Rabbi and Imam recreate ‘Love Actually’ scene for interfaith initiative

A rabbi and an imam have posted a video of themselves mimicking a famous scene from the film ‘Love Actually’ as part of a series of interfaith initiatives to honour the late Labour MP Jo Cox, who was murdered a year ago.

Rabbi Esther Hugenholtz of Sinai Synagogue in Leeds and Imam Qari Asim of Leeds Makkah Mosque joined forces for The Great Together, spearheaded by Cox’s widower, which will see events take place around the country this weekend.

Hugenholtz and Asim recreated a scene in which a love-struck young man explains his heart-ache to the object of his desires through the silent use of sheets with messages while pretending to be a group of carol singers.

Instead of professing their love to one another, they used the video to show how much they have in common, from their love of food and a good “cuppa” to their pride in Yorkshire and their prayers for peace to the same God.

Their video is one of several posted from Muslims, Jews and Christians highlighting all that they have in common. In another, Usman Ali from Wakefield and Harry Brackup and Ruby Cole from Leeds – both Jewish – celebrate their shared love of the county, their work in youth social action, and a good curry.

“For most people going about their busy everyday lives, there just aren’t many opportunities to sit down and have a conversation with someone from a different background,” said Hugenholtz.

“The more we meet and talk, the more we find out how many things we share. Some of those conversations will start this weekend at The Great Get Together and I hope they continue long afterwards. If they’re anything like making this video, people will find it incredibly good fun.”