United Kingdom – London synagogue hosts Muslim mayor, chief rabbi for post-Ramadan feast

United Kingdom – A London synagogue hosted Mayor Sadiq Khan, who is Muslim, and Britain’s chief rabbi at a festive dinner celebrating the daily breaking of the Ramadan fast.

Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis, Khan and other faith leaders were among more than 100 people who attended the Iftar dinner Wednesday at St John’s Wood Synagogue, the Jewish News of London reported.

Students from a number of London schools, including a Jewish one, attended the event organized by the Naz Legacy Foundation. Faith leaders included Sarah Mullally, the newly installed bishop of London, and Cardinal Vincent Nichols, the archbishop of Westminster. Politicians on hand included Labour lawmaker Rupa Huq.

“It’s good for all of us to be together at a time when there is so much intolerance, that we are showing understanding and tolerance and affection towards others,” Mirvis said at the event.

“At a time when there is a very worrying level of hate within our society, it’s great that we should show our sense of togetherness. It’s sending out such a hugely important message for us to be here, and it is seriously pleasant.”

Khan told the students: “It fills me with optimism because you are so much more open-minded, you are so much more progressive in your outlook, than even the previous generation that came before you.”