MEMBERS of the Jewish and Muslim communities gathered to promote peace and understanding.

Birmingham Progressive Synagogue welcomed around 20 members of the Darul Barakaat Mosque, to observe their traditional Jewish service.

Waqar Ahmedi, outreach secretary from the mosque, gave a presentation on the Ahmadiyya community and there was a question and answer session led by Rabbi Margaret Jacobi and Imam Maulana Tahir Selby.

At the end of the visit, Rabbi Jacobi was presented with a Holy Qur’an and other beautiful gifts from the Ahmadiyya community.

Rabbi Jacobi, from the synagogue on Bishopgate Street, said: “In these difficult times, it is heartening to feel that we can form friendships with people of a different faith and discover how much we have in common.”

Iman Selby, from the mosque on Tilton Road in Bordesley Green, said: “The visit was part of our ongoing commitment to developing closer ties with other faith communities.Dialogue and respect is essential for social peace and harmony.”