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Daily Mirror
4 days ago
- General
- Daily Mirror
'My kitchen feeds Jews with Muslims - Prince Harry's support has surprised me'
Salaam-Shalom Kitchen turns 10 years old this week, at a time when divisions between the two communities are under immense strain from events in the Middle East Ten years ago, Tanya Sakhnovich, a rabbi from Nottingham Liberal Synagogue and Saj Mohammed, CEO and founder of Himmah, a local Muslim-led social justice charity, sat down together to find a way to bring their communities together. With rising tensions in the city following a racist English Defence League march and an upswing locally in hate crime, the two faith leaders spoke about trying to do something 'meaningful' together to help people from all backgrounds who were struggling in Nottingham. "Tanya and Saj's vision was for the two communities – Muslim and Jewish – to come together to change the narrative, to show solidarity, community cohesion and to align to something that shows both faiths' values," explains Ferzana Shan, co-chair of the project. "Out of that came Salaam-Shalom Kitchen, from two greetings in Hebrew and Arabic." The Salaam-Shalom kitchen turns 10 years old this week, at a time when divisions between the two communities are under immense strain from events thousands of miles away in the Middle East. What began as a community meal for 30, has grown to a weekly dinner for around 100 people, and around 700 takeaway meals and 500 bags of groceries given out every month. But what's perhaps more remarkable, is that despite a national rise in antisemitism and Islamophobia linked to the war in Gaza and October 7 attacks, the project has kept going, dialogue has kept happening, and busy kitchen space is still shared by chefs and volunteers from both faiths. "The conflicts in Gaza and Israel have impacted us," says Ferzana, a mum-of-five, who works for a police force. "We have people on our steering group with families in Israel, we have pro-Palestine supporters and people who have anti-war beliefs. We had several conversations with each other where we discussed what we felt as individuals and what we needed from each other to carry on working together. We had to have those difficult conversations. We couldn't shy away, because people felt so different about things. But we came together, and we united on humanity. What we're doing here is what counts." Tensions closer to home including last summer's racist riots across England – which saw groups clash in Nottingham city centre – have also posed challenges to a project based on community cohesion. "We weren't affected by the riots last year, but we were very worried especially because of our faiths," Ferzana says. "The police were very good, and we closed early on the day of the protests in Nottingham." Now, on its tenth birthday, the charity's parent project, Himmah, has been recognised by Prince Harry, who made a 'significant donation' – four years after his wife Meghan gave £10,000 from the Royal Foundation. "To have been chosen by such a high-profile Royal once is amazing, but to have been supported by Prince Harry too left us completely gobsmacked,' says director Sajid, who added the charity feels 'hugely humbled'. Ferzana adds: 'We're delighted with the money from Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, it is incredible. The more money we have, the more we can give, but it also spotlights our great work.' Feeding people every Wednesday, Salaam-Shalom Kitchen is based in Hyson Green, the most deprived area in Nottingham and one of the most deprived in the country. The project has used premises at the United Reformed Church, the Nottingham Liberal Synagogue, and Himmah, one of the largest independent food banks in the city. "There is this kind of narrative in the world that we are two groups of people who are pitted against each other – that there is some reason why we don't get on," says co-chair Dr Karen Worth, a GP and University professor. "We wanted to show that isn't true. It's very powerful to reach out against perceived boundaries and perceived differences, because, actually, – in the words of Jo Cox – whenever we meet and talk we realise we have way more in common than that which divides us." With up to 120 guests for their weekly Wednesday night dinners, Salaam-Shalom is more than just a place to eat a hot meal. It provides takeaway food, a table with hot drinks and pastries, and groceries to take home – including fresh fruit and veg, loaves of bread and bouquets of flowers. Fareshare donates 80 kilograms of food and the rest comes from donations from local supermarkets – gathered, cooked and distributed by a network of 75 active volunteers. "While our primary function is to bring Jews and Muslims together, we are also bringing together all sorts of other people," Karen says. "Our guests also come together from different backgrounds – it shows people can get on really well. It's a beacon of hope for Jews and Muslims to see – and for the world to see – how we work together, but also a beacon of hope for those come here to be treated like human beings with love and compassion. "Obviously we all have our own feelings and upsets, but we have remained focused that difficulties elsewhere in the world should not affect our project. I'm very proud of what we do." To those attending tonight's meal, it's clear the food and community at Salaam-Shalom means so much. Tiffany Ramage, 27, comes with her four children, her partner and mum. "As a family we've been impacted heavily by the cost-of-living," she says. "I survive on Universal Credit but once we've paid the rent and bills, we're not left with much for food. My son has diabetes, so our budget has to cater for his dietary needs. The roof on our rented home leaks, so when it rains, we use a bucket. We've been on the council waiting list for months." Janet Winn, 66, is a mum and a carer to her disabled son, who became paralysed after an accident. "At first it was the social aspect, but now it helps a lot because I'm a carer for my adult son," she says. "Since his accident, I've been juggling things." It's in the kitchen where the people from the two communities work together to produce delicious, healthy meals, there is no time, or desire, for division. Volunteers at the project include a 90-year-old retired medical consultant, Dr Abdur Raoof, who is a grandfather of 12, and chops vegetables every week in the kitchen. "I just knew I wanted to be involved in this project, I have been here since it started. It is important to put my human values before anything else. The Quran talks about the importance of looking after our neighbours." Grandmother Nicola Barber, 44, is the operational manager, while her son Tristan Noble, 27, is a says the service is "a lifeline" to many families. 'You don't need a referral to come here, we don't ask questions, people can just come in for a hot meal and they can take home a packed meal and some groceries. For some this is their only hot meal of the week." One of the other volunteers tells us she grew up in the Middle East. "I grew up in a country where there was war and conflict," she says. "I grew up hearing air sirens. I was just two when my mother hid with us in shelters. I was traumatised. So, when I moved to this country in 2000, I wanted to get involved with a project that represented peace. "Here we are all about unity and creating friendships – we are one big family."
Daily Mirror
26-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Mirror
Prince Harry 'plotting surprise move to hit back at claims he's Meghan's spare'
In recent months, Prince Harry has appeared to take a back seat while wife Meghan Markle has taken the limelight by launching her As Ever brand and Netflix show With Love, Meghan - but now Harry is reportedly planning to launch a commercial venture of his own From launching her Netflix show to selling out the products from her As Ever, Meghan Markle has not been far from the spotlight of late. And the Duchess of Sussex has continued to build her business empire with her podcast on female business founders and by posting snippets of her life on Instagram. But while Meghan has basked in the limelight, the same can't be said for Prince Harry, who appears to have taken a back seat after the couple appear to have decided to pursue different career paths. It has led some to label Harry as Meghan's 'spare' in a jibe about his status as a spare to his heir to the throne older brother Prince William. However, according to the Mail on Sunday, that could be set to change as he attempts to find a 'new purpose'. The publication reports that Harry will be launching his own commercial venture in the next few months and the same time as concentrating on his Invictus Games Foundation - and it will be one of the first tasks for the Sussex's newly formed team of advisors. A source said: "Harry is unkindly described as the 'spare' to Meghan's endeavours. In reality, he has been giving her the space to flourish. Now it is his time to throw himself into exciting new work. Invictus will always come first, but he has also been working on commercial ideas of his own." The Mirror has contacted the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's representatives for comment. News of Harry's commercial venture comes after it was revealed he left a charity "completely gobsmacked" with an unexpected move that follows in the footsteps of his wife, Meghan. It emerged that the Duke of Sussex has thanked a community project based in Nottingham by making a 'significant' donation to help fund its services. The charity, Himmah, says the undisclosed sum will fund more than 650 much-needed food parcels for vulnerable families in the city. Harry's donation comes four years after the Duchess of Sussex donated £10,000 with funds from The Royal Foundation for the charity to purchase equipment and fund the Salaam Shalom Kitchen, a joint Muslim and Jewish community project offering hot meals and groceries. Himmah, which tackles poverty, racism and social exclusion and is based in Gamble Street in the Radford area of the city, said it was "hugely humbled" at Harry's donation. Sajid Mohammed, director at Himmah, said: "I could not believe it when we got the email. To have been chosen by such a high-profile royal once is amazing, but to have been supported by Prince Harry, too, left us completely gobsmacked." In a letter to Himmah released by the charity, Harry said: "Nottingham holds a special place in my heart, having had the privilege of visiting and supporting the community there for over a decade. "The incredible work Himmah does to address food insecurity, poverty, and social exclusion should be recognised and applauded. I'm happy to be able to play a small part in your mission to bring communities together by creating opportunities and support for those facing hardship." Get Royal Family updates straight to your WhatsApp! As the royals get back to their normal duties after a difficult year, the Mirror has launched its very own Royal WhatsApp community where you'll get all the latest news on the UK's most famous family. We'll send you the latest breaking updates and exclusives all directly to your phone. Users must download or already have WhatsApp on their phones to join in. All you have to do to join is click on this link, select 'Join Chat' and you're in! We may also send you stories from other titles across the Reach group. We will also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose Exit group. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Daily Record
22-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
Prince Harry leaves charity 'gobsmacked' as he follows in Meghan's footsteps
The Duke of Sussex has made a 'significant' donation to a community project in Nottingham to fund more than 650 food parcels for vulnerable families in the city. Prince Harry has left a charity "completely gobsmacked" with an unexpected donation, following in the philanthropic footsteps of his wife, Meghan. The Duke of Sussex has made a 'significant' contribution to a community project based in Nottingham, much to their surprise. The charity, Himmah, revealed that the undisclosed sum will provide over 650 essential food parcels for vulnerable families in the city. This generous act comes four years after the Duchess of Sussex donated £10,000 from The Royal Foundation to the charity, enabling them to purchase equipment and fund the Salaam Shalom Kitchen, a joint Muslim and Jewish community project offering hot meals and groceries. Himmah, which is dedicated to combating poverty, racism and social exclusion and is located on Gamble Street in the Radford area of the city, expressed being "hugely humbled" by Harry's donation. Sajid Mohammed, director at Himmah, expressed his disbelief: "I could not believe it when we got the email. To have been chosen by such a high-profile royal once is amazing, but to have been supported by Prince Harry, too, left us completely gobsmacked." In a letter to Himmah shared by the charity, Harry expressed his fondness for the city: "Nottingham holds a special place in my heart, having had the privilege of visiting and supporting the community there for over a decade", reports the Mirror. "The incredible work Himmah does to address food insecurity, poverty, and social exclusion should be recognised and applauded. I'm happy to be able to play a small part in your mission to bring communities together by creating opportunities and support for those facing hardship." Mr Mohammed added: "The number of people in need in Nottingham shot up during Covid and has only gotten worse as more people suffer the cost-of-living crisis and others lose their jobs due to the cost-of-business crisis. "Many of our service users are working people who are struggling to make ends meet and unable to afford the basics, like fresh produce, toilet roll or toothpaste. "Government grant and bid opportunities have declined, and competition for the funds is fierce, meaning we're increasingly dependent on community giving and so grateful for every penny our supporters provide. Himmah's work is not just about providing food – it's about restoring dignity, hope and stability to people's lives." Harry married American actress Meghan Markle in 2018. The couple have two children - Archie and Lilibet. They were born in 2019 and 2021. The question of whether Harry's brother Prince William will strip Harry and Meghan of their Royal titles if he ascends to the throne has been a hot topic in recent weeks. Critics have pointed out that Harry's contradictory position - wanting to step back from Royal duties while retaining his titles and those of his children - devalues these titles. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Prince Harry Shocks U.K. Charity with Major Donation amid Vow to Continue Charity Work Despite Security Loss
Prince Harry made a "significant donation" to U.K. charity Himmah that will help fund over 650 meals for families in Nottingham The organization said that the Duke of Sussex's wife, Meghan Markle, made a donation in 2021 Prince Harry, 40, recently told the BBC he has "put myself at risk" to continue with charity work in the U.K. without state-funded security but remains committed to "a life of public service"The head of a U.K. charity said he was "gobsmacked" by a generous donation from Prince Harry after the Duke of Sussex underscored that he'll continue to support British charities despite losing a key legal appeal to restore his state-funded police protection in his home country. In a statement seen by PEOPLE on May 21, the Nottingham charity Himmah announced that the Duke of Sussex, 40, made a "significant donation" to the organization. The social justice organization works to tackle poverty, racism and social exclusion, and the undisclosed donation that Prince Harry made in January will fund over 650 food parcels for families in need in the city. "I could not believe it when we got the email. To have been chosen by such a high-profile royal once is amazing but to have been supported by Prince Harry too left us completely gobsmacked and hugely humbled," Himmah director Sajid Mohammed said. The charity may have been on Harry's radar through his wife, Meghan Markle. The Duchess of Sussex, 43, made a donation in 2021 that helped the organization expand its food bank resources, support the Salaam Shalom Kitchen (the only joint Muslim and Jewish community kitchen in the U.K.) and address pressing social issues. Himmah said that Prince Harry also sent a heartfelt letter to endorse his support. "Nottingham holds a special place in my heart, having had the privilege of visiting and supporting the community there for over a decade. The incredible work Himmah does to address food insecurity, poverty, and social exclusion should be recognised and applauded," the Duke of Sussex said in the letter. "I'm happy to be able to play a small part in your mission to bring communities together by creating opportunities and support for those facing hardship." Prince Harry and Meghan memorably visited Nottingham for their first official royal outing as a couple in December 2017, weeks after they announced their engagement. They tied the knot in a royal wedding in May 2018, and their first child, son Prince Archie, now 6, was born in London one year later. In January 2020, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex announced that they were stepping back from their working royal roles and relocated to her home state of California that summer. The couple's daughter, Princess Lilibet, 3, was born there in June 2021. As Harry and Meghan build their life in the U.S., they retain roots in the U.K. through charitable commitments like her patronage of SmartWorks and his enduring support for the WellChild Awards. On May 2, Judge Sir Geoffrey Vos dismissed Harry's high-stakes appeal to reinstate his state-funded security in the U.K. that he says was unjustly stripped after he stepped back from his royal role and moved to the U.S. in 2020. Security is said to be a sticking point amid an ongoing rift between Prince Harry and his father, King Charles. The Duke of Sussex has long maintained that as head of state, his father could intervene to help restore the protection he seeks for himself and his family — an idea that the palace denies. Harry addressed the reality that he may never be able to return to the U.K. with his wife and children without this essential protection in a bombshell interview with the BBC that aired on the day he lost the appeal. The Duke of Sussex said that he has put himself "at risk" by attending charitable functions in the U.K. since 2020 but would "always support" the causes close to his heart. Can't get enough of PEOPLE's Royals coverage? to get the latest updates on Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle and more! "The only time that I've come back to the U.K. is sadly for funerals or court cases, with the odd charitable function where I can in between that. I've put myself at risk for that, but I will continue on with a life of public service, so I will always support the charities and the people that mean so much to me," Prince Harry said then. "I can't see a world in which I would be bringing my wife and children back to the U.K. at this point. And the things that they're going to miss is, well, everything," he continued. "I love my country. I always have done, despite what some people in that country have done. I miss the U.K., I miss parts of the U.K. Of course I do. And I think that it's really quite sad that I won't be able to show my children my homeland." As Harry fights for his future, it has underlined that his rift with his family is far from resolved. "I don't think there is any rapprochement,' a source close to the palace previously told PEOPLE. "Nothing has changed." Read the original article on People
Leader Live
21-05-2025
- Business
- Leader Live
Charity staff ‘gobsmacked' after significant donation from Duke of Sussex
Nottingham-based Himmah said the 'significant' undisclosed sum will fund more than 650 much-needed food parcels for vulnerable families in the city. The donation by Harry comes four years after the Duchess of Sussex donated £10,000 with funds from The Royal Foundation for the charity to purchase equipment and fund the Salaam Shalom Kitchen, a joint Muslim and Jewish community project offering hot meals and groceries. Himmah, which tackles poverty, racism and social exclusion and is based in Gamble Street in the Radford area of the city, said it was 'hugely humbled' at Harry's donation. Sajid Mohammed, director at Himmah, said: 'I could not believe it when we got the email. 'To have been chosen by such a high-profile royal once is amazing but to have been supported by Prince Harry too left us completely gobsmacked.' In a letter to Himmah released by the charity, Harry said: 'Nottingham holds a special place in my heart, having had the privilege of visiting and supporting the community there for over a decade. 'The incredible work Himmah does to address food insecurity, poverty and social exclusion should be recognised and applauded. I'm happy to be able to play a small part in your mission to bring communities together by creating opportunities and support for those facing hardship.' Himmah provides more than 1,300 emergency food parcels every month to people across the city and serves more than 1,200 hot meals from its city centre community hub. The charity also runs a community garden, distributes school uniforms to low-income families, and provides budgeting advice and services. Mr Mohammed added: 'The number of people in need in Nottingham shot up during Covid and has only gotten worse as more people suffer the cost-of-living crisis and others lose their jobs due to the cost-of-business crisis. 'Many of our service users are working people who are struggling to make ends meet and unable to afford the basics, like fresh produce, toilet roll or toothpaste. 'Government grant and bid opportunities have declined and competition for the funds is fierce, meaning we're increasingly dependent on community giving and so grateful for every penny our supporters provide. Himmah's work is not just about providing food – it's about restoring dignity, hope and stability to people's lives.'
