We need to address the elephant in the room - The Jewish Chronicle

As a leader, I have always championed the importance of building consensus. By practising this concept, it ensures everyone remains on the same page and aware of each other’s vision and strategic objectives. Of equal importance is the ability to disagree with one another respectfully so that one is receptive to other people’s views and ideas.

Since October 7, I have reflected on what is required to build consensus across our faith communities. This has historically revolved around respecting each other’s traditions and celebrating all the different festivals. I experienced this first hand as High Sheriff when I was welcomed with open arms into places of worship belonging to all faiths. My theme was one of “diversity and integration”. I always made a point of referencing the fact I was Jewish, and at no point did this cause any issues. I had the fortune of experiencing the rich tapestry of diverse communities which reside across Greater Manchester. I attended many services in various religious settings including taking part in Friday prayers at the Neeli Mosque in Rochdale. This was an amazing experience, but at one stage, I received a warning in passing from the imam that the young people were very upset about what was happening in Israel and Palestine. I had committed to speaking with those who held these views, but unfortunately, Covid arrived, and my term of office ended.

As bridges built over many years came crashing down with alarming speed after October 7, I revisited in my mind the conversation in Rochdale. It struck me that these interfaith engagements were largely facile as they never discussed the elephant in the room which is the Middle East. Any reference to what was happening in Israel or Palestine was considered too difficult. The upshot of this was that when the huge crisis emerged on October 7, there was absolutely no mutual respect or understanding of each other's position. Long established relationships and friendships collapsed almost instantaneously.

The interfaith networks kicked into action and sought to bring people together. I attended a silent vigil at Manchester Cathedral designed to recognise all innocent victims of the conflict. It was attended by the Mayor and Deputy Mayor of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority and all religions were represented. However, the people in the room were the same amazing individuals who attend all interfaith engagement across Greater Manchester. It then struck me that we needed to find a way of holding conversations that are not discussed in interfaith spaces.

I have become further determined following recent polling showing that only 25 per cent of British Muslims accept that Hamas committed murder and rape on October 7. The same number believe Israel has a right to exist as a Jewish homeland. I have therefore decided that I want to take on this challenge and speak with grassroot Muslim communities across the region. I want to explain how insecure Jewish people feel as we have to endure the inevitable surge in hate crime. I want to understand their pain and anger. I also want to understand what it is about this particular conflict that brings thousands onto the streets when there is radio silence surrounding every other foreign policy issue. I will seek to explain from my perspective why this situation has arisen, along with the necessary steps taken by Israel to protect her citizens. I also want to listen, learn and understand the counter narrative.

It is my opinion that without such dialogue, other faiths will fail to understand what modern day Zionism is and how connected Zionism is to our faith and liturgy. I would look to inform everyone that Jews have been praying for a return to Zion for millennia and that Zion and Jerusalem are mentioned in all our religious practices and festivals. This is why we feel that anti-Zionism is antisemitism.
I have made approaches, both individually and through the Jewish Representative Council to commence this initiative. We are in the process of meeting leaders from Muslim communities, with a view to facilitating these discussions. This is being undertaken in conjunction with partners, both in Westminster and our local authorities. The view that this dialogue is necessary has gained further traction with numerous videos of politicians being hounded by aggressive individuals whilst on their rounds canvassing votes.

I am hoping this open and honest forum for engagement can be rolled out across Greater Manchester, Lancashire and beyond. I know that there will be hurtful comments made, and I am prepared to be made to feel uncomfortable by some of the questions and answers. However, I feel it is my duty to try so that there is legitimate and proper dialogue between our communities. This is the only way to stop a conflict taking place thousands of miles away impacting our streets and city centres.

Mark Adlestone is the chair of the Jewish Representative Council of Greater Manchester & Region

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