By Saha Habib
On October 27, 2018, in the Squirrel Hill neighbourhood of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, while Shabbat morning services and a bris were being held, eleven souls were taken and nine were injured by a gunman who entered a sacred place of worship, the Tree of Life Synagogue.
In the days following this senseless anti-Semitic act, we have witnessed an outpouring of love, support and prayers from people around the world who recognise the necessity of coming together to condemn all forms of extremism, hatred and violence.
We have seen grief and pain turn into courage and action as Nisa Nashim co-chairs have come together all over the UK to attend numerous vigils to honour the lives lost. In London, Nisa Nashim Marylebone was instrumental in organising a Service of Solidarity at the West London Synagogue. In Manchester, Leeds, Peterborough and Milton Keynes, co-chairs attended memorials, vigils and donated to fundraisers aiding the families and communities affected.
Acknowledging the importance of sharing our message of love, support and kinship with a wider community, Nisa Nashim’s network of Muslim and Jewish women have united to support the powerful #StandTogetherinSolidarity campaign, taking a picture together to highlight their support of the Jewish community in Pittsburgh.
Nisa Nashim was formed against a background of rising hate crimes and violence, with the knowledge that building friendships and meaningful relationships would foster support and understanding between Muslim and Jewish women. The last few days have been testament to the strength of these women and the bonds they’ve formed.
It is vital that we as women of faith stand in solidarity at trying times such as these and make it clear to all those who seek to divide us, that together we’re stronger.
‘Events like this show why the work we are doing is vital’ – Hifsa, Nisa-Nashim Trustee, London
‘I cannot tell you how special it felt to be mourning together with my Muslim sisters’ – Lea, Nisa-Nashim member, Cambridge
‘Let’s speak out! We owe it to those that lost their lives last Shabbat!’ Ahmereen, Nisa-Nashim Trustee, London
‘It is the love and the bonding between communities…that will win out in the end’ -Lynda, Co-Chair for the Nisa-Nashim Milton Keynes group