Table of togetherness! - 5,800 gather in Beirut for 'world’s longest' Ramadan iftar spread

"A collective in Beirut marked Ramadan with an ambitious record attempt on Saturday, bringing 5,800 together to sit at the 'world's longest' iftar table. Footage shows children and adults gathering inside a large hall, while hundreds of volunteers distribute food boxes ahead of sunset. Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam was also seen attending the event. Organised by the Ajialouna Association under the theme "Ramadan brings us together, all of Lebanon at one table," the initiative aimed to unite communities from south Beirut, Sidon, Tripoli, Akkar, Dunya and the Bekaa in a single shared meal. “There are 5,800 people gathering around the table across south Beirut, Sidon, Tripoli, Akkar, Dunya, and the Bekaa. Every year, we travel to all regions," explained Zina Seif, Public Relations Officer at Ajialouna Association. "This year we wanted to bring together all the Lebanese people at one table: 5,800 guests are served today by 700 volunteers,” she continued. She added that the table stretches “three and a half kilometres in length”, noting that organisers were unsure whether the record had officially been broken. “Our priority is primarily charitable, but if we reach the figure, it is an added value. If not, our goal remains 100% charitable,” Seif said. The campaign was launched under the patronage of Prime Minister Salam and seeks to reinforce social solidarity during a period of economic hardship in Lebanon. Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, is one of the holiest periods in Islam. Muslims fast from dawn to sunset, observing one of the Five Pillars of the faith, while the evening iftar meal traditionally brings families and communities together."