Kosher Iftar
As part of a nationwide initiative Alyth welcomed local Muslims to its second “Kosher Iftar” evening on Thursday 25th June. Almost 100 members from the local Jewish, Muslim and Christian communities attended this Iftar (the breaking of the fast each evening at sunset during Ramadan).
Following last year’s ground-breaking joint initiative by Alyth and the Muslim community’s Big Iftar, several synagogues and churches around the country are now joining Alyth in hosting this special evening. This is traditionally a time of reflection and peace and when breaking down barriers, sharing and strengthening community relations are encouraged. The evening provided a perfect opportunity for local communities to come together and foster genuine and respectful understanding.
Julie Siddiqi:
“The Jewish and Muslim communities can learn much from each other. Many of the issues and challenges we face are mirrored in our respective experiences. It’s a privilege to return to Alyth tonight for their Kosher Iftar – the atmosphere has touched us all and I hope, for many, it will be the start of a continued collaboration.”
Rabbi Maurice Michaels said:
“The more we come into contact with the Muslim community, the more we realise how much we have in common. Working with them in areas that are less controversial will make the disagreements easier to resolve.”
Sadiq Khan MP said:
“It was great to attend the Kosher Iftar last night at Alyth Synagogue in Golders Green. Rabbis Goldsmith and Michaels kindly invited Muslims to their Synagogue to break their fasts in the holy month of Ramadan. As a city we demonstrate our strength by such gestures. Opportunities such as tonight show the world that as Jewish Londoners and Muslim Londoners, we are a united London. As different faiths, we have more in common than any differences. Those commonalities define and shape the strength, dynamism, and vibrancy of our city”
Following greetings of Ramadan Kareem between hosts and guests the two communities enjoyed three study sessions and a meal together, mingling, sharing experiences of fasting and making new friends. Members of both communities strive for closer social and cultural ties despite current troubles in the Middle East and recent events closer to home. The focus was on what brings our two Abrahamic faiths together in mutual admiration and tolerance rather than political differences, creating paths to combat Anti-Semitism and Islamophobia.
Two 13 year- old Alyth members, Ben Domb and Adam Wu, addressed everyone at the close of the evening and said:
“It’s been so special tonight, observing the Iftar with people from so many different religions, Jews, Muslims and Christians. It’s remarkable and goes to show we can all get along with each other. We should celebrate our similarities as well as our differences.”