The First Day of Ramadan: Community Meals, Solidarity, and Hope
Source: La Presse – 22 Feb 2026
A Warm Welcome in a Nearby Suburb
It was the first day of Ramadan, and in a well‑planned square of a nearby suburb a gas heater had been set up, tables were neatly arranged, and people of all ages had gathered. The atmosphere was friendly as everyone waited for the call to break the fast.
The radio broadcast was barely audible over the chatter, but the nearby mosque soon took its full role—twice over. It announced the time to break the fast, and just ten minutes later a group of mostly young people took their places.
The “Restaurant du Cœur” (Heart Restaurant) filled to capacity. The menu, carefully chosen for the opening day, was both generous and well‑served.
A Young Ivorian’s Perspective
In the back, a young man was fiddling with his phone, trying to capture a good image. He showed the menu to what appeared to be family members:
“I assure you it’s hearty and well‑served. Look, there’s a crowd. It’s so nice that families come together. Don’t worry about me.”
He is a young man from Côte d’Ivoire who lives nearby and seems known to the community. When greeted, he replied with a shy, smiling “thank you.”
“This is my second Ramadan here. I work in construction. I stay in touch with my family in … France. I’m here now.”
He didn’t elaborate further, but his words hinted at a lingering loneliness.
“I know I could face problems, but I like it here. No one tries to reject me. Everyone is kind, and I know I’ll never be able to join my family in person. We talk on the phone—that’s all.”
Are Many in the Same Situation?
“Yes, there are others from different nationalities. Some have chosen to leave voluntarily. Maybe I’ll be among those who leave one day—I don’t know.
If I’m sent back, I’ll have no one left unless I go back to France. It’s difficult and risky, so I’d rather stay here… I’m not sure.”
Organising the Iftar Meals: An Interview with Elys
At the Ariana governorate headquarters we met Elys, the restaurant’s owner, who reiterated his mission to organise meals for the Ramadan fast‑breaking:
“As usual, I gathered young volunteers to help with service. You can see the experience paying off—there’s enthusiasm and good humour.
Like last year, we’ll provide food for the families visiting patients at Ariana Hospital. The officials say it’s important.
Outside, it’s hard to find safe food, and anyone who brings something from home risks food‑borne illness. Inside the hospital it’s hot, and the elderly patients travel long distances, so we must avoid any risk.
This year we prepared microwave‑able trays. We’re almost fully stocked.”
A young man, presumably speaking to his family, added:
“Everything’s fine, no need to worry. The menu looks good, we’re waiting for the breaking‑fast time. I’ll send you a photo.”
A Nationwide Wave of Generosity
This spirit of benevolence is not limited to one region. Every year during Ramadan, the “Développement sans frontières” (Development Without Borders) association serves Iftar meals to elderly people living alone. The meals consist of varied dishes prepared especially for the occasion and are delivered to beneficiaries’ homes by coordinators drawn from the association’s volunteers.
The organization has firmly embedded this tradition into its charitable actions, matching deeds with words. When it comes from the heart, these restaurants and initiatives—wherever they arise—represent genuine acts of brotherhood and mutual aid that we all need.
Adapting to New Realities
What’s most striking is that the community has not frozen into old habits. They continuously adapt the initiative to make it more suitable, to serve better, and to support the cause.
Given the daily violence reported across the country, there is a feeling that the communal bond—once our greatest strength—is eroding. Yet the energy driven by young men and women, who leave their families during Ramadan to help in these “Heart Restaurants,” offers comfort to those who feared we had lost our last hopes.
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Keywords: Ramadan 2026, community Iftar, Ariana Hospital, Development Without Borders, Côte d’Ivoire expatriate, food safety, charitable meals, solidarity in Tunisia
