With pride and joy, and under the patronage of the Iraqi Canadian Society in Montreal (ICS-Montreal) and Bandaly Digital Studio, artist Adi Bandaly and media personality Victor Diab presented a special evening titled “The World is a Mother”, in celebration of Mother’s Day—an exceptional night where art, poetry, and music came together.
The event was brought to life by the talented Adi Bandaly, and hosted by the distinguished presenters Victor Diab and Maria Maroun, with the presence of poets Hettaf Souqi Sadeq and Jean Karam, along with a select group of notable figures and respected community members in Montreal. The evening also featured a beautiful performance by Lara, a gifted qanun player, who added a magical touch with her elegant music.
The evening was filled with touching and joyful moments as mothers in the audience deeply connected with the melodies and words—they were the stars of the night and the essence of its beauty.
A heartfelt message from the Iraqi Canadian Society in Montreal was also shared by our colleague Intisar Al-Naseri, expressing love and gratitude to every mother.
The event concluded with the traditional Iraqi Joubah dance, which energized the crowd and drew enthusiastic participation, marking a lively and unforgettable end to a memorable evening.
The magic of the night was further enriched by the presence of creative photographer Hisham Al-Ghadhban, who accompanied us with his lens, capturing the most beautiful moments with an artistic and inspired eye.
Wishing all mothers a Happy Mother’s Day!
Together, we always celebrate the mother—the symbol of giving and love.
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“Hanim” Concert – Rania Jamal Lights Up Montreal
Montreal | April 11, 2025 – Iraqi-born singer Rania Jamal captivated audiences with her concert “Hanem” at Oscar Peterson Concert Hall, Concordia University, under the musical direction of Gaby Botros.
The event was presented by Music Without Borders, with community support from the Iraqi Canadian Society in Montreal.
Rania performed timeless classics by legendary Arab divas including Fairuz, Asmahan, Shadia, Sabah, Warda, Mayada El Hennawy, and Umm Kulthum.
The concert also honored the Iraqi Canadian Society for its role in enriching Montreal’s Arab cultural scene.
After the show, Rania joyfully joined her audience in singing beloved Iraqi songs, creating a heartfelt and nostalgic atmosphere.
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On the evening of Saturday, April 15, 2025, the Iraqi Canadian Society in Montreal hosted a special Iraqi Ramadan evening, attended by a remarkable gathering from the Iraqi and Arab communities. The event was graced by the presence of Mr. Sadiq Al-Yasiri, Acting Consul of the Iraqi Consulate in Montreal, along with his family, as well as Member of Parliament Mr. Sameer Zuberi, who expressed his admiration for the gathering and praised this beautiful Ramadan tradition.
Guests enjoyed a delicious Iftar featuring authentic Iraqi and Arab dishes, shared in a warm, family-oriented atmosphere that evoked memories of Ramadan evenings in Iraq and added a nostalgic touch to the night.
The evening featured a variety of special segments, including a storytelling session by our colleague Ali Al-Khayyat, who captivated the audience with tales reflecting the spirit of Iraqi heritage. Our colleague Harith Mashkoor led an engaging segment of Ramadan riddles and trivia, covering religious, cultural, and social themes that sparked enthusiastic participation from attendees. Traditional Ramadan songs also added a special charm to the evening.
The celebration continued with a vibrant display of authentic Iraqi folklore. Children and families took part in the beloved “Majina” tradition, which filled the space with joy and warmth.
The evening concluded with the traditional game of Mheibes, which was a highlight for many and brought a fun, interactive end to the festivities.
A heartfelt thank you to all members, friends, and esteemed guests who contributed to the success of this memorable Ramadan night. It was truly a family evening filled with love and cherished memories.
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