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Interfaith unity in Tottenham as riots continue

November 24, 2016 22:29
Rioters set fire to historic Tottenham buildings
1 min read

A representative from the board of Deputies of British Jews joined a mulltifaith "vigil of hope" on Monday evening in Tottenham.

The event was arranged following the death of resident Mark Duggan and the violent protests and riots that followed.

As riots again erupted across London, faith and lay leaders from the Christian, Jewish and Muslim communities gathered at a church to call for calm. Tottenham MP David Lammy also attended.

Phil Rosenberg, the Board's interfaith officer, said that seeing London's different communities coming together gave hope that "a city so dear to us all" could be rebuilt.

He said: "By our standing together we have the beginnings of an answer to the challenge facing London.

"If people from different backgrounds, different faiths and different professions, can come together for London, we can rebuild this great city, and make it a much better city yet."

He conveyed the Jewish community’s sadness and solidarity at the events of recent days and also spoke of the link between the riots and sinat chanim (baseless hatred).

Sinat chanim is one of the things commemorated on the fast of the 9th of Av, which is observed today.