The Muslim Jewish Forum of Greater Manchester
Established to develop the cultural and social ties between the Muslim and Jewish communities of Greater Manchester
22 November 2017
We held our AGM at Manchester Town Hall on Wednesday 22 November. We were honoured by the presence of Lord Mayor of Manchester, Cllr Eddy Newman.
Co-Chair Cllr Heather Fletcher read out the Directors' Report, noting that the Forum had organised seven diverse events in year ended 31 March 2017, including a quiz and a health advisory event which had attracted many Muslims and Jews from all parts of Greater Manchester. The Financial Report for the year to 31 March 2017 was presented by Co Chair Mohammed Amin. Link to Directors Report and Financial Report.
The Forum was delighted to have as special guest the current Lord Mayor of Manchester, Cllr Eddy Newman, who is Jewish and who was a founder member of the Muslim Jewish Forum in 2005. Cllr Newman is the third member of the Forum to serve as Lord Mayor following Afzal Khan CBE MP, who was the Forum's Co-Founder, and Cllr Naeem Ul Hassan.
Cllr Newman stated that he believed that he was the 7’th Jewish Lord Mayor of Manchester and the first for over 30 years. He stated that although he represented all the people of Manchester, he hoped that the Jewish community took some pride in the fact Manchester has a Jewish Lord Mayor. He further stated that he had thoroughly enjoyed attending many diverse community events in his first six months. He noted the Muslim community had been especially welcoming to him.
Cllr Newman praised the Forum and said they had helped community resilience and cohesion in the city and that the two communities had so many similarities in culture and also in respect of immigration history and aspirations for their future generations. With a tinge of sadness, he commented that the Manchester Arena terrorist attack and the large community vigil which he opened had defined his mayoralty
A new Executive member was elected namely Seamus Martin, a Muslim from Northern Ireland, alongside the re-election of eleven of the previous Executive committee. Former Co-Chair Jonny Wineberg stood down due to pressure of other new commitments. Link to full list of the Executive with profiles of some.
The Executive committee are Mohammed Amin, Tahara Amin, Qaisra Shahraz, Cllr Rabnawaz Akbar, Cllr Naeem Ul Hassan, and Seamus Martin (Muslims)
Cllr Heather Fletcher, Dr Jackie Lewis, David Lewis, Jackie Harrison, June Rosen, and David Berkley QC (Jews).
The photo below shows some of the AGM participants. From left to right:
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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