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Lisburn dinner sends out `strong anti racist message'

Mostafa Ragab (Chair of the Egyptian Assoc UK), Jim Rose (Director of Leisure Services), Mayoress Margaret Tinsley, Mayor James Tinsley, Afaf AIy (Chair of Egyptian Soc in NI), Ken Fraser(Head of Racial Equality for OFMDFM), Dr E Ghareeb, and PSNI Inspector Jeremy Adams at the Egyptian Society gathering in Lighters Restaurant US4207-402PM Pic by Paul Murphy

Mostafa Ragab (Chair of the Egyptian Assoc UK), Jim Rose (Director of Leisure Services), Mayoress Margaret Tinsley, Mayor James Tinsley, Afaf AIy (Chair of Egyptian Soc in NI), Ken Fraser(Head of Racial Equality for OFMDFM), Dr E Ghareeb, and PSNI Inspector Jeremy Adams at the Egyptian Society gathering in Lighters Restaurant US4207-402PM Pic by Paul Murphy

THE Chairman of Northern Ireland's Egyptian Society, who lives in Lisburn, has said events such as a recent dinner at Lagan Valley Island Civic Centre to mark the end of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan are sending 'a strong anti racist message' to everyone in the province.

Mrs. Afaf Aly said this was particularly important at what was 'a critical time of change' as Northern Ireland became a multi cultural community more tolerant of other religions and races.

She said the dinner, which was sponsored by the Society and the City Council, allowed an exchange of culture between local people and the province's Muslim and Arab community.

I was happy to see people from both communities sitting beside each other and chatting in a friendly way," she said.

Mrs. Afaf Aly said the event had successfully introduced Islamic culture to everyone attending but added the best part of the evening had been the announcement by the Mayor Councillor James Tinsley of the end of Ramadan and the beginning of the Festival of Eid.

The exact timing of this announcement, she explained, is linked to the lunar month. Those attending the dinner heard an introduction by Dr. Mohy Ismail, a Consultant Surgeon at Downpatrick Hospital

Other speakers included Mr. Tinsley, the Imam of the Belfast Islamic Centre Sheikh Anwar Mady, and Mr. Mostafa Ragab who is Chairperson of the Egyptian Community in London.

A presentation on the work of the Egyptian Society was given by its Treasurer Dr. M. Fawzy, a Consultant Radiologist in Craigavon Hospital.

Other guests included Consultant Surgeon Dr. Essam Ghareeb, Consultant Gynaecologist Dr. Wael Elsergany and their families.

Also attending were PSNI Inspector Jeremy Adams, Mr. Ken Frazer of the First Minister's Office, Lisburn City Council's Director of Leisure Services Mr. Jim Rose, Consultant Radiologist Dr. Paul Rice and Consultant Surgeons Dr. Victor Loughlin and Dr. Alan Archbald.

This year the Islamic holy month of Ramadan started on September 13. During the period following the start of Ramadan Muslims fast from dawn and break their fast at dusk.

Ulster Star
26/10/2007