Standing Against hate: The Aziz Foundation on Recent Riots and Islamophobia

The last few days have been profoundly distressing for many of our communities. We have witnessed a series of troubling events where individuals have been subjected to violence, often based on their real or perceived identity, including their faith or immigration status. Places of worship have been targeted, and individuals seeking safety in our country have faced threats and physical harm. These actions undermine our shared values of respect, tolerance, and democracy.

Violence and intimidation not only harm those directly targeted but also threaten the safety and cohesion of our society as a whole. Yet, even in these difficult times, the strength of our communities shines through as volunteers come together to assist in clean-up efforts, demonstrating the power of compassion and solidarity. It is heartening to see communities rising above division and working towards a more inclusive and peaceful society.

The Aziz Foundation stands with all those impacted by these incidents, and we offer our support to everyone who has been affected. As a British-Muslim foundation, we are dedicated to nurturing unity, empathy, and community action. Diversity and inclusion are at the core of our mission, and we believe that every person should feel valued and respected. We believe the richness of our society lies in its diversity, and we remain committed to upholding these principles in all our work.

We commend the authorities for taking decisive action in response to these events to protect all citizens and hold those responsible for these harmful acts accountable.

The Aziz Foundation will continue to promote peace, harmony, and understanding. Our ongoing efforts include launching new initiatives to raise awareness about Islamophobia and foster interfaith dialogue, as we work towards a society where everyone feels valued.

For those in need of support, assistance, or guidance, we recommend reaching out to the following organisations:

• Stop Hate UK: Operating the UK’s only free dedicated 24-hour anti-Hate Crime reporting service.
• Islamophobia Response Unit (IRU): Providing support to those who have experienced Islamophobia and offering legal assistance.
• Centre for Media Monitoring (CfMM): Monitoring media representation of Muslims and offering resources to address any biases.
• Muslim Council of Britain (MCB): Offering a range of support and advocacy for the Muslim community.

We urge everyone to remain resilient and steadfast in upholding the values of peace, respect, and compassion.

Together, we can work towards a future where every individual feels safe and included.

-The Aziz Foundation Team