Antisemitism has increased sharply and significantly in the UK and Europe since the horrific Hamas attacks one year ago, and the subsequent ongoing tragic war in Gaza. But anti-Muslim hatred has risen too.
The violence and tragic loss of life in Israel, Gaza and Lebanon have deepened divisions between communities, reinforcing the idea that people of different faiths are irreconcilable enemies. The suffering and despair in the Middle East have made it harder to trust, harder to hear each other and, for many, harder to imagine a peaceful co-existence.
We witnessed this stark polarisation only last week in Amsterdam when Israeli football fans were attacked in what the country’s leaders have called “antisemitic” violence.
Yet, it is precisely in challenging moments like these that our shared humanity and common ground must be most fiercely defended. Which is why this year’s Interfaith Week, starting today, presents a critical opportunity for reflection.
Interfaith Week, at its core, is a call to resist polarisation. It is an invitation to look beyond the headlines of violence and destruction and remember that human beings have the capacity to build bridges instead of walls.
It is an opportunity and provides the excuse to reach out to someone of a different faith – a neighbour, a colleague, a parent at school – and to ask questions, to listen and, most importantly, to learn. In doing so, we not only break down barriers of ignorance and prejudice but also affirm that our humanity transcends religious and cultural boundaries.
Sure, religions have different scriptures and rituals. But at the heart of our traditions lies the golden rule: “Treat others as you wish to be treated.”
That is a value we can all get behind, regardless of whether we worship in a synagogue, mosque, temple, cathedral or not at all. We may have different religious beliefs but we share similar hopes: for our children to grow up in safety, for our communities to thrive and for a more just and compassionate world.
These aspirations cut across religious lines, yet in times of crisis, they can feel further away than ever.
Interfaith Week is a moment where I step outside my bubble and appreciate how the diversity of our beliefs enriches our common humanity. Imagine sitting down with a neighbour from a different faith and sharing stories of our upbringings, our names, our festivals over a cup of coffee. That simple act can break down barriers and build friendships.
This process is not about diluting one’s faith or converting others; rather, it is about realising that we want the same thing: a more tolerant, kind and peaceful world.
That said, Interfaith Week is not just about tolerance. While important, it is a passive stance. We must aim higher. Step two; attend an interfaith service at a local mosque, synagogue or temple. Offer to volunteer at their night shelter, food bank or seniors club. I will invite neighbours in for coffee and strudel.
These actions, though small, have ripple effects. Because in the end, we are all neighbours. We need to see the value in traditions different from our own and appreciate that diversity in belief is a strength, not threat.
At Nisa-Nashim, a charity I co-founded, we are acutely aware of the significance of interfaith dialogue in today’s climate. We are committed particularly to building friendships, understanding, and collaboration between Jewish and Muslim women in the UK.
When people see Muslims, Jews, Sikhs, Buddhists, Christians and others standing together for justice and peace, it challenges the idea that religious identity is an inevitable source of conflict and it weakens the forces of extremism. It shows that most people want to live in harmony and work toward a better world.
When we take the time to understand one another, we begin to dismantle the fear and suspicion that allow hate to flourish. And frankly, the need for mutual understanding and respect across different faiths and cultures has never been more crucial.
Yes, there are challenges. Deep-rooted prejudices, fear of the unknown, and historical territorial grievances can complicate interactions between different groups. Presented with violence and tragedy, it can be easy to fall into despair, but Interfaith Week reminds us of our power to choose a path of connection, understanding, great cake and, ultimately, hope.
Laura Marks CBE is Chair of the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust and co-founder of Nisa-Nashim, a network of Jewish and Muslim women
