Faiths unite in Manchester at ‘spread hummus not hate’

Different faiths united against hatred in Manchester, and held a minute silence for victims of the Paris terror attacks.

‘Spread hummus not hate’ on Sunday saw 75 people at Bury Town Hall come together to denounce hatred and build stronger community relations. 

Speakers stressed the need for more events which bring people of all faiths together, especially following the tragedies in Paris on Friday which saw 129 people lose their lives.

Discussions were held about improving community relations, before a buffet which included different types of hummus to spread.

Organised by the Muslim Jewish Forum of Greater Manchester in partnership with ‘We Stand Together’and Faith Network for Manchester, guests included Chief Inspector Umer Khan and Jonny Wineberg who are the Co-Chairs of WST.

Mr. Tahir Rafiq said: “Today was my first attendance, I was glad to be here.. It is necessary to spread the message of interfaith and similarities in our religions. We must stand together.”

Another first time attendee, Mr. Darren Niman commented: “This event proved to me that this is about real people who just want to live together and work together in peace and harmony, reaching out to each other for the common good of all communities, not letting external issues in the wider world get in the way. This is the way forward for a brighter, happier and peaceful future.”

Attendants held a banner which said #WeRefuseToBeEnemies, showing their unity in the wake of terror attacks.

Among those attending was Imam Asad Zaman, Jewish Representative Council President Sharon Bannister, Rabbi Warren Elf, North West MEP, Muslim Jewish Forum Co-Founder, Afzal Khan and Muslim Jewish Forum Co-Chair, Heather Fletcher

Immediately afterwards,  everyone observed one minute’s silence for the victims of the attacks in Paris on Friday evening, which claimed 129 people’s lives. 

The event marked the 8th global Season of Twinning between Muslims and Jews initiated by the Forum For Ethnic Understanding in New York.