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Bridging Faiths: An Imam and Rabbi Reflect on the Impact of Middle East Conflict, Aiming for Peace in the UK

Saturday, 02 December 2023 14:28 Opinion

United Voices for Peace: An Imam and Rabbi's Call for Harmony Amidst ConflictIn a powerful display of unity, an imam and a rabbi will march together at the "Building Bridges, Together for Humanity" vigil this Sunday. Their shared message emphasizes that differing views need not prevent us from caring for one another. Standing alongside religious, civic, and political leaders from various faiths and parties, they aim to bridge divides, especially among bereaved families affected by the Israel-Hamas conflict.

Among those standing with them are representatives from the Parents Circle – Families Forum, a grassroots organization comprising over 600 bereaved Israeli and Palestinian families committed to working together for a shared future of justice, peace, and hope. The leadership and bravery of these families serve as a humbling inspiration.

Robi Damelin, a bereaved mother whose son was a casualty of the conflict, urges societies not to import their conflict and foster further hatred. Instead, she advocates for collaboration to build a better future. As an imam and a rabbi, they have stood beside grieving parents, witnessing tears and offering whatever comfort human kindness and faith can provide. They highlight the universal bond of humanity, stressing the infinite value of each person and the irreplaceable nature of every life.

Expressing deep distress over the suffering in both Israel and Palestine, the imam and rabbi acknowledge the potential for pain to turn into anger. Despite their ties to their respective faiths and communities, they emphasize a shared commitment to praying and working together for a future marked by dignity, security, enduring peace, and hope for everyone.

United Against Hate: Spiritual Leaders Urge Unity Amidst Rising AttacksAs spiritual leaders in the UK, we bear witness to the alarming surge in attacks on both Jews and Muslims in our country. Within our communities, many feel isolated, facing walls of silence, harassment, and fear in various settings, including schools, universities, workplaces, and city streets. Such division and hostility only compound our collective traumas.

Together with civil and political leaders from diverse backgrounds, we are resolute in our commitment not to import the conflicts of the Middle East into our country. Instead, we stand united in upholding the values of respect, inclusion, and the celebration of diversity that underpin our shared society.

Acknowledging that unity doesn't require unanimous agreement, we emphasize the importance of treating one another with decency and consideration, even when views differ. In these challenging times, marked by anger and anguish, we advocate for compassion, understanding, and love as guiding principles.

Recognizing the transformative power of ordinary acts of kindness, we extend an invitation to stand with us at the upcoming vigil on Sunday. If participation is not possible, we encourage everyone to take small steps to foster unity, whether by reaching out to someone with opposing views or acknowledging another's pain.

Within the current trauma, we see an opportunity to come together, to recognize and express solidarity in the face of suffering, and to collaborate for a more compassionate world. Despite differences, we believe in the shared humanity that unites us all.

Imam Monawar Hussain is the Muslim tutor at Eton College, Windsor. Jonathan Wittenberg is the rabbi of New North London Synagogue. In these challenging times, they call for collective action and a commitment to compassion to overcome division and hatred.

In conclusion, as spiritual leaders in the UK, Imam Monawar Hussain and Rabbi Jonathan Wittenberg have joined hands to address the alarming rise in attacks on both Jews and Muslims within the country. Their united front aims to counter the isolation and fear felt by many in their communities, especially in schools, universities, workplaces, and city streets.

Emphasizing their commitment to avoid importing Middle East conflicts, they stand alongside civil and political leaders to uphold values of respect, inclusion, and the celebration of diversity. The leaders stress the importance of treating one another with decency and consideration, even amid differing views, advocating for compassion, understanding, and love in the face of anger and anguish.

While inviting others to join them at the upcoming vigil, they also encourage individuals to take small steps to foster unity, whether through reaching out to those with opposing views or acknowledging another's pain. In the midst of the current trauma, they see an opportunity for collective recognition, expression of solidarity, and collaboration for a more compassionate world.

Imam Monawar Hussain and Rabbi Jonathan Wittenberg highlight the transformative power of ordinary acts of kindness and reaffirm their belief in the shared humanity that unites everyone, transcending differences. Their call for collective action serves as an inspiring reminder that, even in challenging times, there is an opportunity for unity and compassion to prevail.

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The mother of a 6-year-old Muslim boy, who was fatally stabbed in what is believed to be a hate crime related to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas