The Muslim Jewish Forum of Greater Manchester
Established to develop the cultural and social ties between the Muslim and Jewish communities of Greater Manchester
10 August 2025
Adam Day is organised each year on 10 August by the UK arm of the Azeemia Foundation. The purpose of the event is to bring people together to reflect on mankind's common descent from Adam. The 2025 event was the 23rd year that an event has taken place in Manchester to commemorate Adam Day.
Our Co-Chair Cllr Heather Fletcher was one of the speakers. Heather has consented to our publishing her speech below.
Good evening everyone. As you know tonight it is the 23rd Adam Day. According to my records I have attended 18 Adam Days and spoken at 13 of them. However, tonight is more special as I will be delivering my short speech in my role as the Ceremonial Mayor of the city of Salford.
It was never on my agenda to be Mayor. In fact I never even wanted to be a Councillor until 12 years ago, but I am pleased that I changed my mind, and it is a great honour to represent my home city of Salford. I am the first ever Anglo-Irish Jewish female Mayor of Salford, so I think that illustrates Salford is a city which practices unity in diversity!
I usually speak about a Jewish concept. Tonight, I will explain the Jewish concept of hachnasat orchim. It is a religious obligation to offer hospitality to those in need and welcome guests into our communities.
The Jewish holy book tells a story about Abraham sitting by his tent when he noticed three strangers approaching. Although he had no idea who they were he welcomed them and offered them food. These strangers turned out to be angels. The story shows the virtue of welcoming guests and how Abraham was willing to offer hospitality even though he was unaware of their identities.
There can be tragic consequences of turning away those in need. One example relates to the St Louis ship which set sail from Hamburg in 1939 with over 1,000 German Jewish refugees. Unfortunately, the USA, Canada, and Cuba all refused the ship entry. Therefore, the ship and all its passengers had to return to Europe because it had been made unwelcome in USA, Canada and Cuba. Subsequently many of its passengers were murdered in the Nazi Holocaust in Europe.
I have been involved in interfaith work for 20 years with the Muslim Jewish Forum of Greater Manchester. Since the organisation was co-founded 20 years ago by Afzal Khan and Henry Guterman, we have organised 175 diverse events bringing together Jewish people, Muslim people and other people who might not have otherwise met.
We have learnt a lot from each other. It is ignorance which breeds intolerance but "mixing together" helps people understand each other. We know that our cultures have much in common but there are also differences. We should embrace our differences too as diversity enriches our lives.
In the spirit of Adam Day, we can all play our part by celebrating diversity and standing together united - especially in times of need.
In conclusion, my late Dad used to say: "people are exactly the same - just a bit different." We are all part of G-d's family and descended from Adam. So, we should practice "unity in diversity" and be welcoming to each other, help each other, learn from each other and unite together to make the world a happier place
THANK YOU
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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