Last week the British Consulate hosted two Iftars, one in Jerusalem and one in Ramallah, to celebrate Ramadan with Palestinian friends and partners.  A large number of Ministers and senior politicians, civil society leaders and grass roots representatives attended as well as religious leaders.  At the Ramallah event, Head of Protocol Ms Niveen Saraj accept on behalf of President Abbas a gift from the consulate general which was a book decribing the life of Muslims in Britian, with a forwore by His Royal Highness Prince Charles and featuring some award winning photographs.  Deputy Consul General John Edwards in his speech echoed the word of the British Prime Minister Gordon Brown saying "Ramadan is a time for family and friends. A time when Muslims around the world focus more on others than themselves. As you come together everyday for the next month to break the fast, thoughts will be of faith, families and togetherness. It will also be a time for prayer, contemplation and reflection; a time to remember those who are less fortunate today. The message of compassion and justice is strong in the Islamic faith, not just in the holy month of Ramadan. It is a universal message that unites us all. Britain is a country of around two million Muslims in a Europe of over 20 million. Britain today is a better place because of our diversity and openness. Our culture and society are stronger because of the contribution Muslims make everyday."

For more information, please call Fadi Adeeb, Communication Manager on mob 0547712648 e-mail: fadi.adeeb@fco.gov.uk

 

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