British Muslim “leaders” have held a conference alongside hard core supporters of Israel in order to “rebuild trust” following nearly three years of Israeli genocide.
The meeting took place in London on July 16 under the banner “Together We Rebuild,” bringing together representatives from the UK Muslim Network, the Zionist Board of Deputies of British Jews, government ministers and a number of interfaith organisations.
The summit took place at Adam Hub, a civic and dialogue venue in Millbank Tower, Westminster, operated by the Adam Foundation – a charitable organisation established by businessman Safwan Adam.
According to the organisers, the event aimed to rebuild Muslim-Jewish relations in Britain following “heightened tensions” arising from Israel’s war on Gaza and wider community divisions.
The event was jointly convened by Imam Dr Qari Asim of Leeds Makkah Mosque, Co-Chair of the UK Muslim Network, and Phil Rosenberg, President of the pro-Israel Board of Deputies of British Jews.
The organisers said the summit was held “with the support of the UK government” and sought to promote dialogue, tackle anti-Muslim hatred and antisemitism, and encourage joint community initiatives.
They announced plans to establish new Muslim-Jewish projects, encourage youth engagement and continue dialogue between community leaders, describing the summit as the beginning of a longer-term programme of cooperation.
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Imam Dr Qari Asim
Qari Asim presented the summit as an attempt to prevent the Israel–Palestine conflict from permanently damaging Muslim-Jewish relations in Britain. He said: “We do not want our shared future to be predetermined by conflict.”
He argued that rebuilding relations would require: “Courage to reach beyond our comfort zones, compassion to recognise the humanity of others, and sustained cooperation between our communities.”
He added: “We are not here because we agree about everything. We are here to learn how to disagree honestly and amicably, without allowing disagreement to become hatred… Our security and dignity are intertwined: whenever a Muslim or a Jew is targeted, our communities – and Britain itself – are diminished.”
Phil Rosenberg framed the summit as a response to the impact of the October 7 attacks and the subsequent war in Gaza on relations between British Muslims and Jews.
He said: “The events of 7 October and the wars that followed have left scars on all our hearts – and, in many cases, broken them entirely.”
He continued: “Polarised narratives and a relentless stream of horrific images have eroded empathy, deepened divisions and contributed to obscene levels of antisemitism and anti-Muslim hatred…
“We must not import conflict into Britain; we must work together to export peace instead… Today is about recognising how difficult this period has been, thanking those who have persevered dialogue and cooperation, and taking the next bold steps together. Together, we rebuild.”
Who attended?
The summit received senior government participation. According to the organisers, Steve Reed MP, Secretary of State for Communities, delivered the keynote address, while James Purnell, Chief of Staff to Prime Minister Andy Burnham, also addressed attendees. Lord Lemos, the government’s Faith Minister, was also present.
No official delegate list has been published. However, individuals whose attendance can be verified through organisers’ statements or their own public posts include:
- Dr Hina Shahid, Director of the UK Muslim Network
- Ibrahim Syed, UK Muslim Network / Liverpool Mosque Network
- Mustafa Field, UK Muslim Network / Faith Forums London
- Imam Asim Hafiz, Ex British Army Muslim chaplain
- Mohammed Ali Amla, Solutions Not Sides
- Avicenna Foundation
- Ashfaque Chowdhury, Association of Muslim Schools
- Zahed Amanullah, Institute for Strategic Dialogue
- Imam Monawar Hussain, Eton College
Israeli genocide
The summit comes against the backdrop of Israel’s ongoing military campaign in Gaza which has caused a devastating human toll on the Palestinian population.
Since October 2023, over 75,000 Palestinians have been killed (almost certainly an underestimate), with women and children making up most of the deaths.
The genocide has also displaced most of Gaza’s population and left much of the territory’s homes, hospitals, schools and essential infrastructure in ruins.
The humanitarian situation remains dire. The UN has warned of severe shortages of food, clean water and medical supplies, with widespread hunger and disease affecting the civilian population.
Commenting on the Muslim-Zionist summit, 5Pillars editor Roshan Muhammed Salih said: “For so-called British Muslim leaders to break bread with hardcore supporters of genocidal Israel is absolutely grotesque. Did they seek the approval and consent of their constituencies before attending such a controversial event? They must know that British Muslims overwhelmingly oppose any kind of normalisation with supporters of a state that is massacring our brothers and sisters, and our children, on an industrial scale.
“There can be no rebuilding of trust between British Muslims and those who support Israel now or in the future. This is a red line for us. British Muslims overwhelmingly reject antisemitism — the hatred of Jews simply because they are Jews — but they also overwhelmingly oppose the political ideology of Zionism and the state of Israel. Any Muslim leader worth his salt knows this. Shame on any Muslim who had anything to do with this summit. Shame.”
