Jewish and Muslim schoolchildren attend ‘first of its kind’ interfaith workshop

Pupils from five Jewish and Muslim faith schools came together for a day-long Interfaith workshop last week, in what is believed to be the first event of its kind in the UK.

The event, which was organised and hosted by the Office of the Chief Rabbi in partnership with the Naz Legacy Foundation, aimed to help promote engagement and understanding between young British Jews and Muslims.

The participants attended sessions about antisemitism and Islamophobia covering topics including how the rise in online prejudice has affected Jews and Muslims.

They were addressed by the Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis and leading British Imam as well as a number of Jewish and Muslim experts.

Harris Bokhari OBE, the Founder of Naz Legacy, described the event as a “very important seminar to increase understanding and dialogue between young Muslims and Jews.”

“As faith communities face an increase in hate and division, it is vital our young people come together to work together to tackle these rising tensions,” he added.

The Chief Rabbi said: “This was not simply an opportunity for young Jews and Muslims to spend the day together but for them to think carefully about each other’s lives and experiences and to learn how best to approach challenging subjects in good faith and with the requisite respect.”