A coalition of organisations including the /Together Coalition, the Church of England, the Scouts, Hope not Hate, the Women’s Institute and the British Muslim Network has announced a national day of unity and solidarity for Thursday, 9 October, following last week’s attack at the Heaton Park Synagogue in Manchester.
The initiative on the one week anniversary of the attack will bring communities across the UK together to mourn, to stand in solidarity with Britain’s Jewish community, and to reject hate in all its forms.
Groups including faith networks, schools, youth organisations and community groups have come together to organise a series of acts of unity and reflection on Thursday – exactly one week on from the attack, and timed to fall between major Jewish observances.
This day comes amid rising antisemitism across the UK, with the Community Security Trust (CST) reporting one of the highest periods of recorded incidents in recent years. It also follows growing anti- Muslim hatred and a horrific arson attack on a Mosque last weekend which has spread fears of further violence.
As part of the national event, organisations and communities are being invited to:
- Hold local gatherings and vigils across the UK, or to mark the moment within existing events — such as church services, prayers, youth meetings or community activities — with a candle-lighting or moment of silence.
- Join the online movement by posting in solidarity with the Hashtag #britainstandstogether
Events are taking place in towns and cities across the country – from Manchester and London to Peterborough and Maidenhead – with churches, mosques, synagogues, schools and community groups each holding moments of silence, shared prayers and candle-light vigils.
Some of the organisations involved include:
- The Scouts
- Church of England
- 38 Degrees
- Hope not Hate
- British Future
- Women’s Institute
- British Muslim Trust
- British Muslim Network
- Future Leaders
- The Forgiveness Project
- Building Bridges for Peace
- NisaNashim
- Oasis
Read more about it in The Independent and Daily Mail.
Contact Alice Humphreys at [email protected] or 07708310112 for more information