Tens of leading personalities and Christian Muslim clerics attended this gathering which was sponsored by Al-Liqa’ and Sabeel Centers. Prior to the joint Iftar, H.B. Patriarch Michael Sabbah welcomed this large gathering and spoke of present tragic developments in Gaza and concluded his remarks by stressing that we will be victorious because we have the right despite that the Israelis possess the most advanced destructive arms. We are determined to live despite despair and fear of the future. Sheikh Maher ‘Assaf followed with a recitation of verses from the Holy Qur’an. Rev. Dr. Na’im ‘Ateek and Dr. Geries S. Khoury welcomed the attendees. Rev. ‘Ateek stressed the importance of this gathering because it deepens our national identity, our belief in God and our right to live. Dr. Khoury, in addition, stressed national unity in face of the extreme trends in the Arab World.
Discussions of the main theme “Are the Joint Iftars Contributing to Shared Living” followed with commentators underlining the importance of this annual traditional gathering which makes us more familiar with our spiritual legacy and religious traditions. The Youth group of Al-Liqa’ also took part in the discussions.
Attendees, in addition, condemned Israeli air raids on our people in Gaza and appealed to all those with live conscious in the world to resist this aggression. Likewise, the gathering condemned barbaric occupation practices against our people in the West Bank and appealed to international organizations and human rights associations to put an end to this massacre of women, children and the elderly. Despite of that our people will continue to sacrifice until out trek for liberty, independence and setting up a state of our own is realized.
