By Andrew Brown Stand Up For Southport
The Chair of Southport Synagogue Michael Braham DL has praised the Imam of Southport Mosque, Ibrahim Hussein, for “winning the respect and admiration of us all” through his dignified response to the rioting in Southport in July.
Southport lawyer and historian Mr Braham spoke at the Walk Of Unity event which saw Muslim, Jewish and Christian faith leaders, local politicians, community leaders and members of the public join a Walk Of Unity from Southport Mosque on Sussex Road to Southport Synagogue on Arnside Road on Monday.
It was a chance for people to come together, build friendships, and show that Southport stands united in kindness.
Over many years, Michael Braham DL, has organised visits to the beautiful Synagogue on Arnside Road, as a way of promoting inter-faith understanding in the surroundings of a traditional Orthodox Synagogue. The visits have been very popular, especially with local schools.
Mr Braham said: “In Southport, the Jewish community have always enjoyed harmonious relationships with our Christian and Muslim brethren.
“Members of the Southport Jewish community have visited the Mosque together with other faith leaders to demonstrate our support and solidarity.
“Subsequently we were honoured to be invited to have tea with imam Ibrahim Hussein and the Anglican Bishop of Liverpool in the Mosque.
Muslim, Jewish and Christian faith leaders, local politicians, community leaders and members of the public today who took part in a Walk Of Unity from Southport Mosque on Sussex Road to Southport Synagogue on Arnside Road. Photo by Andrew Brown Stand Up For Southport
“Ibrahim is the Chair of the Southport Mosque and Islamic Cultural centre and he and several colleagues were present in the Mosque when the riot began.
“It must have been a terrifying experience.
“For those of you who don’t know, Ibrahim is a very special person. He’s a hands-on Chairman. “Ibrahim has won the respect and admiration of us all of us by his dignified response to the dreadful events of the 30th July. Salam Alaikum.”
Organisers of the Walk Of Unity hope that the gathering inspires communities across the country to come together once again as the country continues to rebuild community connection following the riots.
The event was backed by Strengthening Faith Institutions, Together, The Board of Deputies of British Jews, the Faiths Forum for London and the Ostro Fayre Share Foundation.
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