‘We have far more in common than divides us’ – community leaders attend Unity Iftar

Representatives from the police force, fire and rescue service, politicians, and members of the interfaith community gathered at York Mosque last night for a ‘Unity Iftar’ celebration.

Iftar is the daily practice of breaking the Ramadan fast, with the Mosque opening their doors to the wider community to welcome non-Muslims and give them the chance to learn more about the community and their religious practices.

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At the event, over 300 people were in attendance including Chief Constable Tim Forber, York Central MP Rachael Maskell, Deputy Council Leader Pete Kilbane, representatives from the police and fire service, a group of refugees who travelled from Catterick, and other religious leaders.

Unity Iftar started at around 5pm with all attendees given a gift bag, which included candles and dried fruit, and additional food and water that would be used to break the fast.

Speakers included the Imam, the Vice President of the Mosque, and an ex-Christian revert – Noh – who spoke about how his relationship with Islam helped him to better understand the teachings of Jesus Christ and the unity between the religions.

The goodie bag and food for breaking the fast, which was given to all who arrived for the event (Image: Alice Kavanagh) There were also performers from the Madrassah and videos which showcased the charitable work of the mosque.

In his speech, the Imam said: “The things that are similar, unite us, and are common between us are weightier and much more important than that which divides us. These are things we should focus upon.

“As much as people frequent the mosque for prayer, they also do it to find like minded people. It doesn’t matter what age, ethnicity, what language you speak, but it’s the mindset which brings us together here.

Worshippers praying before breaking their fast (Image: Alice Kavanagh) “That’s what today is about – feeling commonality with other humans. This is Community Iftar because breaking down barriers is so important. We spread peace to those we know and those we don’t – that’s the beauty of what today is about.”

After the speeches, men were sent to the downstairs room whereas women remained upstairs to pray and break the fast at around 6.15pm, after which a meal was served to all.

Attendees shared their gratitude to the community for opening their doors, including Chief Constable Tim Forber felt it was great to come down and join the Muslim community for Ramadan.

Police and worshippers sat side by side at Unity Iftar (Image: Alice Kavanagh) He said: “We have far more in common than what divides us and it’s really important that we celebrate that and respect that we’re all different and this is great opportunity to do that.”

This thought was echoed by York Central MP Rachael Maskell who said she thought it was fantastic to see the whole community coming together.

She added: “It’s important that different communities in York can explain their faith and share that with others. Certainly, it’s not just about one side of the faith and the prayers but we’ve also really felt the community sense of huge generosity.

A new recruit to North Yorkshire Police (Image: Alice Kavanagh) “The mosque has fed the community today, which is amazing, but also it’s been amazing just to share stories and hang out together. The room has been crowded with children having fun as well as the whole of the family, so it’s been a wonderful time.

“It’s really just people enjoying each other’s company and what we see today is what we’d love to see all over our communities.”

A photo frame which people were taking photos in (Image: Alice Kavanagh) Mosque Ambassador Faizal Mohamedbaccus said: “For York Mosque, it’s important for us to share what Ramadan means for us, why we fast, and what benefits there are in fasting as well.

“It’s an occasion where everyone comes together, not just adults but children, too and the mosque always holds fun events like this one. Worshipping is what happens here, but integration and community spirit is what makes us unique.”