Thank you to all who attended the BMFForum 2021 AGM on Wednesday evening 21st July 2021.

Our theme for the evening was:

Community Action & Engagement through Faith; has Faith been given a voice through the (Covid) Pandemic?

Thank you to our speakers, who were The Deputy Mayor of Barnet, Cllr Saira Don, Dr May Erskine, Cllr Caroline Stock, Dr Tamara Djuretic, Tim Blanc and The Revd Dr Julie Gittoes. We gained a real insight into the various aspects of the Pandemic in Barnet over the last year and the community response.

It was well attended and the Executive was confirmed for the coming year.

The report for the activities of the last year was given in the form of a slideshow.

Monday 14th June saw the successful launch of the first Environmental Conference by the BMFF Environmental Sub-group, and it was a great success. A series of interviews and presentations highlighted local Barnet issues and projects. It was a captivating and enjoyable evening promoting the essential work that is developing in this critical area.

The conference took place on Zoom and we recorded it. You can watch the full event here:

Here are the Planning Application dates and status –

We have all witnessed the violence in Israel Palestine and in compassion with the victims are supporting a call for peace.

The ceasefire is a positive first step. Hopefully, we would like to see that soon followed by confidence-building initiatives.

In the UK, this has brought a passionate response from many people of all backgrounds in support of both the Palestinian people and Israel.

But in some cases, that empathy has also unleashed many voices of hatred, division, and fear – and acts of violence.

It is important for everyone who has a strong view on this issue to take a step back and reflect on their personal motives.

It is equally important for us to ask ourselves, ‘are we truly listening to the pain of those with who we don’t agree?’

As faith leaders in Barnet, we believe the only way forward is through finding our common humanity and working for peace.

We have been doing this for decades, and especially so during the last year of COVID-19, looking out for each other with care and love.

Therefore, as we stand together, we ask everyone to do the same, to suspend our anger, and instead join us in a call for dialogue.

We understand there is much pain. We acknowledge the suffering and injustice and want to work for a calmer solution.

Signed by:

Rabbi Jonathan Wittenberg – Senior Rabbi of Masorti Judaism UK.

Hadiya Masieh – CEO Groundswell Project Community Peace Building

The Rev’d Dr Julie Gittoes – Area Dean of Barnet

Rabbi Jeff Berger – Interfaith Advisor

Cllr Anne Clarke for Childs Hill, Barnet and London Assembly Member for Barnet & Camden

Suchita Rajadyaksha – Chair of Barnet Women’s Interfaith Network

David Clare – Acting Chair of BMFForum

Esmond Rosen – President and the Executive of BMFForum

Dear friends

Following on from a statement issued from Camden Faith Leaders Forum, I’m aware of a reported situation in Golders Green.

At this time on  behalf of BMFForum, I just wish to appeal for calm on our streets and that for our faith leaders join in prayers and call for peace

We hope that whilst the current cease-fire in Israel/ Palestine holds our role as multifaith activists is to work harder for increased dialogue, understanding justice, and security for us all.

We need a period of calm to look for more ways that we can come together in unity and compassion.

Have a peaceful 🙏 weekend

Shabbat Shalom

Es Rosen

President BMFForum

The shocking display of antisemitism on Saturday that went viral on social media and made the national news has sadly brought attention to Barnet for all the wrong reasons.

Antisemitism, hate crime, and racism have no place on our streets and are not tolerated. Thankfully we live in a borough where we are extremely proud of our diverse communities and the cohesive way in which these communities live together.

I’m pleased to say that the Metropolitan Police have already made arrests in connection with Saturday’s incidences of antisemitic abuse. The Police will be also carrying out additional patrols in the area at this time.

The council is resolute in upholding its commitments set out in the Barnet Faith Covenant to promote religious freedom, tolerance and respect. We work closely with Barnet Multifaith Forum and the wider faith communities in the borough to foster harmony and cohesion. But we must all unite to ensure that our borough is a welcoming home for everyone and stand against bigotry and intolerance that seeks to divide us. Together, we are Barnet.

Cllr Dan Thomas, Leader of Barnet Council

A 12 page document with important guidance to:

• Help keep safe on the Streets
• How to report hate crime
• Domestic abuse support services

Open letter to persons organising a gathering - v14

Article by Sam Vope, Ham & High 4 May 2021

https://www.hamhigh.co.uk/news/health/golders-green-hippodrome-covid-vaccine-drive-7946540

BMFForum is delighted to have been nominated in the Barnet Civic Awards and has been selected to receive a Certificate as Covid-19 Community Heroes.

Barnet Civic Award – Certificate Scroll as Covid-19 Community Heroes