The Muslim Jewish Forum of Greater Manchester
Established to develop the cultural and social ties between the Muslim and Jewish communities of Greater Manchester
30 July 2023
On Sunday 30 July we held our annual picnic which brings Muslims and Jews together in a casual environment. This time the picnic went to a new location, Clowes Park (aka Broughton Park) in Salford.
The picknicers came from locations in Greater Manchester as far apart as Rochdale and Cheadle, as well as those local to the park. They included people of all ages, drawn from the Muslim, Jewish, and Christian faiths, as well as people of no faith. As well as Britons, there were people born in Pakistan and France.
There was a warm and friendly atmosphere throughout with people making new friends and getting re-acquainted with old friends. Two of the attendees came for the first time. People brought food for themselves and to share, with Salford Council lending the picnic the use of a trestle table.
The event was organised by our Co-Chairs, Mohammed Amin and Cllr Heather Fletcher. Despite July being a very wet month, fortunately the rain held off for the duration of the picnic.
Several local councillors attended. The chief guest was the Ceremonial Mayor of the City of Salford, Cllr Gina Reynolds and her husband and Consort Cllr Neil Reynolds. After being introduced by her Salford Council colleague Cllr Heather Fletcher, Cllr Gina Reynolds gave a short speech praising the work of the Forum.
Afterwards, the Ceremonial Mayor, who is Christian, said:
"I would like to thank the Muslim Jewish Forum for inviting me to their annual picnic. It was a pleasure to attend and a wonderful opportunity for people of different faiths and none to come together, share food, strengthen bonds, and form friendships. A thoroughly enjoyable event."
Izzy Din, who is Muslim and attending for the first time said:
"This was my first time at an event hosted by the Forum. Everyone was lovely and welcoming. The picnic was very well organised, and the food was lovely too. I would definitely attend future events. I am very passionate about promoting and developing relationships within the Muslim and Jewish communities of Greater Manchester."
Jackie Harrison who is a Jewish member of our Executive Committee stated:
"This was a lovely afternoon of friendly conversation sharing lovely food and meeting new people."
In the group photo below:
The next photo shows the picnic table and Ceremonial Mayor about to speak.
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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