Cafe boss in fight against hate gets letter from America
A CAFE owner who fought back against disgusting ‘Punish a Muslim Day’ propaganda has been praised as a hero by an American mayor.
Manzoor Ali, who runs Barakah Foods in Chorlton, decided the only way to respond to the sick Islamophobic flyers – which sparked a police probe – was with kindness.
His family led a ‘Banish Hate Day,’ encouraging people to take the time to be kind, and handed out free tea, cake and biscuits to people passing the shop on Barlow Moor Road.
The Alis’ actions were shared around the world and even reached American mayor Jake Spano – who lives almost 4,000 miles away in Minnesota.
Mr Spano, who is mayor of St Louis Park, was so moved by Manzoor’s kind actions that he has sent a precious keepsake to the cafe owner.
The politician sent over a pristine £5 note which he has kept with him since living in London 28 years ago.
He says he has kept the treasured note as a reminder of one of the greatest times of his life and is passing it on to ‘inspirational’ Manzoor as a show of support.
“We need more people like you in the world!” he writes. “I’m sorry you face such fear, resentment and threats based unfounded prejudices. on “Enclosed you will find one of my most treasured possessions, a £5 note that I’ve been keeping as a reminder of one of the greatest times of my life.” The mayor, who grew up in Kansas, says he was just 18 when he moved to London to study at the former Ealing College in 1989. He described the change as ‘an abrupt and glorious shock to my world view’ and added: “Walking down the street to school, hearing all the languages spoken on the streets and enjoying all the smells coming out of the stores and cafes opened my mind to a whole new world. “As I have said to others, living in the UK was one of the most formative and inspirational experiences of my life. So, this £5 note has been with me for 28 years, however, it’s time to return it to another inspirational element of life – you. “Hopefully this will cover the costs of one of your guests and remind you that someone you do not know is thinking and supporting you in my adoptive home. Peace.” The Alis shared a picture of Mr Spano’s letter on their Facebook page and thanked the community for their wonderful response on ‘Banish Hate Day.’
Manzoor, from Whalley Range, says he was incredibly moved by the correspondence from across the Atlantic.
He now plans to frame the £5 note and letter, which will both take pride of place in his shop.
“This has all developed from that nasty letter,” Manzoor told the M.E.N.
“My faith in the community was never rocked but it really did upset members of the community and did frighten some people.
“We responded the only way we knew how and the reaction has been wonderful. To get this letter from America is just the cherry on the cake.
“I was overwhelmed and so grateful for Jake to take the time to write to us. In fact, I’m hoping to take a trip over there to show him that his actions have had such a positive effect.”
Manzoor and his wife, Aiysha Ali, also spent the day on April 3 collecting donations for their free food initiative, Barakah Food Aid, and MacMillan Cancer Support.
The couple have been handing out food packages to the homeless for seven years.
For more information, visit facebook.com/BarakahFoodAid.