NOTTINGHAM – Remembering late Jo Cox, Nottingham Muslims came together on Thursday, June 15, in a public iftar to remember the pro-immigrants MP who was killed in hate crime last year.

“It has been difficult for all of us recently but we saw this as an opportunity to bring everyone together,” Shazia Khan, the vice chair of Nottingham Muslim Women’s Network, told Nottingham Post on Friday, June 16.

“What is important to remember is that out of tragic circumstances there is good. We all come together and help each other.

“Bringing people together through events like this is exactly what Jo Cox wanted.”

The event is part of the Great Get Together Weekend organized in memory of Jo Cox, who was murdered on June 16 last year.

Khan helped to organize the iftar event at the Muslim Hands Conference Hall in Gregory Boulevard, in partnership with Muslim Hands.

They decided to hold the event after the recent terror attacks to remain in solidarity with one another and promote community spirit.

“The cause that Jo Cox stood for is what we have to hold on to. She wanted people to come together and spread unity and we need to keep that alive,” said Rizwan Araf, the administration manager at Muslim Hands.

“This is the way we have to respond to people who carry out barbaric attacks.”

Over 80 people from all ethnicities and faiths went to the breaking of the fast which involved food, music, speeches and a strong message of empowerment to women.

On Saturday night Nottingham Stand Up To Racism and Himmah will hold a public Iftar in Hyson Green market place from 7-10pm.

Yousuf Farooq from Nottingham Stand Up To Racism said: “This event is necessary to bring people from all faiths and none together.

“The murder of Jo Cox showed the danger of hatred and division and the event will be a great opportunity to bring people together and will allow people to understand different cultures and beliefs.”