Commune is hosting a Middle Eastern Night Market of street food, music, photography and film at their new digs in Waterloo. The founder of Commune is half Australian, half Egyptian and he’s running the event to celebrate Eid and raise money for Act for Peace, who are supporting the recent Ration Challenge, which raised over $1.9 million to support Syrian refugees.
Sam Ali says, “We’ve teamed up with some of Sydney’s favourite Middle Eastern foodies as well as groups supporting refugees and asylum seekers entering the workforce. We’ll also have some great live musicians and makers of Arabic fashion and homewares. Act for Peace will be showcasing a photography exhibition and documentary from their travels in Syria and Jordan.
“As an Australian, I grew up in a society that was proudly multicultural and then seeing that shift more recently has really disappointed me. Australia was built on the hard work of immigrants and it’s almost like we’ve forgotten that history. It saddens me to see attitudes change.”
Eid marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting, which is a time for experiencing what it’s like to go without. It encourages generosity, empathy for those less fortunate, and an appreciation of what one already has. The markets will be a feast of Middle Eastern food and drink, as well as handmade crafts, art and fashion on sale.