Interfaith tree planting brings Jews and Muslims together
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BLOG – Israel at war; Hamas hostages: Day 56

Israel-Hamas ceasefire extended for 24 hours; at least 8 hostages expected to be released on Thursday

October 30, 2023, 3:38 pm Edit
Hostages released since the truce: Eitan Yahalomi with his mother and Emily Hand with her father
Hostages released since the truce: Eitan Yahalomi with his mother and Emily Hand with her father
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3:38 pm

Interfaith tree planting brings Jews and Muslims together

By Michelle Rosenberg

Despite personal threats to stop working together, a group of Jews, Muslims and committed neighbours of diverse faiths decided instead to plant 15 trees in Dulwich Common, south London.

The Interfaith Tree Planting project is part of the  memorial for Faiths Forum for London’s former co-chair Leonie Lewis. 100 trees will be planted in London in memory of her legacy and vision for peace.

Pic: Strengthening Faith Institutions

Rabbi Natan Levy said: “It’s difficult to talk to my Muslim friends at the moment because our political views are so very different and opinions so deeply divided. But I hear more and more about women with hijabs being threatened and yelled at in our neighbourhoods, and I feel that right now is  precisely the time we need to  stand together.  By digging the earth, planting these trees with imams, priests, and people of different faiths, I do feel a small seed of change is being planted with these trees, and that’s so desperately needed right now.”

Mustafa Field, director of Faiths Forum for London said: “These trees will create a space of gathering together and overcoming differences, not just for us today, but for our children.  It will stand as a living witness to the small fact that Jews, Muslims, and people of all faiths can come together to protect our environment, care for our neighborhoods, and work together for the good.  I know from my Jewish friends that anti-semitic attacks are on the rise, and though a few trees in the ground won’t stop this hatred altogether,  it will show both communities how much more effective we can be when we work together.”