The Muslim Jewish Forum of Greater Manchester
Established to develop the cultural and social ties between the Muslim and Jewish communities of Greater Manchester
28 July 2024
On Sunday 28 July, we held our annual picnic in St Mary's Park in Prestwich. This brings people from different faiths and backgrounds together in a casual setting. We have held a picnic every year since our inception 19 years ago, except when the pandemic prevented it.
Those attending came from various locations in Greater Manchester as far apart as Stockport and Bury. They included people of all ages ranging from 4 years old to 79.
In total 27 people attended the picnic, which was one of the Forum’s highest picnic attendances. The sun shone throughout, and there was a warm and friendly atmosphere with people making new friends and getting reacquainted with old friends. There were several first-time attenders and plenty of food to share.
The event was organised by our Co-Chairs, Mohammed Amin and Cllr Heather Fletcher.
Heather introduced the Forum's Co-Founder, Afzal Khan CBE MP who delivered a short speech praising the work of the forum for the past 19 years and noting that this was the organisation's 147th event. He said:
“With unimaginable violence plaguing the Middle East, it is imperative that Manchester's Jewish and Muslim communities stand together in solidarity.”
Salford Councillor Su Matthews who was attending for the first time said:
“It was so nice to be invited to the annual MJF picnic. Everyone was so welcoming and friendly. I can't wait until the next one.”
Shalva Moussa, who is Jewish and has attended a few times before said:
“It was most enjoyable to get together in the sunshine and share snacks whilst catching up with familiar faces and making new contacts. It is a pleasure to connect with people from different backgrounds, listen and learn from one another and to celebrate our shared human values in a spirit of unity and togetherness. I would also like to thank the organisers.”
Tahara Amin, the Forum’s Company Secretary, who is Muslim, said:
“Changing strangers into friends begins with simple things like sharing food at our annual picnic. We are changing our city one person at a time.”
In the group photo below, the persons seated are, from left to right:
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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