The U.S. Consulate in Melbourne’s Consul General Michael Kleine hosted the state governor and nearly three dozen diverse and talented young guests for a virtual multifaith iftar, May 12. In a year when public iftars were universally cancelled due to COVID-19, the consulate offered the only known non-family iftar for most of the guests this Ramadan. The consul general’s chef created delicious halal meals that were delivered by staff across the city. As dusk fell, guests gathered online, and an imam delivered the call to prayer marking a short period of reflection before welcome remarks from the governor and consul general. Each guest had time to express their thoughts and experiences revealing a confluence of shared values and gratitude for the opportunity to gather.
Photo courtesy of ConGen Melbourne
