North East Community Dialogue Iftar Dinner: Celebrating “Ramadan is Community”

Brenda Dinsdale

Hon. Life President, Newcastle Reform Synagogue

Brenda Dinsdale is Hon. Life President of Newcastle Reform Synagogue and an active member of several local interfaith forums and groups. She is dedicated to promoting interfaith dialogue across the region, regularly attending events, visiting schools, and supporting initiatives that foster understanding, collaboration, and community cohesion among diverse faith communities.

Jaswinder Singh

Director of North East Sikh Service and DiverCity Hub

Jaswinder Singh is Director of DiverCity Hub and Director of North East Sikh Service, as well as a Chaplain at Northumbria University and several hospitals across the region. Born in Slough and raised in the North East, Jaswinder brings extensive experience in community engagement, education, and interfaith initiatives.

Kamil Kemanci

Dialogue Society

Vanessa Jardine

Chief Constable of Northumbria Police

Vanessa Jardine became Chief Constable of Northumbria Police in April 2023. Vanessa sets the vision and direction for the force, leading its operational delivery to serve the communities of Northumbria Police.

On 19 April 2023, the Dialogue Society North East Branch, in partnership with North East Diversity, Education and Solidarity (NEDES), St. Vincent Centre, Tyneside Rotary Club, and Tyne & Wear Fire & Rescue Service, proudly hosted the North East Dialogue Iftar & Diversity Dinner. With the theme “Ramadan is Community” the event brought together over 200 guests to celebrate unity, dialogue, and shared cultural experiences.

The evening featured delicious food, live music including ney performance, clarinet , piano and songs by Eleanor Woolsten Croft, and a moving poem “I Am Diversity” by Hatice and Emma. Guests also participated in art workshops led by calligrapher and macramé artist, creating an immersive and interactive cultural experience.

A particularly memorable moment was the incorporated prayer for universal peace, with representatives from multiple faiths including Fr Phil Medley (Walker Parish Church), JasWinder Singh (North East Sikh Service & Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha Newcastle), Pt. Nayan Vyas (Newcastle Hindu Temple), Brenda Dinsdale (Newcastle Reform Synagogue), and Asiya Umar (Muslim prayer), reflecting the spirit of interfaith harmony and inclusion.

The event was honoured by the presence of Vanessa Jardine – Chief Constable Northumbria Police, senior police representatives, Newcastle United Foundation, faith and voluntary sector leaders, and numerous community leaders and members.

North East Iftar & Diversity Dinner stands as a powerful testament to the values of inclusion, dialogue, and unity, highlighting how communities can come together to celebrate culture, faith, and shared humanity.