Faith leaders thank key workers for their contributions during pandemic
Rabbi Yoni Birnbaum who took part nominated Wolfson Hillel Primary School teacher Linda Myer for her efforts during the lockdown
Rabbi Yoni Birnbaum joined an interfaith group of religious leaders on Wednesday in personally thanking key workers for their contributions during the pandemic ahead of the NHS’s 72nd birthday.
The eight faith leaders each nominated a frontline worker from within their communities working across healthcare, education or the charity sector.
Rabbi Birnbaum, of the Hadley Wood Jewish Community, thanked the primary school teacher Linda Myer for her efforts during the lockdown as part of the virtual event hosted by the group Faiths United, an interfaith coalition set up in March in response to the pandemic.
The event was timed to coincide with the /Together campaign, launching this weekend to urge the public to commemorate Covid-19 victims and thank key workers.
Speaking after the event, Faiths United chair Maurice Ostro said: “It was a privilege to be able to thank frontline workers from so many faiths this evening. They played crucial roles as part of teams that have saved lives and kept vital services running. I can think of no better way to illustrate that we are stronger together, and that a united Kingdom makes a great Britain.”
Interfaith consultant Laura Marks, who is also the founder and chair of Mitzvah Day, tuned into the event. “The NHS has always been an important part of my life: my father was a doctor,” she said.
She went on: “While the pandemic has brought enormous pain and hardship, I was comforted by hearing the stories of people who have made a real difference in recent months.
“These acts of kindness and support demonstrate that whilst we need to recognise and accommodate important differences, we are all united in building for a better future.”
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