Community leaders of both faiths discuss how to support local discussions amid high tensions
Dr Jonathan Boyd
In this webinar, which followed the murderous attack on a synagogue in Manchester during Yom Kippur, and, on the other hand, the ceasefire in Gaza, community leaders discuss how to support local discussions, while at the 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)
- Dr Adeela Shafi, founder of the Bristol Muslim Strategic Leadership Group
Watch the full briefing:
Conversations between Jews and Muslims in Britain have been “very difficult” over the past two years, following the Hamas attack on Israel on 7 October 2023, and the subsequent war in Gaza. Still, in this Religion Media Centre briefing, community leaders of both faiths said that, two years on, there is a growing desire to rebuild good relations — despite continuing anxiety and mistrust, and amid rising antisemitism and islamophobia..
Dr Jonathan Boyd
Executive Director
Dr Jonathan Boyd
Executive Director
Jonathan has been Executive Director of JPR since 2010, having previously held research and policy positions at the JDC International Centre for Community Development in...
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