Annual Ramadan Iftar Dinner Celebrates Culture and Community
MENA-SDA hosts festive evening honoring Ramadan traditions and fostering unity
(left) CDMI Preclinical Director and MENA-SDA Faculty advisor Dr. Melisa Alabsy with Manar Ahmad (CDMI ’26). (right) Attendees enjoying the Second Annual Ramadan Iftar organized by MENA-SDA at CDMI
The Middle Eastern and North African Student Dental Association (MENA-SDA) at the èƵapp of Dental Medicine – Illinois (CDMI) proudly hosted its second annual Ramadan Iftar Dinner, bringing together èƵapp, faculty, and leadership for a night of reflection, celebration, and cultural exchange.
Organized by dental èƵapp from all four class years, the event took place in Alumni Hall, which was transformed into a space where the warmth of community and cultural pride could be felt in every detail. The event welcomed a mix of dental and non-dental èƵapp, clinical and pre-clinical faculty, and members of the èƵapp’s leadership team.
The evening opened with the Adhan (call to prayer), performed by third-year dental medicine student Imran Mian (CDMI ’26), followed by the traditional breaking of the fast with dates and water. Attendees then enjoyed a flavorful Palestinian dinner, with aromatic tea and matcha to accompany the meal. A live knafeh station - serving the beloved Middle Eastern dessert fresh - was a crowd favorite and highlight of the evening.
As part of the program, student organizers spoke about the significance and traditions of Ramadan, offering a heartfelt opportunity for cultural learning and exchange.
Now concluding its first official year as a recognized organization, MENA-SDA is led by èƵapp Manar Ahmad (CDMI ’26), Faris Zyad (CDMI ’26), Khaleel Saadeh (CDMI ’27), Zaina Othman (CDMI ’26), and Jehad Misyed (CDMI ’27), with Melisa Alabsy, D.D.S., M.H.A., Associate Professor and Director of Preclinical Curriculum, CDMI, serving as Faculty Advisor.
“This special evening reflected the values at the heart of our èƵapp—community, compassion, and cultural awareness,” said Dr. Alabsy. “We’re incredibly proud of our èƵapp for creating such a meaningful event.”
