The Muslim Jewish Forum of Greater Manchester
Established to develop the cultural and social ties between the Muslim and Jewish communities of Greater Manchester

Annual kosher meal at Celia's Kitchen restaurant

7 September 2025

On Sunday 7 September we held our annual kosher meal at Celia's Kitchen restaurant in Prestwich. It was the 175th event we have organised in the twenty years since our inception.

Since 2005 the Forum has organised many meals in kosher restaurants and a few in Asian restaurants. 20 people attended this meal from all parts of Greater Manchester and Cheshire including Stockport, Altrincham, and Wilmslow.

The principal guest was the High Sheriff of Greater Manchester Martin Ainscough CBE. He spoke about his career in business (which was outstandingly successful), his role as a Deputy Lieutenant of Greater Manchester, his current High Sheriff role, and being awarded a CBE for his philanthropy.  He also stressed how important it was for people of all cultures to mix together to learn from each other. He recounted that when he was growing up in a small village near Wigan, he was unable to mix with people from other cultures because his local community at that time was not diverse.

The other guest was the ceremonial Mayor of Salford Cllr Heather Fletcher. She also happens to be the Forum’s Jewish Co-Chair! Both guests were introduced by our Muslim Co-Chair Mohammed Amin MBE.

There was a warm and friendly atmosphere throughout as the diners conversed and enjoyed the delicious food provided by restaurant owner Mark Clyne,

Sue Gordon, who is Jewish, stated:

"I wish to thank the organisers and the restaurant for a brilliant evening. I enjoyed both the food and company very much and I found the High Sheriff's speech very interesting. I am looking forward to the next Forum social event."

Cllr Rabnawaz Akbar who is Muslim and a member of the Forum’s Executive Committee said:

"At a time when community cohesion is being targeted by those who seek to sow division amongst our communities, it was good to spend an evening, organised by the Forum with friends to enjoy superb food and interesting, friendly conversations."

The group photo below shows some of the guests:

• High Sherrif Martin Ainscough CBE is seated on the left wearing his official insignia.
• Ceremonial Mayor Cllr Heather Fletcher is also seated wearing her chain of office.
• Mohammed Amin is standing behind the High Sherrif
• Sue Gordon is standing on the right of the photograph to the left of Forum Company Secretary Mrs Tahara Amin who is wearing a hijab.

The Muslim Jewish Forum of Greater Manchester
Established to develop the cultural and social ties between the Muslim and Jewish Communities of Greater Manchester