Christian, Muslim and Jewish leaders condemn rise in UK antisemitism
Rabbi Jonathan Wittenberg, senior rabbi of Masorti Judaism, joined Leicester imam, Sheikh Ibrahim Mogra, and Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury, at Lambeth Palace on Tuesday.
Jenni Frazer is a freelance journalist
Three faith leaders — Christian, Muslim and Jewish — have made robust statements condemning the rise in antisemitism in Britain, and calling for unity among the faiths in the wake of the ongoing israel/Hamas conflict.
Rabbi Jonathan Wittenberg, senior rabbi of Masorti Judaism and rabbi of the New North London Synagogue, joined the Leicester imam, Sheikh Ibrahim Mogra, and Justin Welby, the Archbishop of Canterbury, at Lambeth Palace on Tuesday morning.
Archbishop Welby said: “I know that all of us are profoundly concerned by what is happening in Israel and Gaza — and here at Lambeth Palace we are praying constantly for all those who are caught up in this war that has already brought so much suffering to so many people.
“But today, we have come together out of shared concern for our communities and neighbourhoods here in the UK, and to stand together against any form of hatred or violence against Jewish people or any other community”.
Sheikh Ibrahim Mogra, who is former assistant secretary-general of the Muslim Council: of Britain, said: “I stand before you in my capacity as an imam alongside my dear friend Rabbi Jonathan Wittenberg. We are all deeply pained by what is happening in Palestine and Israel. We have found some comfort and a lot of hope in our friendships that have been built over many years. We stand together to express our shared commitment to protecting the relationship between our communities”.
He addd: “British Muslims and Jews have much in common and there are many personal ties between us. We have celebrated happy times together, and stood together in solidarity during difficult and challenging times. We have, and will sometimes be on opposite sides, but we live together as neighbours in peace and harmony, disagreeing with each other respectfully, without resorting to hate or violence. At this critical time, we share deep concern for the welfare of everyone. We are determined to do our utmost to prevent violence and intimidation across our country, whether on the streets, in places of worship, in schools, in universities, or in any other institutions”.
The imam made it clear: “It is deplorable and wrong that our Jewish community here has been the target of hate crimes. It is unacceptable that synagogues and Jewish centres have been targeted. There has been a 500 per cent rise in antisemitism. I condemn these attacks and call on all fellow citizens to stand up and speak out against all and every form of hate”.
Turning to his friend, Rabbi Wittenberg said: “Your solidarity in standing up and speaking out clearly against all forms of antisemitism and antisemitic intimidation, at this most deeply painful time, means a great deal.
“The Jewish community, led by the Board of Deputies, the Jewish Leadership Council and the Community Security Trust, has long condemned and continues to condemn all racism directed against Muslims, from whatever source”.
He echoed the sheikh’s message that “as leaders in the British Jewish and Muslim communities we affirm the importance of maintaining our relationships even, and especially, in troubled times.
“We have so much in common; there are many friendships between us, and we have stood together through both peaceful and challenging days. As you say, we will sometimes have different loyalties, yet it is essential that we live together across the United Kingdom as neighbours and fellow citizens in peace and with respect”.
The archbishop underlined “the importance of maintaining our relationships, even in this time of deep crisis. We cannot allow the seeds of hatred and prejudice to be sown afresh in our communities. And at this time especially, we cannot allow the cancer of antisemitism to spread in our nation. I pray that we remain united against all forms of discrimination, and for our Jewish neighbours and all our communities to know that they are an essential part of our country.
“I add my own prayers to yours for the welfare of all our communities. And I offer my prayers, as the whole of the Anglican world is doing today, for all the people of the Holy Land”.
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