.
This year also saw Afghanistan take home the Shepparton Nations Cup, an incredible feat for the team that didn’t qualify for the finals in 2024. Team captain Qader Karimi, spoke well of his team’s resilience and faith in each other even when they were tested.
As Ramadan draws to an end for another year, the dynamic Afghani community has many achievements to be proud of as they continue to enrich Greater Shepparton.
