Historic Iftar in Tower of London Highlights Faith Community’s Role in Protecting the Environment

Last night, a historic Iftar was held in the iconic Tower of London - marking the first time an event of this nature has taken place in the building’s 1000-year history. The Naz Legacy Foundation, supported by Penny Appeal, organised and facilitated the event - which saw a number of distinguished speakers come together to discuss the climate crisis and the role faith communities have in tackling climate change.

Young people from all backgrounds gathered to explore this huge issue and learn more about how we can protect the environment through our own actions. Penny Appeal were proud to be part of this historic evening, breaking bread across faith lines and highlighting the role that faith communities can play in safeguarding our planet.

From a place of persecution to a place of peace

The London Tower has a long and storied history- and it is just as rich in its religious significance. For centuries, the tower was a site where religious minorities were persecuted. But last night witnessed a landmark interfaith Iftar, where religious groups came together in the spirit of cooperation and mutual understanding.

Penny Appeal's Senior Director of Growth, Ridwana Wallace-Laher, shared the stage with an illustrious panel, including the Chief Rabbi of Great Britain, the Mayor Of London, The Bishop Of Willesden and a number of other notable speakers. They were joined by close to a hundred young people from all backgrounds, who gathered to highlight and learn about our collective responsibility towards the environment.

Penny Appeal's Ridwana Wallace-Laher with the Mayor of London

Our Small Change can make a Big Difference

Sustainability is a core value of Penny Appeal's humanitarian work, and this spirit was perfectly captured in Ridwana's address to the attendees. She said:

"Our role as people of faith is to remind ourselves and our society that we have a duty of stewardship to the Earth. Even in the tiniest of things, Allah has enveloped his Greatness. There is nothing insignificant in a single bee, or ant or spider - in fact Allah has named entire chapters in the Qur'an after these creatures. Likewise, there is nothing insignificant about a single person - each and every one of us. Never doubt the greatness in you. Never doubt the difference you can make."

Ridwana went on to say, "What’s required from us is to make a few small changes in the way we live our lives, that’s all; but when we add it all up, it amounts to a big difference in the world. That’s the very mission of our charity, Penny Appeal, transforming small change into a big difference for those who need us most."

Remembering Naz Bokhari OBE

The Naz Legacy Foundation, who coordinated the event, was established in honour of Naz Bokhari, a senior educationalist and the first British Muslim to run a UK secondary school. He was in fact the headteacher of Sadiq Khan, the Mayor of London, who has spoken at length about the crucial role model Naz was in his life.

His legacy continues through us and the work we all do to create opportunities, raise aspirations, and bring people together in this blessed time of Ramadan and beyond.

The future is in our hands – help make a difference today

Penny Appeal were proud to be part of this unprecedented event and we hope that this is the start of more conversations and gatherings, where people from all backgrounds come together to learn about each other and work towards a more sustainable future.

You can be part of the movement too. Penny Appeal’s sustainable food projects help people to feed themselves and their families for life, transforming entire communities for generations to come.

You can empower impoverished families with the training and tools they need to grow their own food 365 days a year. For just £20 a month, you could help feed a family for life – Click here to give today.