The Barnet Multi Faith Forum (BMFF) were praised by Government minister, Sarah Sackman MP and other local MPs for an inspiring solidarity event organised at the Finchley Mosque last Friday.
The large congregation were joined by local councillors of both parties’, Rabbis, and a diverse gathering of prominent faith and community leaders. This harmonious event followed in the aftermath of the often-violent civic disobedient clashes provoked by far-right groups attaching, refugee centres and mosques exploiting for their own divisive motives, the tragic murders of three young girls in Southport.
In a statement, from the minister read out by Cllr Sara Conway, whilst thanking everyone present, she praised the professionalism of the police in standing up to these attacks, and especially to those that peaceably lined the streets of Finchley the previous week. This sent a powerful message about “who we are, and that this is our home”. In remaining vigilant to these threats, she proclaimed “there is no place for Islamophobia and racism in our society.”
She also explicitly stated that anyone calling themselves anti racist but who chose to promote their cause by patent use of antisemitic language or signs does this virtuous cause no favours. “This is racism, and we will call it out” she declared. “The vast majority of the people in our community come together to stand up to fascism and I could not be prouder.”
To loud applause from the huge gathering the BMFF Chair David Clare read out the Barnet Pledge which commits us to work together for the common good, alongside all who share our values of justice and peace, respect for one another, for the earth and its creatures and to build a better society and a better world now and for generations to come.
In thanking the Mosque and especially the kind invitation of Imam Hamid with the warm reception given by those in attendance for prayers, the coming together of Senior Rabbis, Imams, diverse ministers of faiths, councillors and community leaders to further loud acclaim Esmond Rosen President of BMFF, concluded “In choosing the language, of peace, unity over division, of hope over hate, the community gathered together last Friday, sent a powerful message of strength and friendship to the people of Barnet.
Barnet Pledge
We commit ourselves, as people of many faiths living in Barnet, to work together for the common good and uniting to build a better society in our Borough, in London and in the wider world.
Together, we are grounded in the following values and ideals: community, personal integrity, a sense of right and wrong, learning, wisdom and love of truth, care and compassion, justice and peace, respect for one another and for the earth and its creatures.
We commit ourselves, in a spirit of friendship and co-operation, to work together alongside all who share our values and ideals in Barnet and beyond, to help bring about a better Borough, a better capital and a better world – now and for generations to come.
