Breaking Bread, Mending Hearts: New Horizon’s Eid Celebration Embraces Fire Victims

As hundreds of Muslim families gathered Sunday to celebrate Eid al-Fitr at New Horizon School Pasadena, their festive breakfast took on special meaning for several attendees who recently lost their homes in the Eaton Fire and were welcomed free of charge, embodying the holiday’s emphasis on community support and charitable giving.

The annual Eid breakfast, hosted by New Horizon School Pasadena at its campus on 651 North Orange Grove Boulevard, brought together students, faculty, and members of the broader Muslim community for a morning of prayers, food, and fellowship. This year’s gathering, held from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on March 30, was especially poignant, as organizers prioritized welcoming families displaced by the devastating wildfire.

“We wanted to ensure that families impacted by the fire could still partake in the joy and togetherness that this holiday represents,” said a New Horizon School Pasadena spokesperson. “Eid is about gratitude and generosity, and this year, it was more important than ever to extend that kindness.”

The initiative was made possible by a coalition of sponsors, including the Karamemis Family, the Aldeen Foundation, Burbank Dental Implants, Consensus Legal, the Islamic Center of Southern California, and the Muslim Public Affairs Council. Their support allowed the school to provide complimentary meals and gifts to those affected by the fire.

For many of the fire-affected families, the event offered not just sustenance, but solace. “This kindness means the world to us,” said one attendee who lost their home in the blaze. “Eid is about community, and today, we truly felt embraced by ours.”

Eid al-Fitr, often referred to as the “Sweet Eid” or “Sugar Feast,” marks the conclusion of the holy month of Ramadan. The holiday, introduced by Prophet Muhammad after his migration to Medina, is a time of celebration, prayer, and acts of charity. The tradition of giving, known as Zakat al-Fitr, ensures that all Muslims—regardless of their financial circumstances—can partake in the festivities.

“This breakfast serves as a reminder of our shared responsibility to uplift one another,” said an organizer from the Islamic Center of Southern California. “Especially in times of hardship, our faith teaches us that supporting our neighbors is not just an obligation, but a privilege.”

As the event concluded, volunteers distributed gift bags to children, while families exchanged well wishes for the year ahead. For those still rebuilding after the Eaton Fire, the morning provided not just nourishment, but a reaffirmation of resilience and unity.

“Community gatherings like this remind us that we’re not alone,” said another attendee. “No matter the hardship, there is always light, generosity, and a place to belong.”