On Monday, the Jewish community in Nigeria hosted leaders of the Muslim and Christian communities to an Iftar (Ramadan breakfast) in Abuja.

Muslims worldwide observe Iftar during Ramadan by breaking fast after sunset.

The chief rabbi of Nigeria, Israel Uzan, expressed delight over the peaceful coexistence of Nigerians despite their religious differences.

“I have seen the mixing of different religions and different people living together, and this is the reality of this country,” said Mr Uzan. “For the last 10 years that I have been here, maybe am too naive, or I have to change my glasses, I don’t see so much problem that we talked always in the newspaper.” 

However, he admitted, “Yes, there are many problems, but there are so many good aspects of Nigeria.”

Mr Uzan stressed that Nigerians “are always together” because it cannot be identified as a Christian, Muslim or Jewish country. 

“Nigeria is a beautifully mixed country, mixing families, politics, and businesses, and tonight this is what we can see,” he added.

Israel’s ambassador to Nigeria, Michael Freeman, said, “What unites us is so much more than anything that divides us and the differences that we have are so minor in comparison to the fact that we are Abraham’s children. We all come from Abraham, we all come from the same place and we all are going to end up in the same place ultimately, and this is something special.”

Mr Freeman added, “Today is that opportunity for us to say, never again, not only say never again but to demonstrate it under this roof. Christians, Muslims, and Jews celebrating what unites us. Celebrating the festivals, we have just finished Easter. We’ve just been in Passover, and we’re about to finish Ramadan.”

Abuja National Mosque imam, Kabir Adam, reaffirmed the commitment of the Muslim community to peace-building and peaceful coexistence in the country.

The Christian Association of Nigeria (FCT chapter) chairman, Timothy Amakon, said religion should not divide human beings.

(NAN)