Newman University hosting a Community Iftar
Newman University (Newman) is delighted to be hosting a Community Iftar and linked event exploring how we can come together to prevent hate this Thursday (30th March). As a founding partner of Citizens UK Birmingham we are delighted to be co-organising this event which will draw together many from across our university, local and partner communities who will be joined by faith and civil society leaders.
We are honoured during this Holy month of Ramadan to be able to come alongside our Muslim brothers and sisters and share with them this occasion of breaking fast.
The event begins at 6.30pm when guests will be welcomed by Professor Jackie Dunne, Vice- Chancellor of Newman University. Our speakers include Simon Foster, West Midlands Police & Crime Commissioner, and Jane Haynes, People and Politics Editor at BirminghamLive and we will also reflect on experiences Building a Region of Sanctuary which was a core theme of our previous Community Iftar in 2019.
As with families and communities across our region we will after sunset, following Adhan (call to Prayer) led by Imam Bilal Asif our Muslim Chaplain, enjoy building relationships and friendships over good food.
Professor Jackie Dunne said: “We are looking forward to welcoming everyone to the Community Iftar. As a Catholic university, we welcome students of all faiths and beliefs and none and are pleased to be able to take this opportunity, to support our own students and staff, and also to welcome leaders and members of the wider community to Newman, building understanding through dialogue and friendship.”
Saidul Haque Saeed, Lead Organiser for Citizens UK in Birmingham said: “We’re delighted that Newman University is hosting this Community Iftar on the subject of tackling hate – and that our Police and Crime Commissioner, Simon Foster, and Jane Haynes from the Birmingham Mail will be joining us in this timely discussion.
“We’re looking forward to bringing communities together over a delicious meal to strengthen relationships in preventing hate, whilst marking the significance of fasting by Muslims during the Holy month of Ramadan.”
Iftar is the daily ritual and practice of breaking fast during Ramadan, usually done in family but often shared with the wider community.