Molenbeek celebrates its spirit of generosity
Molenbeek for Brussels 2030 and its partners invite you to an evening of intercultural sharing and generosity!
Join us for an unusual meal this Sunday 23 March at 5.30pm. What’s it all about? Getting together around a large, generous table of food at twilight. We will share iftar at the same time as we celebrate Lent, the beginning of spring and the diversity of Molenbeek, with its 140 nationalities. We hope that as many people as possible will come to spend time together and celebrate the spirit of generosity.
A universal experience of togetherness
Iftar – the breaking of the fast during the month of Ramadan – is more than just a meal. Like Lent and Purim that take place in March, it symbolises a time of solidarity and togetherness, when bonds are forged and strengthened.
By organising an iftar in a church on the first weekend of spring, Molenbeek for Brussels 2030 is sending out a strong signal: above and beyond beliefs and cultural and social backgrounds, what unites us is much greater than what divides us.
Picture: Veerle Vercauteren
A powerful symbol for a community facing many challenges
Ten years after the Paris attacks (November 2015) and nine years after the Brussels attacks (March 2016), Molenbeek has experienced a long period of stigmatisation, and is keen to reassert the strength of its cultural diversity. A candidate for the title of European Capital of Culture 2030, Molenbeek wants to carry a message of unity in diversity, resilience and sharing that goes above and beyond all differences.
As candidate for the title of European Capital of Culture 2030, Molenbeek wants to carry a message of unity in diversity, resilience and sharing that goes above and beyond all differences.
This event is the perfect illustration of Sadaka, which means generosity in several languages and is the theme of the Molenbeek for Brussels 2030 bid. This generosity without borders is one of the greatest strengths of Molenbeek and its residents. A symbol that the not-for-profit organisation intends to promote on an international stage.
Picture: Veerle Vercauteren, Sadaka operation.
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An invitation to everybody
Join us around a long table for this hearty meal:
- Booking essential: sign up via this form before 20 March (places are limited).
- Open to everyone: whatever your background, age, spirituality or origins, you are more than welcome! Come on your own, with family or friends. It will be even better if you come with one or more people from a different cultural background from your own.
- Festive atmosphere: musical entertainment and enriching encounters.
- Food served with a smile: soup, savoury dishes, dates and other sweet treats will be shared in the spirit of togetherness.
- Option to bring and share: anyone who would like to do so can bring a sweet or savoury dish to share (no obligation).
- Venue and duration: Saint-Jean-Baptiste church, 1080 Molenbeek-Saint-Jean
- Date and times: Sunday 23 March, from 5.30pm to 9.00pm.
This initiative is part of Molenbeek for Brussels 2030, which aims to make Molenbeek the European Capital of Culture in 2030. With, for and thanks to you!
More information :
- Contact : Céline Robin, Communication & Marketing, Molenbeek for Brussels 2030
→ celine.robin@mb2030.eu | +32 491 103 755 - Press contact : Wafaa Hammich
→ wafaa@comforit.be | +32 484 870 661
