On Tuesday 3 April, residents from across the borough will be taking part in solidarity actions in a show of unity with the Muslim community, including linking arms around mosques in a symbol of solidarity, peace and unity.
Solidarity actions:
https://www.facebook.com/events/1034236106730578
- 11am – 12.30pm – Gathering at Walthamstow Town Centre, E17 7JN (under the big screen).
- 2pm – Linking of arms around Faizan-e-Islam mosque 757 Lea Bridge Road, E17 9DZ
- 6pm – Linking arms around Lea Bridge Road mosque , 451 Lea Bridge Road Leyton, E10 7EA
- Mosques are also opening their doors to the public:
1pm to 8pm, Lea Bridge Road Mosque, 451 Lea Bridge Road Leyton, E10 7EA
https://www.facebook.com/wfialondon/posts/10155618283288337
1pm-5pm, Faizan-e-Islam, 757 Lea Bridge Road, E17 9DZ
Residents will be also distributing ‘Stand Together Against Islamophobia’ stickers across the borough
The actions are in response to the appalling letter campaign targetting Muslims. Residents of the borough were amongst those who received the letter. There has been a continued, sharp rise in hate crimes with a significant majority of them being street attacks against Muslims, particularly Muslim women. Community leaders from across the faiths have signed a statement condemning the attacks and urging everyone to stand up to Islamophobia, antisemitism and racism in all its forms. “Every person should be able to practise their religion and live their lives free from hatred and persecution,” they say.
Canon Steven Saxby, St Barnabas Church, Walthamstow said: “The ‘Punish a Muslim’ threats, the rise in anti-Semitism & the increase in hate-crime affecting other faith communities all show it has never been more important for us to defend our rich and vibrant multi-cultural, multi-faith society. Racism cannot be ignored. We must stand up to it in all its forms.”
Rabbi Richard Jacobi, South Woodford Liberal Synagogue said: “The timing of this hate campaign coincides with the Jewish festival of Pesach (Passover), when we recall what it is like to be persecuted simply for being who we are. We celebrate a journey from slavery to freedom, and we acknowledge that there cannot be complete freedom and tranquility until all are able to be themselves in society. I have no hesitation in condemning the nasty, hateful letters and in encouraging all people to show that we stand together as one community, one humanity, on Tuesday.”
Irfan Akhtar, Waltham Forest Council of Mosques said: “We advise Muslims to go about their day as normal but with extra vigilance. On a spiritual note, the Quran says, ‘Verily, after every difficulty comes ease’. Here we see the difficulty of dealing with fear is replaced with the comfort of solidatory – that the voices of peace and inclusivity overwhelm those of hate and division.”
Dr Tuba Mazhari, Waltham Forest MEND (Muslim Engagement and Development) said: “It is important now, more so than ever, for the residents of Waltham Forest to come to come together to condemn the hateful letter which has called upon people to “punish a Muslim”. We must also acknowledge that this is not an isolated incident. According to hate crime statistics recorded by the Metropolitan Police, there have been 69 Islamophobic hate crimes over the past 12 months (March 2017-Feb 2018) in Waltham Forest. We are also aware that these numbers are likely an under-estimate given a reluctance to report hate-crimes. Islamophobia is an issue. We must stand together to ensure we do not allow for it to continue”
Sophie Bolt, Chair of Waltham Forest Stand up to Racism said: “We are proud of our multi-cultural borough. These solidarity actions are about sending a very clear message that we will not allow despicable racists to terrorise our community. We stand united against racism in all its forms.”
Lorraine Huddle, Secretary of Waltham Forest Stand up to Racism said: ‘I’m really proud that Stand up to Racism has acted so quickly and effectively to help bring people together to stand up to the cowardly bullies who have threatened our Muslim friends, neighbours and colleagues.”
Saira Mir, local resident organising the town square gathering said: ‘’We will remain strong and stand united. We won’t let those few people who are full of hatred get the better of us.”
Parents have been distributing ‘Stand Together against Islamophobia’ stickers at school gates to show Muslim children and parents that there is solidarity and support locally.
Local parent Sonali Bhattacharyya said: I was very disturbed and angry about the ‘Punish a Muslim’ letters, especially when I read Muslim schoolchildren were scared about what might happen to them. Our daughter goes to a friendly, inclusive, community-minded school, and I gave out ‘We Stand Together’ stickers. I wanted her Muslim schoolfriends and families to know how much support and solidarity there was for them locally. I thought it was important to raise awareness about it – otherwise there’s a danger of it being swept under the carpet and only those affected having to deal with the fear and distress. Everyone I offered a sticker to was very supportive, and I had a number of conversations that strengthened the ties we have with one another as parents, teachers, and pupils at the school.”
Contacts:
Sophie Bolt Waltham Forest Stand up to Racism on 07568160999
Irfan Akhtar, Waltham Forest Council of Mosques 07889 406648
Suleman Ahmed, Waltham Forest MEND 07956 186425
Saira Mir, 07539364110
Notes:
- To read the unity statement and full list of signatories:
https://www.facebook.com/WFSUTR/posts/2058982977678454
- Details of solidarity actions:
https://www.facebook.com/events/1034236106730578 - Lea Bridge Road Mosque open day:
https://www.facebook.com/wfialondon/posts/10155618283288337
- MEND and WFCOM are encouraging Muslims go about their daily lives on Tuesday, whilst being vigilant. For MEND’s advice leaflet: https://www.facebook.com/mendcommunity/photos/a.1438970063033826.1073741828.1433739670223532/2028308114100015/
MEND runs the Islamophobia Response Unit (IRU), a free and confidential advice service for those affected by Islamophobic discrimination and Islamophobic hate crime.
For more details about MEND’s IRU: