The Board of Deputies has called on Jews and Muslims to stand together on a number of key issues following a series of meetings in Manchester.
Board President Jonathan Arkush and Vice President Marie van der Zyl participated in a two-day programme with Muslim community leaders and schoolchildren.
Among issues discussed were halal and shechitah, circumcision, the current anger surrounding coroner services and marginalising extremists.
“This is the continuation of strong, constructive engagement with Muslim figures around the country tackling the big issues and saying the things that need to be said,” commented Mr Arkush. “Our goal is to strengthen the middle ground and to marginalise the extremists.”
Mr Arkush and Ms van der Zyl met Imam Irfan Chishti of Manchester Central Mosque, one of the largest in the city.
Imam Chishti spoke passionately about the anti-extremist work that he leads within his community during the meeting.
Together with Mr Arkush they answered questions on Judaism and Islam from a group of primary school children who were visiting the mosque.
Mr Arkush and his party spoke with students at Manchester Islamic High School for Girls who were visiting the Boards’ Jewish Living Experience exhibition on display at Manchester Cathedral.
Ms van der Zyl, along with Michael Rubinstein of the Representative Council of Greater Manchester and Region, met MEP Wajid Khan who pledged support in the fight against antisemitism.
Other meetings included a visit to Darul Aman Ahmaddiya Mosque, talks with Chief Inspector Umer Khan of Greater Manchester Police and novelist Qaisra Shahraz
The Board has a track record with Muslim communities to fight against anti-Muslim hatred.
They protested against The Sun article calling for a solution to “The Muslim Problem”, defended the Golders Green Islamic Centre from an anti-Muslim campaign and showed solidarity following the terror attack on Muslim worshippers in Finsbury Park.