[JNV] Peace Vigils and Muslim Solidarity

[JNV]

Dear friends
 
We hope you find this information useful as you formulate your own response to the horrifying events in London.
 
Best wishes
 
Maya Evans
Milan Rai
JNV
 
Gabriel Carlyle
Voices in the Wilderness UK
 
 
1) PEACE VIGILS
 
Vigils for peace have been taking place around the UK today (in Hastings outside the town hall, and in Brighton at the Peace Statue, for example), and more are scheduled for tomorrow (including Dundee, 1-2pm, outside Boots; London, 5pm, Peace Gardens by Friends House, Euston Road; Bath, 11.30-12.30, Bath Abbey; and Bristol, 3pm, opposite the Hippodrome). 

(There is also an interfaith event at St Ethelburga's Church in the City of London (which was rebuilt after being destroyed by an IRA bomb) next Tuesday. “How should we respond to terror in London?”, St Ethelburga’s Church, 78 Bishopsgate, EC2N 4AG at 6.00pm. With an ecumenical ritual for peace. <http://www.stethelburgas.org>)

A leaflet is available from the JNV website <www.j-n-v.org> for use at such silent vigils, spelling out our sympathy for the victims of the London bombs, our opposition to a backlash against Muslim communities, and our determination to oppose military retaliation or repressive legislation.
 
Please do let us know if you are holding or have held a vigil for peace in response to the London atrocities (and also let your local press and radio know about it). Thank you.
 
 
2) SOLIDARITY WITH MUSLIMS - VIGILS
 
As you know, there was an arson attack on a mosque in Leeds last night. <http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/bradford/4665345.stm>
 
There is very likely to be harassment, property damage and violence against Muslims, against Asians of all faiths and none, against mosques, and against Muslim community organizations.
 
Unless we stop it.
 
In Hastings, Hastings Against War and Justice Not Vengeance are holding a vigil between 1pm and 2pm at the local mosque next Friday 15 July, in solidarity with local Muslims. (While the main service of the week is taking place inside between 1 and 2pm, we will hold a silent vigil outside.)
 
We condemn the violent backlash which has already started against British Muslims, and the identification of Islam with terrorism and violence. We stand by our Muslim friends and neighbours.
 
We call on anti-war groups to organise solidarity vigils and other forms of co-operation with Muslims in their area, to reduce community tension and to defend the right of Muslims to live in peace.
 
 
3) SOLIDARITY WITH MUSLIMS - BADGE
 
The standard Muslim greeting is 'salaam aleikum' ('peace be upon you').
 
JNV is producing 1000 badges with these words: 'Muslims say Peace Be Upon You'. We call upon anti-war activists to wear and to distribute this Muslim solidarity badge.
 
Details of the badge will be on the website.
 
 
4) SOLIDARITY WITH MUSLIMS - OTHER MATERIALS
 
Over the weekend, JNV will place a pdf of a Muslim solidarity leaflet and other materials on our website <www.j-n-v.org>. We urge activists and groups to work with their local Muslim community organisations and mosques, and to distribute leaflets, briefings and posters in their neighbourhoods.
 
 
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'In the event of a major terrorist attack against our country, we commit ourselves to supporting victims and their relatives, defending the rights of those threatened by a vengeful backlash - particularly Muslims and Arab people in our communities, and nonviolently resisting any military response by our government.'
 
>From the Counter Terror: Build Justice statement initiated by JNV and Voices in the Wilderness.
 
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Justice Not Vengeance
landline 0845 458 9571 (UK) +44 1424 428 792 (int)
www.j-n-v.org