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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."
CBS News
01-04-2025
- Politics
- CBS News
Supporters of proposed Muslim-led community react to backlash: "A lot of misconceptions"
A proposed Muslim-led development called "EPIC City" is facing pushback from North Texans, with some expressing concerns at a Collin County Commissioners meeting on Monday. Supporters of the project say the opposition is rooted in long-standing stereotypes and misunderstandings about the Muslim community. At the meeting, Fawzia Belal, a member of the East Plano Islamic Center, listened as concerns were raised. "[They said] women are oppressed, that women have no voice, that sharia law will take over… it just doesn't work like that," Belal said. "We are citizens of this land, and we are as American as anyone else out there." EPIC City is a proposed 400-acre development in Josephine, an unincorporated part of Collin County, designed to be a self-sustaining community with homes, businesses, and religious centers. The project is led by members of the East Plano Islamic Center, one of North Texas' largest mosques. Some at the meeting questioned whether the development could violate the Fair Housing Act if it only allowed Muslims to live there. However, project planners stated that EPIC City would be open to everyone. Still, many in attendance voiced concerns about a predominantly Muslim community, with some specifically fearing the enforcement of sharia law. "We don't even impose it on our own people, let alone on anyone else," Belal responded. "We follow the rules and laws of this country." She believes much of the opposition stems from unfamiliarity with the Muslim faith. "What I heard, sadly, was a lot of misconceptions, a lot of misinformation," she said. "It's because they just don't know a lot about the Muslim faith, but our doors are open if anyone wants to come engage with us." Muslim communities have historically formed in close-knit neighborhoods across North Texas. In Irving, for example, many Muslim families have naturally settled near local mosques, creating a sense of community. The same can be seen around the East Plano Islamic Center, where Muslim-owned businesses and neighborhoods coexist within the broader Plano community. Belal said proximity to faith centers is a cultural priority. "It's the convenience of accommodating our faith values on a day-to-day basis," she said. "We pray five times a day, so having a mosque in walking distance is important—not just for me, but for my elderly parents who live with me." She hopes the debate over EPIC City will also serve as an opportunity to highlight the importance of diversity. "Our teachings are all about kindness, compassion, peace, and togetherness," she said. "It's about inclusivity, about celebrating diversity and our differences, no matter how opposing they may be."
Yahoo
22-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
The charity feeding the homeless during Ramadan
Charity organisers said it was "massively rewarding" to feed hundreds of people in need during Ramadan, as they launched a free food drive. Volunteers from the 313 Foundation - many of them children - hosted an event in Bradford city centre, where around 300 people collected jacket potatoes, soup and biryani. Shahnaz Tanweer from the charity said the event in Centenary Square was not just about feeding the homeless but about restoring dignity and fostering unity. She said: "I think respect is key because everybody deserves respect, it doesn't matter who you are." Ms Tanweer said the group had launched during Ramadan because charity, compassion and community were key parts of the Islamic holy month. The charity also aims to launch projects tackling issues including health inequality, with a goal to "empower the people of Bradford through community-driven programmes and services". Many of the volunteers at the launch were children, who said they loved being able to help those who are homeless or otherwise struggling with the cost of living. Ehlissya, 11, said: "I'm here today because I celebrate Ramadan and I love to help people out. I like giving food to the homeless. "It just lit a fire in my heart, thinking that they won't go hungry when Ramadan comes. "There are thousands of people who go hungry every day. To help out at least a small percentage of them has really made me happy. "Honestly, when they find out that it's free, their face lights up. And that's a really nice thing to see." Her younger sister Nouraine said she too was proud to be part of "a community that helps out poor people that are in need". The youngest volunteer, six-year-old Abbas, added: "I feel happy helping people." Jaffar Naqvi, a charity trustee, said his background as a mental health nurse working with vulnerable people including rough sleepers had triggered his involvement with the group. "We had a look to see what were the downfalls in our own community," he said. "We see a lot of people collecting for everywhere, every country, water appeals, food appeals. We have to look at ourselves as well." Colleague Qasim Akbar said: "A lot of the volunteers are fasting themselves, and it's that much more rewarding for those who get to feel what others are feeling. "And when you're providing safety for them in these cold conditions - there's nothing like it." He stressed that while the newly formed charity was Muslim-led, its mission was to help everyone. "This is about humanity, and humanity belongs to all of us. That is the foundational religion for us all," he said. Listen to highlights from West Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North. The fundraising group running during Ramadan West Yorkshire Muslims on what Eid means to them Muslims begin holy month of Ramadan Father takes on Ramadan charity cycle challenge What is Eid al-Fitr and how do Muslims celebrate it?
BBC News
22-03-2025
- General
- BBC News
The Bradford charity feeding the homeless during Ramadan
Charity organisers said it was "massively rewarding" to feed hundreds of people in need during Ramadan, as they launched a free food from the 313 Foundation - many of them children - hosted an event in Bradford city centre, where around 300 people collected jacket potatoes, soup and Tanweer from the charity said the event in Centenary Square was not just about feeding the homeless but about restoring dignity and fostering said: "I think respect is key because everybody deserves respect, it doesn't matter who you are." Ms Tanweer said the group had launched during Ramadan because charity, compassion and community were key parts of the Islamic holy charity also aims to launch projects tackling issues including health inequality, with a goal to "empower the people of Bradford through community-driven programmes and services". Many of the volunteers at the launch were children, who said they loved being able to help those who are homeless or otherwise struggling with the cost of 11, said: "I'm here today because I celebrate Ramadan and I love to help people out. I like giving food to the homeless."It just lit a fire in my heart, thinking that they won't go hungry when Ramadan comes."There are thousands of people who go hungry every day. To help out at least a small percentage of them has really made me happy."Honestly, when they find out that it's free, their face lights up. And that's a really nice thing to see."Her younger sister Nouraine said she too was proud to be part of "a community that helps out poor people that are in need".The youngest volunteer, six-year-old Abbas, added: "I feel happy helping people." Jaffar Naqvi, a charity trustee, said his background as a mental health nurse working with vulnerable people including rough sleepers had triggered his involvement with the group."We had a look to see what were the downfalls in our own community," he said."We see a lot of people collecting for everywhere, every country, water appeals, food appeals. We have to look at ourselves as well."Colleague Qasim Akbar said: "A lot of the volunteers are fasting themselves, and it's that much more rewarding for those who get to feel what others are feeling."And when you're providing safety for them in these cold conditions - there's nothing like it."He stressed that while the newly formed charity was Muslim-led, its mission was to help everyone."This is about humanity, and humanity belongs to all of us. That is the foundational religion for us all," he said. Listen to highlights from West Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.
Leaders
22-03-2025
- Business
- Leaders
Muslim Tech Fest 2025 Offers £30K Prize to Boost Startups
Muslim Tech Fest 2025 (MTF) announced a £30,000 investment prize for its MTF Pitch competition on Friday. The event will take place on 21 June at the Novotel London West hotel. It aims to spotlight and support Muslim-led tech startups. Star-Studded Speaker Lineup This year's festival features prominent figures like Zubair Junjunia, founder of ZNotes, an education platform with 6 million users. Ahmed Khalifa of PurpleByte, Mai Medhat, Mariam Ahmed of Menza, and Arda Awais of Identity 2.0 will also speak. MTF's 2024 events in London and San Francisco sold out, solidifying its role as a top platform for Muslim entrepreneurs. Last year, Haroon Mokhtarzada discussed scaling Rocket Money to $1.3 billion. Chris Blauvelt shared how LaunchGood raised $688 million globally. Arfah Farooq, MTF co-founder, emphasized Muslim entrepreneurs' potential: 'MTF turns ideas into action. With MTF Pitch, we're creating real change.' The festival connects founders with investors and industry leaders. Ethical Investing Focus Rama Chakaki and Raed Masri of Transform VC led talks on ethical investing at MTF 2024. Meanwhile, Ismail Jeilani revealed how LiveLink secured $3 million from Google and Biz Stone. Moreover, Onfido's co-founders, Ruhul Amin and Husayn Kassai, discussed their AI-driven identity verification firm's recent acquisition, marking one of the UK's largest tech exits in years. MTF continues to empower innovators while fostering global connections in tech and finance. Short link : Post Views: 3
