The Newham Muslim Forum (NMF) is today issuing a firm call for solidarity and political accountability following a targeted hate crime earlier this week, marking the third significant attack on a Muslim place of worship in the borough this year.
In the latest incident, a local mosque was targeted by vandals who defaced the building with paint. While no worshippers were physically harmed, the act has caused significant distress. This follows two previous incidents: a mosque was defaced with offensive graffiti earlier this year, and just weeks ago, another was targeted with a glass bottle attack.
While the NMF expresses its sincere gratitude to the police and local authorities for their swift response and ongoing support, it is clear that these are not isolated incidents. They are the physical manifestations of a divisive climate fuelled by segments of the media and political figures.
Newham is one of the most diverse boroughs in the United Kingdom and home to one of the largest Muslim populations in the country. We are a community built on resilience, and we will not be intimidated.
“What we are seeing is shameful, but it does not represent the heart of our community,” says Mohammed Nuruzzaman, from Darul Arqam. “While these individuals defaced our walls poisoned by hate, we are reminded of the strength of our neighbourhood. We have incredible relations with our neighbours of all faiths and none, who have reached out in solidarity. A bit of paint cannot cover the decades of community work and friendship we have built here.”
With local elections approaching next month, the NMF is urging the community to channel their frustration into constructive civic participation. We refuse to let hateful groups dictate our narrative or make us feel like strangers in our own home.
Imam Tahir Talati from the Newham and Redbridge Imams Forum issued a powerful call to local communities:
“To the youth and the elders alike: do not be disheartened. These acts are designed to make you retreat, but our faith teaches us to respond to darkness with light. Do not sit in silence. I call on you to be active, whether that is by voting next month, writing to your MP, or getting involved with organising local initiatives. This is our country, and we must be the ones to shape its future.”
The Newham Muslim Forum emphasises that the majority of British people reject this hateful division. However, we demand that those in positions of power who drive inflammatory narratives be held to account.
The NMF will be hosting a community meeting later this week to discuss security measures and civic engagement strategies. We invite all residents of Newham to stand tall with us.
