Annual interfaith iftar in Greater Manchester brings together Muslims, Jews, Christians and wider communities for an evening of reflection, shared traditions and powerful calls for unity in the face of division…reports Asian Lite News Desk
The Muslim Jewish Forum of Greater Manchester hosted its annual interfaith iftar on Sunday, February 22, bringing together people of different faiths and backgrounds in a celebration of unity, dialogue and shared values.
Held at the Salford Civic Centre for the third consecutive year, the event welcomed 51 guests, including Muslims, Jews, Christians and those of other or no faith. The evening was compered by Cllr Heather Fletcher, Ceremonial Mayor of Salford and Co-Chair of the Forum.
An iftar marks the breaking of the fast during Ramadan and, in community settings such as this, offers an opportunity for interfaith engagement. The Forum has organised the event annually since 2013, with the exception of pandemic years.
Before the breaking of the fast, guests heard from a panel of speakers who reflected on faith, fasting and the importance of community cohesion. Martin Ainscough CBE DL, High Sheriff of Greater Manchester, underscored the Forum’s longstanding role in fostering understanding, noting his four-decade association with Co-Chair Mohammed Amin MBE.
The Very Reverend Rogers Govender MBE, Dean of Manchester, drew attention to the rare overlap this year of Ramadan, Lent and the Chinese New Year period, explaining the significance of fasting within Christianity.
Salford City Mayor Paul Dennett delivered a poignant address, emphasising solidarity in the face of division. Reflecting on the tragic attack at Heaton Park Synagogue on Yom Kippur, he said the incident “wounded not only the Jewish community, but Salford as a whole,” while praising the city’s collective response of compassion and unity.
Cllr Rabbi Arnold Saunders spoke about fasting traditions in Judaism, including Yom Kippur and Tisha B’Av, while Forum member Anne Isaac shared insights into Islamic fasting alongside her personal spiritual journey from Catholicism to Islam.
The evening concluded with a vote of thanks from Executive Committee Member June Rosen, before guests broke their fast with traditional dates and water, followed by a vegetarian meal. Facilities were also provided for Muslim prayers.
Attendees described the event as both meaningful and uplifting. First-time participant Stacie Cohen highlighted the experience as “affirming and strengthening,” while Salford Councillor Teresa Pepper praised the gathering as “a wonderful example of learning through sharing.” Barrister Ahmed Nadim noted that “in this time of division, it means everything to break bread together.”
The annual iftar once again demonstrated the power of dialogue and shared experiences in building bridges across communities, reinforcing Greater Manchester’s commitment to inclusion and mutual respect.
