Breaking Bread and Building Bridges: Penny Appeal joins Interfaith Iftar at Tower Bridge

Penny Appeal were honoured to spend an evening breaking bread with people from all faiths and none at the iconic Tower Bridge in London earlier this week.

The interfaith Iftar, hosted by our friends at the Naz Legacy Foundation, provided an opportunity for delegates of various backgrounds to engage with one another in meaningful dialogue.

Penny Appeal’s Ramadan motto this year is ‘Come Together’… and this iftar was a perfect chance to do just that. 100 people came together to rub shoulders, share ideas, and hear from guest speakers including the Bishop of London, the Bishop of Stepney, Rabbi Epstein of Western Marble Arch Synagogue, and Imam Mahmoud OBE of Finsbury Park Mosque.

It goes without saying that the challenges of the past two years have reinforced the importance of togetherness within our communities. But in an increasingly atomised society marred by prejudice and intolerance, the importance of coming together has been clear since long before the pandemic. Through fostering a mutual understanding with one another, communities can build the foundations of a flourishing society. In the words of Rumi, we should “try to see a treasure in everyone.”

Penny Appeal’s Senior Director of Growth, Ridwana Wallace-Laher, addressed attendees about the importance of coming together through meaningful interaction and dialogue:

“Today you have all ventured into the unknown and sat with people who might hold vastly different ideas and beliefs to your own. But this is only the first step. As we are enriched from learning to see the world from alternative perspectives, we must also be empowered to translate these insights and conversations into creating the lasting change we hope to see. Be the change, as Gandhi said. This is where diversity meets inclusivity and the spirit of belongingness.”

Through this event, the Naz Legacy Foundation sought to highlight London as ‘a dynamic global and multi-religious city that seeks the flourishing of all its people.’ Tower Bridge might just have been the ideal setting for this task. Ridwana’s speech drew to attention the beautiful setting as attendees from a range of backgrounds bridged gaps with each other:

“It’s interesting London’s defining landmark is this iconic bridge. I think a bridge is a fitting landmark for us too. And having the courage to not just build bridges but also the courage to walk across those bridges, meet people where they are and work together for the greater good… this is what we’re doing day in and day out at Penny Appeal and I hope you can join us in our journey.”

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