The Muslim Jewish Forum of Greater Manchester
Established to develop the cultural and social ties between the Muslim and Jewish communities of Greater Manchester
15 January 2023
On Sunday 15 January 2023 we held our annual kosher meal at "Celia's Kitchen" restaurant in Prestwich.
Since our inception almost 18 years ago we have organised many meals in kosher restaurants and some in Asian restaurants. There has always been a good turnout for these events and this year was no exception as a total of 33 people attended.
Our special guest was Cllr Shaheena Haroon, Mayor of Bury. She attended with her Mayoral Consort, who is her husband Haroon Khan.
The Mayor was introduced by Co-Chair Cllr Heather Fletcher while our other Co-Chair Mohammed Amin hosted the Mayor on the top table for the meal. Cllr Haroon mentioned the diversity of people in Bury and how people should work together.
The event was also attended by our Co-Founder Afzal Khan CBE MP and by many councillors from the boroughs of Greater Manchester. We were especially pleased to see so many first-time attenders at this event, with a wide age range.
There was a warm and friendly atmosphere throughout as the diners enjoyed the delicious meal provided by the restaurant owner Mark Clyne
Adil Navaid, a barrister and first-time Muslim attender said:
“Thank you very much to the Forum for a wonderful dinner. It was both great food and great company. Every conversation was stimulating; I met some really interesting people from all backgrounds and walked away knowing a lot more than I did when I walked in. The Forum clearly does really well in putting people together in a room and focusing on Muslims and Jews in Greater Manchester.”
Al Franco, a first-time attender whose father was Jewish said: "Thank you for the invitation. We were welcomed warmly by a group of interesting and committed people who engaged us in lively conversation. We will be back."
Muslim attender Fatima Mahmood said:
"The chilli beef at Celia's Kitchen was simply divine. I really enjoyed chatting to the Jewish women and learning about just how much we have in common. I felt very comfortable as a Muslim woman at the event. I just felt understood and accepted and this was a good feeling.”
June Rosen, a Jewish member of the Forum’s Executive said: "Another very successful event for the Forum enjoying good food and great company together. A most enjoyable evening.”
The group photo below shows 29 of those who attended.
The Mayor is seated in the centre wearing her chain of office. To her left, successively, are:
The Mayoral Consort wearing his own chain of office is standing just to the right of the Mayor’s shoulder. To his left, successively, are:
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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