UK to establish Muslim-Jewish council against antisemitism and Islamophobia

Religious Media Festival in the United Kingdom. Photo: Religion Media Centre

On June 30, the UK Religious Media Festival announced the creation of a Muslim-Jewish Council that will work to counter antisemitism and anti-Muslim hostility, Religion Media Centre reports.

The initiative was presented during a discussion featuring the UK’s Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis and Qari Asim, Senior Imam of the Makkah Mosque in Leeds. Both religious leaders signed the Drumlanrig Accords, which provide for the establishment of a Muslim-Jewish council of leaders.

The new structure will also include four committees tasked with addressing education, civic engagement, charitable work, and freedom of religion or belief.

The Chief Rabbi said that religious leaders are determined to prevent a “conflict thousands of miles away” from undermining social harmony on the streets of Britain.

For his part, Imam Qari Asim noted that despite disagreements on many issues, Muslims and Jews can work together to combat antisemitism and anti-Muslim hatred.

The founders of the council hope that cooperation between representatives of the two communities will help reduce tensions, strengthen trust, and improve social cohesion in British society.

As the UOJ reported earlier, Birmingham’s new Lord Mayor took his oath of office under an Islamic prayer.

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