As part of Inter Faith Week, senior Muslim and Jewish leaders, interfaith activists, and young people from across Britain marked Armistice Day at a powerful event held at Lancaster House.
The event, backed by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, also served to spotlight the many remarkable interfaith initiatives that have either emerged or continued during a challenging few years.
At the event, the Muslim and Jewish chaplains to HM Armed Forces led a service of remembrance, with representatives of all the communities joining together to sing the national anthem.
The Secretary of State for Communities, Rt. Hon. Angela Rayner MP, delivered the keynote address. Whilst, the Faith Minister Florence Eshalomi MP spoke and participated in the service to honour British servicemen and women.
The event provided a beacon of hope despite unprecedented strains on Muslim–Jewish relations following the 7 October attacks and the subsequent wars in Gaza and elsewhere in the Middle East, alongside alarming levels of antisemitism and anti-Muslim hostility in Britain.
On the occasion of Inter Faith Week 2026 and Armistice Day, this convening sent a powerful message on the values of modern Britain and power of interfaith engagement to deliver community cohesion, shared pride, and meaningful change.
Attendees heard from a wide range of interfaith activists and organisations from across the country, who exemplify interfaith in action, and who offered their honest reflections on what was needed from both government and civil society to enhance community relations and partnerships in the coming months and years.
Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, the Rt Hon Angela Rayner MP, said:
“Today, as we celebrate Inter Faith Week, we also stood together to remember those who gave their lives for our country, and the freedoms their sacrifice helped protect.
“We honour that legacy when we stand together against antisemitism, anti-Muslim hatred and every form of intolerance that seeks to divide our communities.
“That is why interfaith work matters. By choosing dialogue, solidarity and respect over division, we show that hate will never win.”
Meanwhile, Faiths Minister Florence Eshalomi MP added: “Marking Armistice Day shoulder to shoulder with servicemen and women from different faiths is a powerful reminder of the role people from all backgrounds have played in securing our freedoms and making our country what it is today.
“Events like this reinforce that we are strongest when we work together towards a shared future where everyone can practise their faith freely and proudly.
“Interfaith work sits at the heart of that, and we’ll continue working together, this week and every week, to make that vision a reality.”
Commenting on the event Phil Rosenberg, President of the Board of Deputies of British Jews, said:
“The events of 7 October and the wars that followed have left scars on all our hearts – and, in many cases, broken them entirely. Polarised narratives and a relentless stream of horrific images have eroded empathy, deepened divisions and contributed to obscene levels of antisemitism and anti-Muslim hatred.
The people gathered here today have bravely swum against that current of polarisation and division. We must not import conflict into Britain; we must work together to export peace instead. Today is about recognising how difficult this period has been, thanking those who have persevered dialogue and cooperation, and taking the next bold steps together. Specifically, we are looking at joint task forces to tackle hatred and extremism; promote religious freedom, and expand local interfaith initiatives. Just as on Armistice Day we have shown that together we remember, going forward we will show that, together, we rebuild.”
Hasan Reza, Drumlanrig Accords and co-compere for the event, said:
“Observing the Armistice Day silence was a moving moment to reflect on the service and sacrifice of all those who have defended our country. Seeing people from different faith traditions come together to lead the remembrance was particularly powerful. It was a reminder that this history is shared, and that remembrance belongs to us all.
By hosting this gathering as part of Inter Faith Week, the Government has recognised the importance of the work that goes into building understanding, trust and stronger communities across the United Kingdom. This work doesn’t just happen at major events; it happens every day, through acts of care, service and neighbourliness. It is these everyday connections that bring people together and help build confidence in our shared future.”
https://x.com/boardofdeputies/status/2120566506320798140?a=k2QJfY2snamDUUQHmNc&s=46