Muslim Jewish Forum of Greater Manchester brought two communities together for a summer day out.
On 30th July the Muslim Jewish Forum of Greater Manchester held its annual picnic which brings Muslims and Jews together in a casual environment. This time the picnic went to a new location, Clowes Park (aka Broughton Park) in Salford.
The picnickers came from locations in Greater Manchester as far apart as Rochdale and Cheadle, as well as those local to the park. They included people of all ages, drawn from the Muslim, Jewish, and Christian faiths, as well as people of no faith. As well as Britons, there were people born in Pakistan and France.
There was a warm and friendly atmosphere throughout with new and old friends getting re-acquainted. People brought food for themselves and to share, with Salford Council lending the picnic the use of a trestle table.
The event was organised by the Muslim Jewish Forum’s Co-Chairs, Mohammed Amin, and Cllr Heather Fletcher. Despite July being a very wet month, fortunately the rain held off for the duration of the picnic.
Several local councillors attended. The chief guest was the Ceremonial Mayor of the City of Salford, Cllr Gina Reynolds and her husband and Consort Cllr Neil Reynolds. After being introduced by her Salford Council colleague Cllr Heather Fletcher, Cllr Gina Reynolds gave a short speech praising the work of the Forum.
Izzy Din, who is Muslim and attending for the first time said: “Everyone was lovely and welcoming. The picnic was very well organised, and the food was lovely too. I would definitely attend future events and am passionate about promoting and developing relationships within the Muslim and Jewish communities of Greater Manchester.”
Jackie Harrison who is a Jewish member of the Forum’s Executive Committee stated: “This was a lovely afternoon sharing tasty food and meeting new people.”