The Muslim Jewish Forum of Greater Manchester
Established to develop the cultural and social ties between the Muslim and Jewish communities of Greater Manchester
24 July 2022
On Sunday 24 July the Forum held its 15th annual picnic in St Mary's Park in Prestwich. 21 people attended, including two MPs, a local Council leader, and five other councillors.
Those attending hailed from all parts of Greater Manchester and included Muslims, Jews and Christians. They included people born in Belgium and Pakistan.
As a rain precaution the Forum's Treasurer David Lewis brought and erected his large gazebo. He has done so for several previous picnics which fortunately stayed dry. However, this year there was plenty of drizzly rain so the gazebo came into its own, ensuring that the picnic could continue by keeping the participants relatively dry.
The local MP for Bury South, Christian Wakeford MP addressed the group. He stressed the importance of getting to know people of other faiths.
The MP for Manchester Gorton Afzal Khan MP, who co-founded the Forum 17 years ago, also spoke. He congratulated the two Co-Chairs, Mohammed Amin and Cllr Heather Fletcher, and the Forum’s Executive committee, for organising 139 very diverse events in 17 years which had brought together many Muslim and Jewish people across the Greater Manchester region.
Bury Council leader, Cllr Eamonn O'Brien, also joined the picnic later after returning from a weekend break.
There was a warm and friendly atmosphere throughout with people making new friends or being reacquainted with old friends
Councillor Maria Brabiner who is a Christian and was attending her first Muslim Jewish Forum picnic said: "The rain didn't dampen spirits. There was a very friendly atmosphere and plenty of chat."
Selim Cherkaoui said:
“I was honoured to be invited by the Manchester Muslim Jewish Forum to participate their annual picnic. Coming from Brussels, I really enjoyed this delightful picnic in a true typical English park under a welcoming rain. My thanks to the organisers. They thought about everything, even the tent.”
Regular attender Ann Audin said:
“Ken and I enjoyed the picnic. It is always good to meet up and talk to people from different faith backgrounds, whilst enjoying eating and sharing some foods. There were a few new people there and we hope we see them again. We also met people we know. Everyone seemed to be having a good time and we look forward to meeting up again for another event. The organisation was superb.”
Below is a collage of photographs.
From left to right, the top photograph has:
The bottom left photograph has Eamonn O'Brien, Leader of Bury Council, in the centre with a beard.
The bottom right photograph has Forum Company Secretary Tahara Amin and Co-Chair Mohammed Amin next to Afzal Khan and Heather Fletcher.
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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