Posted on Friday 22nd May 2020
On the eve of Eid, last night (Thursday 21 May) saw the biggest virtual Iftar in London, hosted by Tower Hamlets Homes (THH) and partners, take place. Over 2,500 meals were distributed to the local community and more than 3,000 people took part.
During these unprecedented times of Coronavirus, representatives of all the key faith groups in Tower Hamlets joined with local political leaders to take part in what’s believed to be the largest ever Iftar on Zoom in London, which was broadcast live on facebook.
Hosted by Tower Hamlets Homes and the East London Mosque, the Iftar was supported by Canary Wharf Group and Tower Hamlets Interfaith Forum. Attendees included the Mayor of Tower Hamlets John Biggs, Rushnara Ali MP (Bethnal Green and Bow) and Apsana Begum MP (Limehouse and Poplar).
In a demonstration of how the communities can join together in times of crisis, from 8pm to 9pm, short speeches were heard on the importance of diverse communities and faiths joining together with one common goal of supporting each other.
For the first time ever, the call to prayer signifying the end of the days fast was called out on speakers from Canary Wharf and the East London Mosque at 8:58pm. Socially distanced, selected guests joined the Iftar from Canary Wharf to join us in the zoom session and were also present during the live call to prayer.
Hot Iftar meals were distributed to three community support hubs, which are providing support to vulnerable residents in the community for the duration of the crisis, for example supplying food parcels, hot cooked meals and collecting prescriptions to those unable to go out. Meals were also distributed to local Tenants and Residents Associations residents of all faiths and none.
Eid is a time when families and friends normally come together and celebrate the end of Ramadan. As gatherings are not currently permitted, Tower Hamlets Homes commissioned a #EidatHome video featuring musicians, comedians, actors and social media influencers who have a combined following of over 1.5million followers. The video can be watched via our twitter account
With a target audience of young people, the video helps reinforce the health message around social distancing and encourages people to celebrate Eid at home. It has already been viewed over 100,000 times just on Instagram.
Councillor Sirajul Islam, Deputy Mayor of Tower Hamlets, said;
“So many in our community are suffering at the moment and this huge gathering was a sign that we can all be united by a common goal of supporting each other. I’m so pleased that so many people took part in this celebration for people of all faiths to enjoy.”
Father Alan Green, Chair of THH Interfaith Forum, said:
“It is sad that, at this time, we cannot fulfil our spiritual commitments in our mosques or churches, and it is equally sad we cannot express our solidarity by meeting up for this year’s Community Iftar; but yesterday evening’s virtual Iftar showed how we overcome adversity to stand together in mutual support and with common purpose to thrive and rebuild in the midst of the continuing threat of illness and death.”
Susmita Sen, Chief Executive of Tower Hamlets Homes, said:
“Throughout this crisis, the values at the heart of Islam – compassion, gratitude, and generosity – have resonated more than ever. These are universal values that we all share and can all reflect on at this time. It was a privilege to see the very best of humanity on offer, coming together to safeguard the vulnerable and strengthen communities.”
Posted on Friday 22nd May 2020