Craven Arms mosque opening doors to remember Jo Cox
A Shropshire mosque is inviting people of all faiths and backgrounds to join in an evening meal together in memory of MP Jo Cox tonight.
Craven Arms Islamic Centre will be holding the event along with Christian and Jewish counterparts as part of the national Great Get Together weekend in memory of the Batley and Spen MP who was murdered this time last year.
The event is open to everyone to come along and join with tonight's Iftaar meal, a meal eaten at sunset during the month of Ramadan, and will include talks from representatives of the three faiths.
Imam Sohayb Peerbhai said: "We believe there are 100,000 events taking place nationally as part of the the Great Get Together and we want to be part of that."
He said mosques across the country were participating with a Big Iftaar project, opening their doors and inviting people into share the fast-breaking evening meal.
During Ramadan Muslims fast during daylight hours and eat after sunset, in meals that are seen as a time of fellowship with families, friends and surrounding communities.
Imam Sohayb said: "It's the holy month of Ramadan and Iftaar is referred to as the time you break your fast and have your evening meal at sunset.
"Sunset is around 9.30pm at the moment so that is the time that people around the country will begin eating again.
"We're also saying to everyone if they want to try fasting, even if they're not Muslim, then they can.
"What we're doing in our mosque is a three-faith celebration and all will give a talk on what the significance of the sunset is to them."
The centre will be open from 7.30pm to 11.30pm and also mark the Jewish celebration of Havdalah.
Jo Cox was campaigner on issues relating to the Syrian Civil War, and founded and chaired the all-party parliamentary group Friends of Syria.
She died after being shot and stabbed multiple times by Thomas Mair, who is now serving life in prison, in Birstall, where she had been due to hold a constituency surgery.
Other Great Get Together events in the area include a visit from 50 asylum seekers and refugees in Bishop's Castle today, hosted by Quakers, the local Anglican Church and others, and a street party in Ludlow's Castle Square from noon tomorrow organised by People4Ludlow and the Ludlow Fringe Festival.
