Stronger Together: Jews, Muslims and Christians unite on Mitzvah Day

Imam Asim Hafiz, Rabbi Charley Baginksy and Bishop of Edmonton at Hammerson House - picture by Yakir Zur.jpg

More than 35,000 people of all faiths and backgrounds came out on Mitzvah Day yesterday, to do good deeds all across the UK.

Those taking part in Britain's biggest interfaith day of social action included Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey, London Mayor Sadiq Khan, Bishop of Edmonton Revd Canon Dr Anderson Jeremiah, Progressive Judaism Co-Lead Rabbi Charley Baginksy and Imam Asim Hafiz, the Islamic religious advisor to the Chief of the Defence Staff.

They were joined by tens of thousands of Jews, Muslims, Christians, Hindus, Baha'i and people of all religions and none in more than 2,500 projects encompassing care home visits, cooking for those in need, litter picks, card-writing, park clean-ups, and food bank and winter clothing collections.

All embodied Mitzvah Day's theme for 2024 of 'Stronger Together' - defying the forces which wish to tear us apart and, instead, uniting as one to support local charities and build bridges of commonality.

Mitzvah Day Founder and Chair Laura Marks CBE said: "After a truly challenging year, on Mitzvah Day our faith communities did what we do best - we came together to give back.

"It was so heartening to see our most senior leaders from across the religious and political spectrum put on their green T-shirts, roll up their sleeves and join us in these acts of citizenship, community-building and helping those who need us most."

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer wrote a personalised thank you card for the staff of Spring Grove Care Home, which was then hand-delivered by the home's local Labour MP Tulip Siddiq, Economic Secretary to the Treasury, during a Mitzvah Day musical event for residents and their families.

The Prime Minister said: "Mitzvah Day is a day of service, uniting thousands of people from different faiths and backgrounds to do good in support of those in need. No matter the challenges we face, and no matter what our differences may be, we are always stronger together - and I am incredibly inspired by the volunteers taking part."

Sir Ed Davey took part in an intergenerational ballet dance to bring cheer to the residents of Nightingale House Care Home. He was joined in the dancing by Mitzvah Day Chair Laura Marks CBE, youngsters from the Apples and Honey Nightingale nursery and the residents themselves.

The Liberal Democrat leader said: "It was a delight to join the community at the Nightingale Care Home to mark Mitzvah Day, and to see the generosity of spirit reflected in so many acts of kindness across the country. The theme of this year's Mitzvah Day, Stronger Together, is a timely reminder that we all have much more in common than divides us."

In a flagship interfaith event, London Mayor Sadiq Khan packed 'Create and Make" boxes filled with fresh vegetables for people supported by the Mayor's Fund for London, joined by Deputy Mayor Debbie Weekes-Bernard and volunteers from the Jewish and Muslim networks at City Hall.

Elsewhere Imam Asim Hafiz, Rabbi Charley Baginksy and Bishop of Edmonton Revd Canon Dr Anderson Jeremiah came together in a show of solidarity at care home Hammerson House where residents and volunteers - including from Caritas Westminster, the Roman Catholic Diocese of Westminster and local Jewish communities - packed for Food Bank Aid and sang and danced together.

Rabbi Charley Baginsky said: "This was a heart-warming event on a very special day. Mitzvah Day provides us all with an incredible opportunity to take part in making the world a little bit better and remind ourselves how much stronger we are when we work together."

Imam Asim Hafiz said: "Whether through zakat in Islam or tzedakah in Judaism, our shared traditions remind us that caring for others is not just an act of kindness but a sacred duty. Mitzvah Day beautifully reflects these shared values, bringing us together to strengthen our communities and make a meaningful difference."

Other key multi-faith events included a full day of activities for refugees in Cumbria, a cook-a-long organised by Edgware & Hendon Reform Synagogue and Neasden Temple, Harrow Interfaith's litter collection, support for the warm food café at Moortown Baptist Church in Leeds, six organisations uniting for a community tea at Brighton & Hove Progressive Synagogue, collaborations between Northwood & Ruislip United Synagogue and Elim Church, and meal preparation at the C4WS night shelter with Minister for Faith Lord Wajid Khan.

Mitzvah Day projects ran in 40 other countries around the world, including Germany, South Africa, Australia, Ukraine, Spain, Canada and across South America.

Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis, Scotland's First Minister John Swinney and senior members of the Conservative Party were among those paying tribute to all those who took part.

The Chief Rabbi said: "Mitzvah Day is one of the greatest initiatives of the British Jewish community. Thanks to Mitzvah Day, people are showing kindness and doing so many amazing things."

The First Minster said: "There is so much that unites people of faith, and so much that we have in common. This day of social action recognises the centrality of community, of strong relationships, of compassion, and of reaching out a helping hand."

Bob Blackman MP, Secretary of the 1922 Committee, joined an interfaith gardening project run by Stanmore and Canons Park United Synagogue. He said: "Mitzvah Day is brilliant because it brings the whole community together to do things they may not usually be doing."

Looking back over a hugely successful day, and a whole month of projects and events in its lead-up, Mitzvah Day CEO Stuart Diamond reflected on what makes it so special.

He said: "Mitzvah Day is a joyful experience that inspires people to give back to their communities. It's a reminder that even small acts of kindness can have a big impact."

Bishop John Sherrington, who attended the launch of the event in Barnet, north London in July commented: "I was delighted to join the Mitzvah Day launch and meet Barnet's interfaith leaders. The opportunity to stand together in solidarity for the most vulnerable in society is a call we can share across our faiths and is to be encouraged."

Siobhan Garibaldi National President of the Catholic Women's League and co-ordinator of the SVP Vinnie Packs welcomes Mitzva Day. She told ICN: "In the past children from several Jewish and Catholic schools have gathered together to fill hundreds of Vinnie Packs for us. (Emergency cold weather packs given out to homeless people containing hats, socks, gloves, toothbrushes and other useful items) Its a wonderful opportunity for pupils of different faiths to get together and realise how much they have in common."