In a powerful demonstration of multicultural unity, over 500 people from diverse backgrounds gathered at Saint John the Baptist Church in Molenbeek-Saint-Jean on Sunday evening for a Ramadan iftar meal.
This fast-breaking event, held on the first weekend of spring, highlighted Molenbeek’s strong sense of community and underscored its bid for the 2030 European Capital of Culture (ECOC) title.
The event was organized by Molenbeek For Brussels 2030 as part of the district’s efforts to secure the prestigious title of European Capital of Culture. The initiative was a collaborative effort between local associations, residents, and community leaders, highlighting the strong bonds of cohesion that transcend different cultural and religious identities.
Co-leaders of Molenbeek For Brussels 2030, Fatima Zibouh and Jan Goossens, emphasized the importance of shared values, such as those found in the concept of Sadaka—generosity and solidarity—which transcend cultural and religious boundaries. “These values are at the core of our candidacy. This is what we want to showcase to Europe,” they stated.
#RAMADAN DENTRO UNA #CHIESA, È INCUBO SOTTOMISSIONE
— Silvia Sardone (@SardoneSilvia) March 26, 2025
Cerimonia dell'#Iftar dentro una chiesa a #Molenbeek (nella regione di Bruxelles). Per gli organizzatori è inclusione e scambio multiculturale, per me invece è solo l'ennesimo segnale di arretramento sui nostri valori e sulla… pic.twitter.com/ARhS5lMFuI
The evening’s gathering was not only about celebrating Ramadan but also about sending a powerful message of unity. “By organizing 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,” the organization explained.
Celebration of solidarity and diversity
The evening not only celebrated Ramadan but also conveyed a strong message of unity. “What unites us is much greater than what divides us,” they added, highlighting the significance of holding an iftar in a church as a symbol of intercultural harmony.
Molenbeek For Brussels 2030, the organization behind the event, drew parallels between the Ramadan iftar and other cultural observances, such as Lent in Christianity and Purim in Judaism. These occasions symbolize periods of reflection, solidarity, and collective sharing. “These values of solidarity and generosity, reflected in the spirit of Sadaka found in various cultures, are at the core of this candidacy. This is what we want to showcase to Europe,” said Fatima Zibouh.
Molenbeek’s bid for European Capital of Culture 2030
Molenbeek-Saint-Jean, together with Leuven and Namur, has been shortlisted in Belgium’s bid for the 2030 European Capital of Culture title. The three cities were selected from a pool of six candidates by a panel of international experts in October 2024. The winning city will be announced in 2025 following a thorough evaluation by a European jury.
As part of its campaign, Molenbeek aims to redefine itself through a focus on cultural and social cohesion, a message that was at the heart of Sunday’s iftar event. Zibouh, who co-leads Molenbeek For Brussels 2030, reflected on the district’s challenges in recent years. “Molenbeek has faced a lot of socio-economic difficulties, but we hope this candidacy is an opportunity to flip the script and to dream together to create a new ‘us,’” she said in an interview with Euronews.
The theme of Molenbeek’s ECOC candidacy is centered on the Arabic and Hebrew word Sadaka, which means “generosity and solidarity.” The concept of Sadaka transcends cultural and religious lines, resonating with the shared values of many communities in Molenbeek. This theme was prominently featured throughout the evening’s Iftar celebration, reinforcing the message that cultural diversity and unity are at the heart of Molenbeek’s vision for the future.
The inclusion of youth in the community’s cultural initiatives was also highlighted by community leader Del Monte, who expressed her belief in the importance of youth participation. “Youth are playing a very big role,” she said. “They are the future of tomorrow, the future of Europe. They have a lot to bring to the table.”
Molenbeek’s candidacy for European Capital of Culture 2030 is about more than just winning a title—it’s about redefining the district’s identity and promoting a message of unity, generosity, and cultural exchange. The Ramadan iftar was a powerful reminder that shared values and cultural exchange can help heal divisions and bring communities together.