Camden’s Interfaith Network discusses support for our communities
Camden’s Faith Forum, faith representatives and Camden councillors met today to discuss the impact events in the Middle East are having on Camden’s communities.
The meeting provided an opportunity to understand concerns being felt in Camden’s communities and agree actions to provide reassurance and support.
Faith and Community Leaders of all denominations spoke movingly about the impact of the events on their communities and reiterated their commitment to developing strong interfaith relationships with communities across Camden.
The safety of Camden’s communities
Nationally, incidents of antisemitic and anti-Muslim hate have risen sharply in the last few days.
There is no place for hate in Camden. Camden and its partners want to do everything we can to ensure that everyone feels reassured and safe at this difficult time.
Camden Council is working as part of a London-wide approach with other local authorities, agencies and police.
There is an increased police presence in the borough. Camden’s community safety team are carrying out additional visits and patrols, focusing on faith and other community sites and engaging with Camden schools.
Reporting a hate crime
Hate crime is any criminal offence. A hate crime is one perceived by the victim or any other person to be motivated by hostility or prejudice towards someone due to:
- race or perceived race
- religion or perceived religion
- transgender identity or perceived transgender identity
- sexual orientation or perceived sexual orientation
- disability or perceived disability
Hate crimes can take many forms including physical assault, verbal abuse, harassment and damage to property.
To report a hate crime you should:
- Call the Police on 101 or contact your local neighbourhood police, for example by visiting your local station, or;
- Report hate crime online via report-it.org.uk, or;
- Report hate crime to one of Camden’s partners:
- Community Security Trust (CST) – Protecting our Jewish Community on 0800 032 3263 or online.
- Tell Mama – Measuring Anti-Muslim attacks on 0800 456 1226 or online.
- Read the full list of partners on our website.
- In an emergency, always call 999 and follow the ‘run, hide, tell’ advice.
National Hate Crime Awareness Week runs from Saturday, 14 October – Saturday, 21 October 2023.
Supporting all our residents
Acting Leader of Camden Council Councillor Pat Callaghan and Faith Forum Co-Chairs Councillor Nadia Shah and Councillor Rebecca Filer issued a statement earlier this week.
"Nationally, incidents of antisemitic and anti-Muslim hate have risen sharply in the last few days. There is no place for hate in Camden. We are proud to be a place where people from different backgrounds get on well together. Our diversity is our community strength and we want to do everything we can to ensure that everyone feels reassured and safe at this difficult time."
Read the full statement.
Donate to a recognised appeal
The British Red Cross has launched an Israel and Occupied Palestinian Territory Appeal. You can donate today to help provide vital aid.
The Disasters Emergency Committee are monitoring the situation and assessing it against their criteria for launching an appeal. Their website lists several charities who are providing aid in the region, who are accepting donations.