It was an honour to be invited to represent the Near Neighbours Programme at a very special Iftar gathering hosted by the Office of The Chief Rabbi of the UK.
Welcoming an esteemed gathering of people from different religious, cultural and professional backgrounds, Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis emphasized that Covid-19 has created a fundamental rupture in the fabric of our communal life, disrupting our established infrastructure and institutions. He said, “In addition to the climate crisis, the refugee crisis and ever-deepening global, political and social polarisation, we must now prepare to contend with the aftermath of a pandemic, which has created extreme economic disadvantage, significant mental health challenges and yet further political and social upheaval.”
He said, “Jews-Christians-Muslims are from the same family and occasions such as tonight’s Iftar gathering are important to reinforce our relationship with one another. Together, we can adapt and respond to the emerging landscape, which is full of challenges. Every one of us can help by giving of ourselves to the community in some way.”
On behalf of Near Neighbours Programme, GRASSROOTS & Luton Council of Faiths, David Jonathan presented a fairly traded gift of south Indian hand-crafted candles to the Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis for hosting such a wonderful gathering with a magnificent spread of food for all the guests.
Long live such spirit of Near Neighbours - globally, nationally and locally.
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About Chief Rabbi
Chief Rabbi is a title given to the recognized national religious leader of the Jewish community.
The present Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis is only the 11th Chief Rabbi of the United Hebrew Congregations of the Commonwealth since the office was introduced in 1704. Chief Rabbi Mirvis succeeded Lord Sacks and since his installation in 2013, he has earned a reputation as one of the UK’s most respected community Rabbis.
Chief Rabbi Mirvis was the first United Synagogue rabbi to host an address by an Imam, Dr. Mohammed Essam El-Din Fahim, in his synagogue. He has also led a delegation of members of his community to the Finchley Mosque.
For more info, please visit https://chiefrabbi.org/
On behalf of Near Neighbours Programme, GRASSROOTS & Luton Council of Faiths, David Jonathan presented a fairly traded gift of south Indian hand-crafted candles to the Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis for hosting a wonderful Iftar gathering at the Wohl Suite, Office of the Chief Rabbi, 42 Hallam Street, London, W1W 6NW
Sheikh Khalifa Ezzat, Imam at London Central Mosque Trust & The Islamic Cultural Centre addressed the gathering after the address by Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis