PRESS RELEASE – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Unity vigil against hatred and division this Friday
Campaigners against racism and Islamophobia have called a unity vigil in response to the Westminster attacks. The “Unity Vigil Against Hatred and Division” will take place on Friday outside Downing Street. The vigil has been called by Stand up to Racism and Muslim Engagement and Development (MEND). Organisers also urge people to attend the vigil tonight(Thursday) called by Mayor of London Sadiq Khan.
Dr Shazad Amin CEO, MEND said:
“We are shocked and saddened by the act of mindless violence that took place at Westminster and our thoughts and prayers are with those who have lost loved ones and with those that were injured during this incident. This act of violence is utterly deplorable and one that will find no room in any community.
“We stand firmly against anyone who wishes to use this tragic incident to create fear and divisions in our society. Only last weekend over 30,000 people marched in solidarity against all forms of hate, and we reiterate our commitment to Stand Up to Racism, Anti-Semitism, Islamophobia and all forms of hate.”
Rabbi Lee Wax, New North London Synagogue said:
“We are all shocked and saddened by the horrific acts of terrorism on our London streets yesterday. We pray for the souls of those who died, and pray for strength for their grieving families. We also pray for a complete recovery to those injured.
Along with our shock, however, must come our renewed fight against the hatred and madness that seeks to divide us and our communities.
We must respond to hatred with love and with unity. We must stand up against this attack against decency and humanity by our commitment to each other. We must stand together, we must speak out, and we must double our efforts to work together for a better world for our children.”
Sabby Dhalu, Stand Up To Racism Co-Convenor said:
“Our thoughts and sympathies are with the victims and of this horrific attack and their loved ones. We strongly condemn this incident. Within hours of this attack, Britain First were cynically exploiting this tragedy for their own political gain. It is crucial therefore that we stand united against such terrorist attacks and any attempts to whip up Islamophobia, racism, hatred and division.
“Violent fascism, Islamophobia and racism are on the rise. The way we respond in the aftermath of despicable attack is critical to stopping hatred from spreading further. The only way of doing this is through unity against hatred and division. We call on people of good will to join us on Friday.”
Weyman Bennett, Stand Up To Racism Co-Convenor said:
“Our thoughts are with those killed or injured in the Westminster attack and their families. We need to stand together against all those who seek to divide us.We are black, white, Muslim and Christian living together.“We have to remain vigilant against those who want to profit from division, especially the far right. It is crucial that we stand united in such difficult times. I urge people who feel the same to join Fridays vigil.”
Unity vigil against hatred and division
Friday 24 March, 6pm
Outside Downing Street
Called by Stand up to Racism and MEND, Supported by the Muslim Council of Britain.