The event was hosted by Bulldogs legend and ambassador Hazem El Masri and wife Arwa Abousamra, and the Club is proud to have embraced the rich diversity of its community with this cultural event.
The Bulldogs first formally celebrated Iftar last year in 2022, and the event remains the NRL’s only Iftar formality.
Iftar is the evening meal in which those of the Muslim faith end their daily Ramadan fast at sunset, at the time of the call to prayer for the evening prayer.
With over 79,000 thousand citizens (approximately 21 per cent) of the Canterbury Bankstown celebrating the Muslim faith, the Bulldogs are proud to have celebrated this event as a major community event within their hometown.
“The Muslim community have a long history of supporting the Bulldogs, both on and off the field,” said Bulldogs Chief Executive Aaron Warburton.
“The club has had many wonderful Muslim players represent us over the years and we currently have a new generation coming through our Junior League, Junior Representative and Pathways systems.
“Rugby League is an inclusive and welcoming sport and as a Club, we pride ourselves on our commitment to our community and extended Bulldogs family.
“The initiative to host the NRL’s first-ever and now Annual Iftar Event is something we should be proud of.”
NRL CEO Andrew Abdo, newly appointed Ministers’ Sophie Cotsis (Canterbury) and Jihad Dib (Bankstown) were among the evening’s distinguished guests, as well as a number of community leaders.
