Jewish leaders welcome call for faiths to support each other in racism fight

Senior Jewish representatives have welcomed the message from a race-equality think-tank that adherents of different religions must support one another if the UK is to rid itself of racism.

It follows a presentation from Dr Omar Khan, director of the race equality think-tank The Runnymede Trust, to representatives of the Board of Deputies, United Synagogue, Jewish Council for Racial Equality (JCORE), Community Security Trust (CST), Union of Jewish Students (UJS) and the Council of Christians and Jews.

Islamophobia has become a prominent issue after attacks on five mosques in Birmingham were reported just days after a white nationalist armed with a slew of weapons walked into two mosques in New Zealand and opened fire, killing 50.

“The best way any racism can be challenged is through solidarity and respect between communities to better understand and challenge the different racisms suffered by others as well as those suffered by one’s own community,” said Dr Khan.

Dr Edie Friedman of JCORE said: “Much has been written about of late about Islamophobia within political parties. We have seen a disturbing increase in Islamophobia since the Christchurch tragedy, which should sound alarm bells for all of us. We need to work together to combat all forms of racism within our communities and wider society.”