Muslim man becomes member of synagogue council in England

A Bradford synagogue has appointed a member of the city’s Muslim community to its council, The Independent reported.

Jani Rashid, who heads the Diversity and Cohesion at Education Bradford, was an active member of the Muslim community who came to the financial rescue of the synagogue a few years ago.

In 2013, a Bradford Council for Mosques donation had helped save the synagogue when it ran into financial difficulties.

“The local Muslim community has been an unfailing partner in the fight to keep the building open and flourishing,” a spokesperson said.

“At a time when both the Jewish and Muslim communities are reeling from the impact of the horrific attacks in Paris,” the spokesperson added, “the positive and supportive relationship between Bradford’s Jews and Muslims has grown another step closer.”

“We thought it would be a splendid idea to co-opt Jani to the Council,” Rudi Leavor, chairman of the synagogue council, told Jewish News.

The proposal was passed unanimously by the council.

“I am delighted to take up this kind offer to sit on the Synagogue Council,” Rashid said. “I am a firm believer in openness within and between communities.”

“This helps us to respect one another’s diversity and, to share in our common beliefs of decency, respect and compassion for our fellow human beings,” he added.