The United Kingdom’s Chief Rabbi, Ephraim Mirvis and faith leaders from the Muslim and Christian communities have held a joint vigil for the victims of Wednesday’s terror attack in London.
Rabbi Mirvis described the event, which he organised with Cardinal Vincent Nichols, the Catholic Archbishop of Westminster, as “a powerful statement togetherness”.
The two leaders were joined by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, Imam Khalifa Ezzat of the London Central Mosque and Sheikh Mohammad al Hilli of the UK’s Shia community, at the vigil outside Westminster Abbey on Friday afternoon.
In a speech, Rabbi Mirvis told the watching crowd: “Terrorists seek to instill fear and terror into the hearts and minds of millions. They also seek to divide us.
“Londoners are showing right now that we will always stand up with strength to confront terror. We will never be cowed by it.
“Right now we stand here together, leaders of Christianity, Islam and Judaism.
“We have come here in friendship on behalf of our communities. We extend our condolences to the families of those murdered, we pray for those who have been injured, and we proclaim – no person and no event will drive a wedge between us. Together, we will prevail.”
A minute’s silence was held for the victims.
Speaking to the JC after the event, Rabbi Mirvis said, regarding the organisation of the event: “This seemed to me as being a very appropriate idea, and when we reached out to colleagues, they all welcomed it.
“What we experienced today was a very powerful statement of togetherness, and I very much welcome all the contributions that were made by the faith leaders here today” he said.
