Description

Conversations between Jews and Muslims in Britain have been “very difficult” over the past two years since the Hamas attack on Israel on 7 October 2023. But community leaders taking part in a Religion Media Centre briefing said that, two years on, there is a growing desire to rebuild good relations — despite continuing anxiety and mistrust.

The renewed dialogue comes after the ceasefire in Gaza and amid rising Islamophobia, antisemitism, and attacks on synagogues and mosques. New structures have been created to support local discussions, while at grassroots level “brave souls and heroes” continue to engage, encouraging small, informal meetings that help people to “disagree well.” Speakers described the task as urgent — “a fight for the soul of the nation” — and appealed to the government to “lean into this” by offering consistent support for interfaith initiatives.

The discussion was hosted by Ruth Peacock, with guests:

• Phil Rosenberg, President of the Board of Deputies
• Jonathan Boyd, executive director of the Institute for Jewish Policy Research
• Rabbi Warren Elf, from Manchester
• Imam Qari Asim, Head Imam at Makkah Mosque Leeds and Chair of Mosques & Imams National Advisory Board
• Hasan Moosa Reza, chief of staff, office of the Chief Imam (Scotland), who was instrumental in the signing of the Drumlanrig Accord
• Dr Adeela Shafi, founder of the Bristol Muslim Strategic Leadership Group

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