Jewish human rights group meets Golders Green Islamic centre team

A Jewish human rights group in London has met the team behind the new Islamic Centre in Golders Green as part of an outreach effort following news of the centre’s opening last year.

A small delegation from the Jewish Council for Racial Equality (JCORE) met Shi’ite Muslim leaders at the Markaz El Tathgheef El Eslami Islamic Centre in the old Golders Green Hippodrome, following its multi-million pound purchase last year.

News of the mosque’s opening led to an initial wave of anxiety on behalf of the local Jewish community, with hundreds signing petitions against the move, but relations have since started improving, with the centre last week recognised by Mitzvah Day for joining a blood drive at a nearby shul.

Ahmad Alkazemi showed JCORE delegates around the Grade-II listed building, which has been kept in its original state, and outlined plans for the centre, including cultural activities, English lessons and lectures.

JCORE director Edie Friedman said: “Golders Green has a rich and diverse history and it is really important that we use this opportunity to strengthen relationships between the Jewish and Muslim communities. We need to work with them to build a more cohesive society for all communities”.

She added that JCORE hopes to work with the Centre on projects to bring young Jews and Muslims together to work on asylum projects.