The last three years have brought devastating loss of life and immense suffering in Israel and Palestine. Too many families have been bereaved, displaced or left living with trauma and fear. This cycle of violence must end. We continue to hope and work for a future in which Palestinians and Israelis can live in peace, dignity and security, free from violence and fear.
This has also been an immensely painful and traumatic period for Jewish and Muslim communities around the world. Many have experienced profound grief and distress at the loss of civilian life, alongside increasingly polarised public debate and a deeply concerning rise in antisemitism, Islamophobia and other forms of hatred.
The right to peaceful protest and to speak out against injustice is fundamental to our democracy. It must be protected, while we are equally clear that hatred, intimidation, harassment and discrimination directed at any community have no place in Lambeth.
Here in Lambeth, we will continue working alongside our Jewish, Muslim and other faith communities, and with people of all backgrounds, to promote solidarity and understanding and to challenge antisemitism, Islamophobia, racism and all forms of discrimination.
At this difficult anniversary, our message is one of remembrance, humanity and solidarity. Everyone in Lambeth, whatever their ethnicity, religion or background, has the right to feel safe, respected and welcome in our borough.
