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Emails to the MCB on issues and concerns
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Page 204
| 11/07/2005 |
As a person who believes when I die I die and that's it, I cannot
understand religious people killing each other (whether it be the the
holocaust, the crusades, the atrocities on both sides in Srebrenica or
the Ottoman empires massacres).
For the sake of the human race be like me and all people with at least
half a brain realise there is NO GOD what ever religion you follow.
I'm happy to live and happy to die when the time comes (without hurting
anyone or believing I'm better or worse than anyone).
Please live in peace and die in peace.
LOTS OF LOVE TO EVERYONE
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| 11/07/2005 |
| David Leigh |
Dear Sir,
I feel obliged to write on an issue that affects all law abiding and peace
loving citizens of the world. I like many others was totally sickened and
saddened at the events that transpired in London. It particularly hit home to
me as I am a born and bred Londoner. I’m writing this letter not to throw
blame at any one community, but rather to highlight the wedge that is being
driven between the two communities, by those that would seek to destroy all
that is dear to good people everywhere.
I was totally dismayed at the insensitively of the remarks made by certain
muslin leaders to the media, expressing concern that revenge attacks would be
made on mosques. While I feel and fully understand the concerns made by the
speakers, I felt is showed extreme insensitivity to bring the subject up at a
time of national grieving. Yes I fully support and agree that it is a major
concern, but this matter should have been discussed in private with the
appropriate authorities and not in the national media, local communities could
have been advised via the network of mosques or other means. In fact one
gentleman interviewed on TV devoted 60% of the interview to expressing concern
about reprisals and only 15% condemning the bombing. I feel such actions can
only play into the hands of those that would see us at each others throats (the
far right and Muslim extremists).
Rightly or wrongly this is a Muslin problem and the only people who can effect
a change are Muslims. In the past I have attended a number of meetings
outside the Finsbury park mosque, where Abu Hamza was preaching. What really
concerned me at the time was that the only opposition to his speaking was
provided by the far right. This situation has also proved to be the case at
other such events. When the UK sent the army into Iraq, millions of people
around the country marched in protest, many of them Muslims, yet apart from a
few condemnations, there appears to be no action against what happened in
London. The British people are generally a law abiding and tolerant group of
people, but they need to see that all sections of society are pulling
together. And from my perspective the Muslim community is not addressing this
issue. This is not saying that you are not addressing this issue, but I see
no action and visibility in such situations is so important. The British
public needs to know we are all there for each other.
I implore you, we have to organize and all stand shoulder to shoulder to fight
this terrible evil that threatens to enclose us from all sides. The
youngsters of today need to be taught that the extremists on both sides are
just that, extremists and should be shunned. But if we were to provide no
visible and viable alternative then we are likely to go the way of many of
histories other societies, Nazi Germany, Serbia, Japan … etc.
We have to start acting now, it is not merely enough for the Muslim community
to try and work unilaterally, or even with the government. This action needs
to spearheaded by the Muslim community, but involving the whole of society. I
can’t stress enough the need for urgent action, before the situation becomes
irreversible. During the 80’s I was a member of the ANC and it was always a
constant battle to keep the protests and campaign peaceful , as there was
always those on both sides who would have liked nothing better than for things
to have degenerated in civil war. We were lucky in our situation, to have had
a leader like Nelson Mandela.
If you are to organize some kind of response, then please let me know, as I and
many others that I know would gladly offer any help.
Yours sincerely
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| 11/07/2005 |
| Claire
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Dear MCB,
I just wanted to e-mail you let you know that it is only a horrible
minority of people in this country that hate others, and that the vast
majority are pleased that we live in the great multi-cultural society
that we do. I am sorry that some people, claiming that they speak for
"white Britain" (whatever that is meant to mean) feel the need to send
messages of hate at this time when all need to stand together.
We must all stand strong against those that propagate hate of all forms
and I hope that you know that most people understand that there is no
connection between these terrorists and true Islam.
My thoughts are with you.
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| 11/07/2005 |
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Hi,
I felt I had to write to you to express my anger and sadness at the
recently reported attacks on Muslim’s as a result of the heinous events
of last Thursday. People can be so very narrow minded, did anyone
attack Roman Catholic families for the atrocities carried out by the
IRA? No. The separation of unjust actions and religion was made, and
it is unacceptable that it has not been made in this case.
I apologise for these deluded and misguided individuals, they are an
embarrassment and do not represent me. They too should be locked up.
If there is anything that I could do to help with community relations,
then please let me know.
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| 11/07/2005 |
| Nicola Whitehead
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Dear Muslim Council,
I was very saddenned to read in the Observer that you had received 30,000
unpleasant e-mails. I am not a Muslim--am actually a Buddhist-- but I have
many friends who are Muslims in the U.K I have also travelled several times
to Morocco and have made many Muslim friends there as well. My impression is
of a kind, generous and caring community. I think it is a religion which is
very respectful and I think the way it weaves spirituality into everyday
life is something we can all learn from.
I just wanted to show support and solidarity with you all and to prove that
there are lots of people who are not anti-Islamic---in fact I have no
friends at all who would feel anything but support and compassion for their
fellow human beings. I know this can't counter such negatives you have
received but I hope it is a start and I will be definitely praying that we
can all live peacefully and happily together.
All my very best wishes,
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| 11/07/2005 |
| Bernice Wolfenden |
Dear Sirs,
Thank you for speaking up so publicly against the terrorism. I know
from my dealings with my Muslim students that Islam is in reality a
peaceful religion. I have great sympathy for London Muslims who are now
caught in this situation. They are looked upon with suspicion by some
and at the same time are just at much at risk as anybody else.
Indiscriminate terrorism always kills and maims the innocent and no
merciful God would wish that. Once again thanks for your courage in
speaking out.
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| 11/07/2005 |
| Hannah Redler |
Dear Muslim Council of Britain
I was horrified, but sadly not surprised, to hear that you had been subject to abusive e-mails in the wake of last Thursday's bombings. As a person of Caucasian yet immigrant parents of mixed faiths - Irish Catholic and northern European Jew - it is impossible for me to even consider antagonism or hatred based on faith alone.
I want to send you my respect, good wishes and support. I am very happy I live in in a mixed faith country. I'm happy that there are mosques and churches in walking distance from my home and I want you to know that I and my friends do NOT equate the acts of last Thursday's bombers with Muslim people or Muslim faith.
Thank you for the work you are doing to promote peace and love between
different communities.
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| 11/07/2005 |
| Emma |
Hi,
I recently moved into Bradford and was shocked by some of the blatantly racist attitudes that have developed in the North, especially since this is where I hale from. Especially so when the election came around and the BMP where represented (they didn't get in here thankfully!).
I lived and worked in London for 5 years, most of that time was spent in Tower Hamlets and lived, worked and spent social time surrounded by multi-faith populations, race and ideology, this included many people who where muslim. I know that 9/11 gave a small, unintelligent, brutal part of Britain an excuse to focus their hatred onto a population that did not deserve this, including the media at times inflating this situation. I also understand that the recent bombings in London will again do little to stop this and will initially add fuel to the fire.
As an ex-Londoner I was devasted to hear of the bombs and also worried as I have many friends and ex-collegues in the City, some of the friends and collegues are muslim and I know that regardless of faith, race or sex, this is a hard time for every single person who lives and may indeed love london. I wanted you and every muslim to know, I for one as many of my friends also do, do not see a terrorist when I meet an asian man or women, I see a human being who deserve respect and love and the possibility that this person could indeed be a friend, that this individual is a valid and welcome member of our society, I do not make the assumption that any person is a terrorist or any other form of person who would cause me harm... Please also know that for every person who makes assumptions based on fear and race, I know many more who do not think this way!!
Much love and care,
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| 11/07/2005 |
| Laura Sharples |
Dear sir or madam,
I read in the paper over the week end about the huge amount of abusive
emails that you have received since Thursday’s attacks.
I just wanted to send you a quick note to express how disgusted I am by
those that have reacted in this way.
Regards,
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| 11/07/2005 |
| Sister Ellen Gielty |
Dear Brother in God,
I wish to express on behalf of the Conference of Religious of England
and Wales our dismay on hearing of the attacks, verbal and physical, on
our Muslim sisters and brothers following on the bombing of London last
Thursday. We wish to assure our Muslim brothers and sisters of our
regard for you as men and women of faith, who seek as we do, to preserve
and promote peace, liberty, social justice and moral values.
We take inspiration from the words of the fathers of the Vatican
Council, written forty years ago: "We cannot truly pray to God the
Father of all if we treat any people in other than brotherly fashion,
for all men are created in God's image."(Nostrae Aetate, par. 5, October
1965)
General Secretary
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| 11/07/2005 |
| Sarah Platt |
Dear Sir or Madam
I feel compelled to write to you after the terrible events in London
this week. I am shocked and appalled at the attacks your community has
had to suffer on your Mosques in particular. I am sickened by the
minority of narrow minded thugs who think the answer is to attack what
is essentially a peace loving community. I am only sorry that these
yobs are given the press coverage which they can only revel in. They
are no better than the people who set these bombs off in London. The
only good thing that can come out of the events in London this week is
to bring different communities closer together and I sincerely hope that
the Muslim population of Britain can see that the vast majority of Brits
do not approve of the mindless acts of violence against them. I can
only think that these people (who I am ashamed to admit are British) are
uneducated and ignorant and devoid of any humanity and compassion for
their fellow human beings. I know I am not alone in my feelings.
Please do not encourage your people to withdraw further into their own
communities (although I quite understand why they would want to) but to
stand bravely alongside all communities whatever religion or race and
speak out against these idiots. I am proud to be British and the
freedoms of speech and opinion that we enjoy but unfortunately along
with that we have to put up with opinions of the ignorant. I can only
hope that one day they will be enlightened but I fear in the current
climate of intolerance and fear that it will be some time.
You and your community are to be praised for the way in which you have
handled these attrocities and my prayers are with you for the future of
Britain and all her diversity.
With kind regards
Yours faithfully
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Page 204
For further information please contact the MCB:
The Muslim Council of Britain
PO Box 52
Wembley
HA9 0XW
Tel: 020 8903 9650
Fax: 020 8903 9026
admin@mcb.org.uk
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