The Muslim Jewish Forum of Greater Manchester recently held its annual kosher meal to bring the two communities together to celebrate.
On 27th February, the Muslim Jewish Forum of Greater Manchester held its annual kosher meal at Celia’s Kitchen restaurant in Prestwich.
Since its inception almost 17 years ago, the forum has organised many meals in kosher restaurants and some in Asian restaurants. However, the attendance at this event surpassed all previous Forum dining events with a record 42 diners.
The guest may have been particularly eager to attend given the limitations on physical events during the pandemic. The diners were of all faiths and none, with ages ranging from 22 to 82.
There was a warm and friendly atmosphere throughout, while the diners enjoyed the delicious meal provided by restaurant owner Mark Clyne. Their informal conversations covered topics ranging from politics to the pandemic, food, and road works! Many were happy that they could meet together at long last in such a pleasant setting. The evening was so enjoyable that large numbers were reluctant to leave at the end!
Muslim Co-Chair Mohammed Amin welcomed the guests, while Jewish Co-Chair Councillor Heather Fletcher was the master of ceremonies. She introduced the two special guests: High Sheriff of Greater Manchester Diane Hawkins and the Leader of Bury Council Councillor Eamonn O’ Brien.
High Sherriff Mrs Hawkins spoke about the many Muslim Jewish Forum events on Zoom she had attended during her year in office. She had also been delighted to attend the Forum’s two most recent events, both held in-person rather than virtually.
Councillor Ahmed Ali, who is Muslim and a founder member of the organisation, said: “It was indeed a real pleasure seeing quite a number of fellow founding members of the forum tonight. The evening was very refreshing. We were able to meet friends face-to-face and have food together. These events are so crucial in getting our two communities together. Thank you to the forum for organising this.”
Michael Rubinstein, a Jewish attendee, said: “It was a very enjoyable evening with good company, good conversation, laughter and good food. It wasn’t two communities meeting; it was one community celebrating!”