Jeremy Corbyn speaking at Tuesday’s Street Iftar

ISLINGTON North MP Jeremy Corbyn attended a community Street Iftar – a mass breaking of fast – outside Finsbury Park Mosque on Tuesday.

The annual event was first organised in June 2017, days after the Finsbury Park terror attack that targeted Muslim worshippers during the month of Ramadan.

During the 30-day period of Ramadan, one meal is eaten before sunrise and then a fast is observed until after sunset.

The Street Iftar was jointly organised by Finsbury Park Mosque and Muslim Welfare House, with support from Islamic Relief UK. Between them, they distributed more than 2,000 free meals to people who came to the event, as well as friends and neighbours in the community.

Alongside Mr Corbyn, speakers included Rabbi Herschel Gluck and Councillor Gary Heather, the mayor of Islington.

Food being shared at the event

Mr Corbyn said: “The annual Street Iftar is a fantastic idea and it shows the strength of this mosque, the way it survives and thrives and does so much good for the community, as does Muslim Welfare House across the road.

“It’s that spirit that has supported people, fed people, helped people and given people a sense of hope in their lives when life is difficult.”

He added: “This Iftar and Ramadan is a great example of what Muslim communities do all over the country all year round through Islamic Relief and other charities, giving help and support all around the world.”

Mohammed Kozbar, who chairs Finsbury Park Mosque, said: “The Street Iftar is about community, cohesion, and building bridges, especially at this very difficult time when Islamophobia is on the rise.

“We believe that Ramadan is an opportunity to do good deeds and respect each other. The event was especially important this year with what is going on in the UK and abroad in Gaza.”

Mr Kozbar continued: “We’ve had a lot of support from different communities, faith leaders and local politicians. The situation is not easy for the community. People feel that the situation is getting worse and worse in terms of Islamophobia. I hope that politicians and the government do something about it.”

Islamic Relief UK, Finsbury Park Mosque and The Muslim Welfare House organise food distributions, fundraising activities and youth services throughout the year.