The New Normal: Separated during Ramadan, united in celebration

With gatherings limited, Farhiya Mohamed and her organization brought meals, supplies and joy to people’s homes during the holiday.

Sarah Hoffman

Sarah Hoffman • Mar 22, 2025

Sep 22, 2022

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          <article>
            <header>
              <hgroup>
                <h1>The New Normal: Separated during Ramadan, united in celebration</h1>
                <h2><p>With gatherings limited, Farhiya Mohamed and her organization brought meals, supplies and joy to people’s homes during the holiday.</p></h2>
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               <p>By <a href="/author/shoffman-kcts9-org/">Sarah Hoffman</a></p> 
              <p><time datetime="2025-02-04T05:00:00-08:00">Sep 22, 2022</time></p>
            </header>
            <p>Farhiya Mohamed usually spends Ramadan at her sister’s house. When the sun sets, rice dishes and dates cover the table and upward of 50 guests crowd together. But this year is different. In the middle of a pandemic, Mohamed and other families are struggling to stay connected while they must stay apart. As the executive director of the Somali Family Safety Task Force, Mohamed is finding ways to spread joy and help others celebrate during their time of need in the holiest month.</p><hr><p>Support for <em>The New Normal</em> is provided by Comcast. All news stories on Crosscut are controlled by our editorial team. Visit our <a href="https://crosscut.com/about?ref=avalancheghost.one">about us page</a> to learn more about Crosscut's editorial independence policy.</p><hr>
          </article>

Farhiya Mohamed usually spends Ramadan at her sister’s house. When the sun sets, rice dishes and dates cover the table and upward of 50 guests crowd together. But this year is different. In the middle of a pandemic, Mohamed and other families are struggling to stay connected while they must stay apart. As the executive director of the Somali Family Safety Task Force, Mohamed is finding ways to spread joy and help others celebrate during their time of need in the holiest month.

Support for The New Normal is provided by Comcast. All news stories on Crosscut are controlled by our editorial team. Visit our about us page to learn more about Crosscut's editorial independence policy.

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By Sarah Hoffman

Sarah Hoffman is a senior video producer at Cascade PBS, focusing on science and the environment. Previously she worked as a visual journalist for the Omaha World-Herald and The Dallas Morning News. F