British imams ‘utterly condemn’ terror stabbing of Jewish Londoners
In a rare statement, Muslim signatories to the Drumlanrig Accords say the attack 'undermines the safety and cohesion of our shared society' as new body tackling Islamophobia also speaks out
Several of Britain’s leading imams have come together to “utterly condemn” the terror attack in Golders Green.
The landmark statement is backed by Muslim signatories to the Drumlanrig Accords, which were signed last year between seven Muslim and seven Jewish religious to plot a path forward for the future of relations. This is the first collective statement to emerge from the group since its announcement.
It says: “We note with grave concern the violent attack on two Jewish men in Golders Green, London. We extend our thoughts and solidarity to those injured, their families and the wider Jewish community.
“Any act of violence or intimidation directed at individuals because of their faith or identity is utterly unacceptable. Incidents which create fear within communities, particularly near places of worship or religious gathering, undermine the safety and cohesion of our shared society.
“As Muslim leaders and signatories to the Drumlanrig Accords, we stand firmly against antisemitism, Islamophobia and all forms of hatred and extremism. We reaffirm our shared commitment to protecting the dignity, safety and religious freedom of every community.”
The Muslim signatories to the Accords last year were: Chief Imam Dr Sayed Razawi (Shia), Senior Imam Qari Asim (Sunni, Barelwi), Imam Sheikh Muhammad Ismail DL (Sunni, Deobandi), Head Imam Dr Sheikh Khalifa Ezzat (Sunni), Naushad Jivraj (President of His Highness the Aga Khan National Council for the UK, represented by Aliya Nasser), His Excellency Kinana Jamaluddin Bhai Sahib (Ismaili, Bohra).
In a sign of the gravity with which the attack is being treated among many Muslim leaders, Shabir Randeree, chair of the newly-formed British Muslim Trust, also released a rare public statement.
He said the Trust “stands in total solidarity with the Jewish community. The hatred and violence directed towards British Jews is the opposite of everything this country stands for. We send our deepest condolences to all those directly affected by this tragedy and to the wider community who will once again be feeling shocked and scared by racist attacks on our streets.
“In the aftermath of a dreadful attack such of this it is sadly the case that all communities should now take additional steps to stay safe, remain vigilant, and look after our friends, neighbours and loved ones. In the face of this senseless tragedy, we must now come together.”
Also, to react within minutes of the attack was senior imam at the Makkah Mosque in Leeds, Qari Asim, the senior imam who has for years spoken out in solidarity with the Jewish community and against extremism. Taking to Twitter, he described the attack as “horrific” and added: “No one should live in fear because of who they are.” In 2023, he was also among a group of leaders that issued an historic condemnation against the Hamas atrocities in Israel.
Imam Monawar Hussain also condemned the attack, saying: “I am deeply saddened to hear of this cowardly and appalling attack in Golders Green. Praying for the victims and their families at this difficult time.
“At the heart of our society is freedom, the right to go about our business irrespective of faith, gender, ethnicity or cultural background, freely, in safety and without fear. This attack is an attack on that core fabric of our society. I condemn it and stand firmly with our Jewish community and all who may feel vulnerable and unsafe.”
The series of interventions came after Jewish News brought three imams together this month to condemn the planned appearance of Kanye West at the Wireless Festival.
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