Our Progressive clergy, communities and members from around the UK have been taking part in anti-racism demonstrations and local solidarity vigils at mosques and other targets of the far right. There have also been a number of statements and sermons released which you can read below:

Rabbi Monique Mayer of Bristol & West Progressive Jewish Congregation took part in a multi-faith unity statement and event (pictured above), hosted by Bishop Vivienne Frances Faull at Bristol Cathedral. The event was organised in large part through the efforts of Valerie Russell Emmott, a member of Bristol Progressive, and was attended by leaders and members of all the local Christian, Muslim, Hindu, Sikh, Rastafarian and Jewish communities.

Janine Clements, Vice President of Alyth Synagogue, took part in a solidarity event at Finchley Mosque, hosted by Barnet Multi-faith Forum – where people of all faiths stood together against division and reaffirmed a shared commitment to peace and community cohesion. The relationship was first built through the interfaith Iftar which Alyth hosted earlier this year.

Rabbi Adrian Schell and members of the Wimbledon Synagogue took part in an interfaith peace vigil at Southfields Station in London (pictured below), bringing together leaders and members of the Christian, Jewish, Muslim, and Bahá’í faiths – offering solace, solidarity and a unified voice against the spread of disinformation, racial hatred and violence.

Rabbi Mark Goldsmith of Edgware & Hendon Reform Synagogue has delivered a compelling sermon about the far right violence we are currently witnessing and how real Britishness can be found in those standing against it.

Nottingham Liberal Synagogue have been offering support and solidarity to the city’s Muslim community in the face of the awful Islamophobia and racism that is being stirred up nationally. Rabbi Gili Zidkiyahu and Chair Susan King have attended a number of meetings and events with other faith leaders to show that Nottingham will not be divided.

Rabbi Neil Janes of South Bucks Jewish Community has joined with local Christian, Muslim, Baháʼí and other faith leaders, speaking together to condemn extremists for stirring up hate in the region and across the UK.

The faith and community leaders of Barnet – including our Alyth, Finchley Reform Synagogue, Finchley Progressive Synagogue and Mosaic Liberal and Reform communities – have released a powerful joint statement against hate.

The community at Makor Hayim made a solidarity visit to Central Brent Mosque, dropping challah and dried goods for the mosque’s Friday food pick up (pictured below).

At North West Surrey Synagogue, Rabbi Kath Vardi circulated a statement to members and the shul’s Co-Chairs sent a message of support to friends at the Surrey Minority Ethnic Forum and the Woking Mosque. Rabbi Kath also wrote a powerful message for the Working People of Faith group.

Brighton & Hove Faith in Action – of which Brighton & Hove Reform Synagogue’s Rabbi Dr Andrea Zanardo is a trustee – have released a strong statement of solidarity.

Brighton & Hove Progressive Synagogue’s Rabbi Gabriel Kanter-Webber has been in close touch with the Brighton and Hove Muslim Forum, who have expressed gratitude for the support. Rabbi Gabriel delivered a sermon about standing in solidarity.

Teenagers on the RSY-Netzer Shemesh summer camp have been writing cards of support for asylum seekers and refugees.

York Liberal Jewish Community have released a statement reaching out to support their Muslim friends in York and Muslim communities across the UK.

Rabbi Cliff Cohen and members of Thanet & District Reform Synagogue will be holding a solidarity event – with readings, prayers and music – involving the local Jewish, Muslim and Christian communities.

Members of Birmingham Progressive Synagogue were made very welcome as they took challah loaves to a mosque for Jummah prayers, as a symbol of friendship and solidarity in the face of far right violence (pictured below). They are also part of a multi-faith Statement of Unity being organised by Nisa-Nashim WM.

(First published on 9 August 2024 and most recently updated on 21 August 2024)

• If you have anything to add to this list, please send to SimonR@progressivejudaism.org.uk