The Community Iftar between Los Altos United Methodist Church and Pacifica Institute marked twelve years of coming together in friendship, dialogue, and shared spiritual reflection. This year’s gathering took place on Sunday, March 1, 2026, at LAUMC in Los Altos.
Jan and Hilal warmly greeted and welcomed the guests, reflecting on the longstanding partnership that has sustained this meaningful annual tradition. Their remarks highlighted how this gathering has grown beyond a single annual event into a sustained relationship between two faith communities.
A piano performance set a reflective tone for the evening, followed by Pastor Dave’s blessing over the meal, offering gratitude for unity, compassion, and shared purpose. At sunset, the Adhan, the Islamic call to prayer, was recited to mark the breaking of the fast, and guests then shared the Iftar meal together.
The program also included table discussions, creating space for thoughtful dialogue and deeper relationship-building across faith traditions. Conversations around the tables reflected the spirit of the evening: listening, learning, and strengthening community bonds.
Over the years, this partnership has extended well beyond the Iftar table. Volunteers from both faith communities have been collaborating on Compassion Week service projects and continue to do so today, working side by side to serve the broader community. In the past, the two communities also developed a Conversation Partnership Project, in which families from both congregations were matched to build family-to-family relationships, engage in meaningful conversations, and support English language learning. These initiatives reflect the depth of trust and mutual commitment that has developed over twelve years.
This year’s Iftar carried special significance, as Lent and Ramadan began on the same day, highlighting shared commitments to fasting, reflection, and spiritual renewal.
