The Muslim Jewish Forum of Greater Manchester
Established to develop the cultural and social ties between the Muslim and Jewish communities of Greater Manchester
27 February 2022
On Sunday 27 February 2022, we held our annual kosher meal at "Celia's Kitchen" restaurant in Prestwich
Since our inception almost 17 years ago, we have organised many meals in kosher restaurants and some in Asian restaurants. However, the attendance at this event surpassed all our previous dining events with a record 42 diners.
The guest may have been particularly eager to attend given the limitations on physical events during the pandemic. The diners were of all faiths and none, with ages ranging from 22 to 82.
There was a warm friendly atmosphere throughout while the diners enjoyed the delicious meal provided by restaurant owner Mark Clyne. Their informal conversations covered topics ranging from politics to the pandemic, food and road works! Many were happy that they could meet together at long last in a large group in such a pleasant setting.
The evening was so enjoyable that large numbers were reluctant to leave at the end!
Our Muslim Co-Chair Mohammed Amin welcomed the guests, while our Jewish Co-Chair Cllr Heather Fletcher was the master of ceremonies. She introduced the two special guests who were High Sheriff of Greater Manchester Diane Hawkins DL and the Leader of Bury Council Cllr Eamonn O' Brien.
High Sherriff Mrs Hawkins spoke about the many Muslim Jewish Forum events on Zoom she had attended during her year in office. She had also been delighted to attend the Forum’s two most recent events, both held in person rather than virtually.
Bury Council Leader Cllr O' Brien talked about the rich diversity of people living in Bury and the need for them to all work together to make a better society
Cllr Ahmed Ali who is Muslim and a founder member of the organisation said:
"It was indeed a real pleasure seeing quite a number of fellow founding members of the Forum tonight. The evening was very refreshing. We were able to meet friends face to face and have food together. These events are so crucial in getting our two communities together. Thank you to the forum for organising this."
Michael Rubinstein who is Jewish said:
"It was a very enjoyable evening with good company, good conversation, laughter and good food. It wasn't two communities meeting; it was one community celebrating!"
The group photo below shows almost all of the guests. The High Sheriff is seated third from the right, wearing her ceremonial brooch. Cllr O'Brien can be seen by looking two to the right of the High Sheriff at the third row, standing behind the lady with red hair.
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The Muslim Jewish Forum of Greater Manchester
Established to develop the cultural and social ties between the Muslim and Jewish Communities of Greater Manchester