Aunt Zilha for NAP: Soup kitchen will not work on the first day of Eid al-Fitr

Written by: Amra Varatanović

For the first time since its founding in the war year of 1992, the "Stari Grad" Soup Kitchen will not work on the first day of Eid al-Fitr. According to the kitchen manager Zilha Šeta, better known as Aunt Zilha, meals were enhanced today so that users can welcome Eid with as much food as possible. The kitchen doors will reopen for users on Wednesday, June 5.

Aunt Zilha told Patria that users received raw meat, cooked meat, fruit, vegetables, dates, milk, yogurt, bread, and somun. She is particularly happy because the Soup Kitchen received a donation of 400 kg of dates.

"We also distributed coffee, bouillon cubes, and biscuits. Let them have everything for these two days, and we will distribute again on Wednesday," says Aunt Zilha.

Speaking about Ramadan, she says it was special this year.

"I wish God Almighty to give health to everyone who enriched this kitchen during Ramadan. From Sydney to Ireland, Arab countries, our citizens. The Red Crescent from Turkey provided 100 to 150 iftars daily as much as we could prepare."

She particularly highlights the assistance of three Sarajevo municipalities: Stari Grad – Mayor Ibrahim Hadžibajrić, Centar – Mayor Nedžad Ajnadžić, and Novo Sarajevo – Mayor Nedžad Koldžo, with both monetary donations and technical support in terms of vehicles and personnel to distribute meals to users. Meals were distributed today to 160 users in Tarčin.

"Donations also arrived today. I am finishing the Ramadan days without any debt. Employees have received their salaries, and we will open our doors again on Wednesday."

When asked if she is tired after 27 years of work, Aunt Zilha says she is not tired, but that age is taking its toll. Work in the Soup Kitchen starts at 6 AM so that the first meals can be distributed from 8 AM, as users start arriving then. They have 970 users daily, to whom food is distributed from 9 AM to 12 PM in Halači. As she herself is a diabetic, Aunt Zilha also prepares special baskets for diabetic users and distributes them when possible.

Users received meals for two days

"I wish everyone could peek into our souls. We are not tired. After Eid, I invite you to come and spend time with us in the kitchen. We already have some volunteers and we socialize. I am 67 years old and I don't know if I will be in this position next year. I pray to God to endure Eid al-Adha and the New Year," says Aunt Zilha.

She recalls past Eids. She says there is less and less tradition and beautiful old customs.

"Perhaps that's what modern times bring with them."