MUSLIM families in Hume will open their homes to the public in the coming weeks to raise awareness of their religion and dispel fears within the community.

The Australian Intercultural Society’s (AIS) Ramadan Iftar Project, running until 10 October, sees people from across Victoria share a meal with a Muslim family after sunset during the fasting month of Ramadan.

Iftar – meaning the breaking of the fast – is an important part of Ramadan, when Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset.

Emre Celik from AIS said the Ramadan Iftar Project signified the strong desire of Muslim people to be accepted.

“This is a great way for people to come together and help break down the barriers that exist between communities and help overcome the fear and misunderstanding that people have of the Muslim community,” he said.

“The social interaction that takes place becomes a means for everyone to learn about the other at a very personal level. Muslims are honoured with hosting guests in their house,” Mr Celik said.

Craigieburn resident and Muslim Sariye Baskocak said she and her family looked forward to welcoming strangers into their home again this year, after hosting a dinner in 2006.

“We wanted to open up our home because what’s in the media (about Muslims) is not true and we wanted them to see one on one what kind of family we are, what our house is like, and get to know and understand us.”

Ms Baskocak said lifelong friendships were formed through the event.

“We write emails, go to christenings, Christmas or Easter and visit each other. It’s really nice, I can’t quite explain it.”

Mr Celik said the event was a timely reminder of the importance of understanding and togetherness following last week’s anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks in New York.

“These atrocious acts unfortunately increased the fear people have of Muslims and isolated Muslims from the mainstream,” he said.

More than 350 people from various cultural backgrounds have registered to share in a meal since the event began in 2005.

For more information visit www.intercultural.org.au.