The recently launched #WeStandTogether campaign intends to move the notion of solidarity from platitudes into a petition and broader movement against hate crime.
Against the backdrop of terrorism in Paris and Copenhagen, the pledge also intends to highlight the positives of diverse communities. The event launched at The London Central Mosque in Westminster and Dr Ahmad Al Dubayan stated:
”Under present circumstances of increased tension it is very important to show solidarity in society and unity among all faiths against any idea which spreads fear, terror and creates division amongst people.
“Let us be united and reject the incitement of hatred being spread among people. We stand united in preserving our heritage, our civilization in our united declaration that life is sacred irrespective of creed, faith, race or colour of skin.”
Figures from the Jewish community, which included Vivian Wineman, the president of the Board of Deputies, Rabbi Jeremy Lawrence of Finchley United Synagogue, and Rabbi Herschel Gluck stood alongside other members of Muslim, Hindu and Christian communities.
Nor is the movement exclusive to London. Under the hashtag #WeStandTogether, you will find examples from Manchester and beyond.
Fiyaz Mughal OBE, Director of @TellMamaUK standing against intolerance and hate. #WeStandTogether pic.twitter.com/l7a5p6EEVz
— Shomrim (Stamford Hill) (@Shomrim) March 8, 2015
We supported the #WeStandTogether event at Manchester Town Hall on Thursday, providing 2/3 of the community speakers.http://t.co/1VOF6oMoRi
— Muslim Jewish Forum (@MJF_Manchester) March 7, 2015
#WeStandTogether event in Regents Park mosque brings together Jews, Muslims, Christians, Hindus against intolerance pic.twitter.com/Eh3h8ub0uO
— Murtaza Ali Shah (@MurtazaViews) March 8, 2015
Met some great people at today's Spring Fling #WeStandTogether #marcusnoden#wasim pic.twitter.com/wdvJUNURYz
— patrick mckelvey (@pmckelvey63) March 8, 2015
Commander Mak Chishty said: “An attack on one community is an attack on the whole community. We will stand together to denounce race and faith hatred in all its forms.”
#WeStandTogether captures a moment of real solidarity and clarity amid weeks of fear and uncertainty. Not that intention will it erase the latter. But the measure of any campaign is its ability to give a sign on unity when others seek to divide through unjustifiable acts of terrorism.
As the Chief Rabbi, Ephraim Mirvis noted: “The Jewish community stands at one with all participants in the We Stand Together campaign against hatred and intolerance. We abhor all faith and race related hatred and crime. Through celebrating diversity we can help build a more tolerant, stronger and more secure UK.”
