Leaders of different faith groups came together last night at an Interfaith Solidarity event held by the Board of Deputies and attended by Minister for Faith Miatta Fahnbulleh MP, to show solidarity following the Heaton Park terrorist attack and discuss the actions needed in its wake.
The event, attended by 40 Jewish, Muslim, Christian and other faith leaders was part of the Optimistic Alliance of Muslims and Jews.
It was addressed by Faith and Communities Minister Miatta Fahnbulleh, Board of Deputies President Phil Rosenberg and Furqan Naeem MBE, a Manchester-based interfaith activist.
The speeches were followed by an open forum discussion which centred on tackling antisemitism and extremism in the United Kingdom with input on the forces which are seeking to divide communities.
Delegates also pledged solidarity with Muslim communities in the wake of the Peacehaven arson attack and rising anti-Muslim hatred.
There was a resounding condemnation of extremist individuals and groups acting in in the name of religion, including the hate preachers that have been reported in some mosques around the country. Participants emphasised the responsibility of government in confronting extremist groups which seek to threaten and intimidate those active in interfaith work.
Participants also called for a surge in educational initiatives for both children and adults, so that, for example, people can actually understand what Jews and Muslims actually believe in relation to the Middle East, beyond the demonising stereotypes.
There was a shared hope that the emerging peace agreement in the Middle East might lead to a ‘peace dividend’ in the UK between communities too.
Following the meeting Phil Rosenberg said: “Tonight was a heartwarming example of Muslims, Jews, and Christians coming together to pledge their solidarity after the shocking Heaton Park terror attack. No-one was afraid to discuss the difficult questions about antisemitism and extremism, and we heard some important solutions on how to protect Jewish communities and enhance community cohesion. Too often in recent weeks, there has been a focus on how this is an increasingly ‘divided kingdom’. But we are the United Kingdom, and last night’s event showed us at our best, in solidarity with each other, and with a shared determination for a better future for all”.
Miatta Fahnbulleh said: “I joined Jewish, Muslim and other faith leaders as we stood together in grief, solidarity and hope. Their courage and compassion send a powerful message that hate will never divide us. Hate will never win.”