Muslim and Jewish leaders launch joint drive to rebuild trust after rising tensions

Senior Muslim and Jewish leaders have launched a new initiative to rebuild relations between their communities, with a government-backed summit pledging practical action to tackle rising hatred and deepen cooperation.

The Together We Rebuild summit brought faith leaders, interfaith campaigners and young people together in Westminster on Thursday, as organisers sought to strengthen Muslim-Jewish relations after almost three years of heightened tensions following the Hamas attacks of 7 October 2023 and the wars that followed.

Held at the Adam Hub in Millbank Tower, the event was jointly convened by the Board of Deputies of British Jews and the UK Muslim Network. Communities Secretary Steve Reed delivered the keynote address, while James Purnell, chief of staff to Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, also addressed the summit. Faith Minister Lord Lemos and Christian faith leaders were among those attending.

Participants discussed ways to combat antisemitism and anti-Muslim hatred, protect religious freedom, improve education and reduce the impact of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict on community relations in Britain. Organisers said the discussions would now be developed into a programme of joint projects over the remainder of 2026.

Phil Rosenberg, president of the Board of Deputies, said the conflict had left “scars on all our hearts”.

“The events of 7 October and the wars that followed have left scars on all our hearts – and, in many cases, broken them entirely. Polarised narratives and a relentless stream of horrific images have eroded empathy, deepened divisions and contributed to obscene levels of antisemitism and anti-Muslim hatred.

“The people gathered here today have bravely swum against that current of polarisation and division. We must not import conflict into Britain; we must work together to export peace instead. Today is about recognising how difficult this period has been, thanking those who have persevered dialogue and cooperation, and taking the next bold steps together. Together, we rebuild.”

Imam Dr Qari Asim, co-chair of the UK Muslim Network, said the summit showed communities could work together despite profound disagreements.

“We do not want our shared future to be predetermined by conflict. Rebuilding will require courage to reach beyond our comfort zones, compassion to recognise the humanity of others, and sustained cooperation between our communities.

“We are not here because we agree about everything. We are here to learn how to disagree honestly and amicably, without allowing disagreement to become hatred. Our security and dignity are intertwined: whenever a Muslim or a Jew is targeted, our communities – and Britain itself – are diminished.”

Addressing the summit, Steve Reed said: “As a government, we are united in defending the right of every person to live, worship and express their faith freely.

“That commitment is unwavering, and it’s a commitment that requires all of us to keep working together.

“We must build understanding across communities and ensure that Britain remains a place where people of every faith can not just coexist, but can flourish.”

The programme also highlighted examples of existing Muslim-Jewish cooperation, with contributions from Nottingham’s Salaam Shalom Kitchen, the women’s network Nisa-Nashim, the Avicenna Foundation and the Yad Fellowship, whose students spoke about sustaining dialogue during a period of heightened tensions.

Organisers said the summit marks the beginning of a wider programme of collaboration between Muslim and Jewish organisations, with further initiatives expected to be rolled out later this year.