Amman mayor joins hundreds in Abdali outdoor iftar

AMMAN — Amman Mayor Aqel Biltaji joined over 500 Jordanians and visitors for an outdoor iftar in Abdali on Saturday as part of a local initiative that was banned from holding its activity in its former location in Jabal Amman.

Dubbed Yalla Neftar Maa Baad (let’s have iftar together), the weekly Ramadan initiative has been held over the past two years with the aim of bringing members of the community to have the fast breaking meal together.

At the beginning of the fasting month, organisers of the event were not allowed to hold their outdoor iftar near the First Circle as the Greater Amman Municipality (GAM) said area residents complained about the resulting noise and traffic jams.

Ali Hasani, the founder of the initiative, said in previous remarks to The Jordan Times that the head of the Zahran area banned them from holding it because he said it “violates public morality”.

However, Biltaji said on Saturday their announcement was misunderstood and misinterpreted.

“But it was an apology for the size and place not about the event itself. The event is a great community event,” the mayor told The Jordan Times at the iftar.

He noted that GAM did not stop the organisers from holding the iftar, but it had issue with the venue.

“There were no facilities like toilets... It would have been more of a hassle rather than just an enjoyment so we thought of a better place,” Biltaji noted. 

“We thought of Saleh Burqan garden and the organisers said that it is not big enough, which is true by the way, so we offered Abdali Square. Now at this venue all facilities are around and two mosques are around,” the mayor added.

Hasani said the initiative aims at enhancing solidarity among community members.

“After the complaints of Jabal Amman residents, we decided to move it to this location and many people charge that this initiative violates Ramadan but I stress that no such thing has ever happened at our activities,” he added.

Iftar attendees interviewed by The Jordan Times criticised the accusations levelled by some people at the event and its participants.

Sawsan Qatash said she likes to take part in the outdoor iftar because of its friendly atmosphere.

“I had iftar with my friends and with people I don’t know... I had the chance to make new friends,” she noted, adding that Abdali is a good choice because it is a spacious venue.

Anas Kreishan, who came with his brother from the city of Zarqa, some 22km east of Amman, said the event was well organised and it brought together all segments of society.

He noted that such initiatives are important amidst the instability in the region.

“There are many conflicts that result in differences among people and these events boost the sense of collaboration between members of Jordanian society and make us stand together as one hand and one people,” Kreishan added.

Mohammad Rudwan was amazed that many foreigners residing in the capital came as well.

“This enabled me to meet new cultures and learn about traditional dishes from different countries,” he added.

Aseel Ammous, another participant, said she has never encountered any of the “negative issues” that critics have claimed take place at these iftars.

“I’ve attended the previous meetings in the past years and, on the contrary, everyone respects the other and this is a good way to experience the joy of Ramadan.”