Jews, Muslims and Christians unite on Mitzvah Day

Dec 06, 2024

LONDON: More than 35,000 people of diverse faiths and backgrounds came together across the UK on November 24 for Mitzvah Day, Britain’s largest interfaith social action event. This year’s theme, Stronger Together, inspired over 2,500 community-driven projects, reinforcing solidarity amidst societal divisions.

Participants included prominent leaders such as Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey, London Mayor Sadiq Khan, Bishop of Edmonton Revd Canon Dr Anderson Jeremiah, Rabbi Charley Baginsky, and Imam Asim Hafiz. Alongside tens of thousands of volunteers from various faiths and none, they engaged in activities like care home visits, park clean-ups, food bank drives, and winter clothing collections.

Mitzvah Day Founder Laura Marks CBE praised the event's unifying spirit, “Our faith communities came together to give back, showcasing acts of citizenship, community-building, and care for those in need.”

Prime Minister Keir Starmer personally wrote a thank-you card for the staff of Spring Grove Care Home, delivered during a musical event hosted by MP Tulip Siddiq. He emphasised the importance of service and unity, “No matter our differences, we are always stronger together.”

Sir Ed Davey joined intergenerational ballet dancing at Nightingale House Care Home, bringing joy to residents and children. He reflected, “The theme Stronger Together reminds us we have more in common than divides us.”
London Mayor Sadiq Khan participated in packing vegetable boxes for the Mayor’s Fund for London with volunteers from Jewish and Muslim networks.

In a powerful interfaith display, Imam Asim Hafiz, Rabbi Charley Baginsky, and Bishop Anderson Jeremiah united at Hammerson House, collaborating with volunteers from Caritas Westminster and local Jewish communities. Rabbi Baginsky called the day “a heartwarming opportunity to make the world better,” while Imam Hafiz highlighted shared values of charity across faiths.

Across the UK, communities organised refugee support activities, cooking sessions, litter collections, and warm meal preparations. In Cumbria, refugees benefited from a day of dedicated events, while Leeds saw interfaith support for a warm food café. Internationally, Mitzvah Day was celebrated in 40 countries, including Germany, South Africa, Ukraine, and Australia.

Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis hailed the initiative as “one of the greatest achievements of the British Jewish community.” Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney added.

“This day of social action recognises the centrality of community, compassion, and solidarity.”

Culminating a month-long series of events, Mitzvah Day CEO Stuart Diamond celebrated its enduring impact, “Mitzvah Day inspires people to give back, proving that small acts of kindness can make a big difference.”

Auxiliary Bishop of Westminster, Bishop John Sherrington and Catholic Women’s League President Siobhan Garibaldi echoed support, highlighting interfaith collaboration as a model for unity and service.

Mitzvah Day 2024 reinforced its vision: bringing people together to serve, support, and strengthen communities, proving that kindness and cooperation are powerful tools for building a better world. --ICN