Neutrality and solidarity is the only way forward
"It's really refreshing to speak with you," said the UK based Rabbi when I called him to offer my condolences following the horrific killing of innocent women at the start of the Israeli/Gaza conflict. 

As time went by, I was having the same conversation with Palestinian friends affected by the devastating bombing that has since claimed so many lives.

As a Muslim woman in the UK I believe we need peace on both sides and the 'war' must end for everyone. 

Speaking to a community leader representing a UK mosque was heartening. To hear him say that he would be interested in meeting with members of the Jewish community and offering their support during this critical time "Yes we would be willing to meet to offer a peaceful exchange”.

Neutrality and solidarity are what we need right now in communities in the UK under the umbrella of a sustained ceasefire in Gaza and Israel and an end to all atrocities.

We need empathy, sympathy and humanity to prevail, no matter what your religion or race. We need peace on both sides. We need humanity to prevail. 

And, in an era where race-related hate crime demands our attention globally, communities everywhere need to strive for unity and understanding, particularly as hate crimes have increased by 300% in some regions of the UK for the first time on a large scale in schools, too. A dangerous precedent has been set. 

Thousands of miles away from the conflict in the UK and across Europe and the USA where the impact is also causing anger to spill out on the streets neutral community activities can serve as a powerful antidote to the divisive forces that fuel such incidents. 

Holding community activities in a safe space, where religion is not the only focus and people can transcend cultural boundaries and create a shared sense of identity among diverse groups, is of great value. 

One definition of Social Cohesion states:
“The extent to which there are bonds of trust that bind people together into a society, as opposed to mistrust and antipathy that cause division and 
tension.”

So often I hear people saying “they don’t trust us” referring to another ethnic group, or “its not our culture”, “I don’t understand it”, “our people don’t go to the opera”, “it’s all foreign”… 

What I have been advocating for since establishing ARTconnects in 2017 is a place where people from different cultures interact organically, fostering mutual respect and breaking down stereotypes through creative learning. 

Bringing different communities together to create art and have those difficult conversations in cities where there are a melting pot of cultures. In this way, neutrality takes centre stage. 

Our projects such as the Migration Blanket have brought people together to create and understand each other better.

Ninety-six per cent of respondents understood what social cohesion is and learnt more about it. 98% of respondents stated social cohesion is important for their life in the UK and wanted to meet people from other cultures. 

“These workshops help me discuss cultural issues and in a great environment" Tayiba said.

“It's really great to create art and meet everyone and talk about cultures and problems and understand more " Susi explained.

By focusing on commonalities rather than differences, neutral activities contribute to inclusive spaces where individuals can celebrate diversity without fear of judgement.

And fear of judgement is what is holding many communities back from exploiting their own potential. 

I've been observing the comments from well-known personalities on social media since the start of the conflict. Many changed their tune as the days went by. 

Some more extreme than others and some not sure which way to go. Expressing uncertainty on where you stand on an issue like the situation between Israel and Gaza can really impact peoples’ lives, especially those who are already feeling abandoned socially, economically and politically. 

It can lead to more polarization, and even violent protests, as we have already seen in the UK.

Scenes reminiscent of protests following 9/11, at that time I was working to highlight the humanitarian impact on communities affected in  Afghanistan and remember how my friends spoke about the abuse they faced.

That's why neutrality is so important when addressing communities in the fall out of the Israeli/ Gaza conflict. 

We need shared experiences that emphasise teamwork and camaraderie over racial distinctions.

Having facilitated close to 500 workshops and events over the past 7 years, I know the will is there. Many of the women and men I have coached are looking for something else, something that frees them and unites them at the same time, a sense of wholeness and belonging, acceptance and love from their community, bound in faith from the place they call home. 

Many, from all cultures, have faced abuse and violence, or been brainwashed with extreme ideology. Through ARTconnects they have found solace and the meaning of equality and dignity. 

Education is key in this respect. A catalyst in combating hate crimes, and community workshops and forums can be instrumental in raising awareness. 

These gatherings can provide a platform for open dialogue, allowing participants to share their experiences and perspectives.

Through carefully moderated conversation with respect at the heart, communities can develop a deeper understanding of one another, challenging the preconceptions that may contribute to racial tensions as I have witnessed through my work.

"I never realised what some migrants go through. I learned a lot about the problems they face, and I can sympathise,"  Sheena, a female non migrant participant said, having attended an ARTconnects workshop.

“Great cross cultural friendships created,” said Mark. 

How have we let the situation get so bad? Why are these conversations so commonplace in our communities?

Why is there not more understanding between people of different cultures? Why are we becoming so unforgiving post-pandemic, then communities rallied together, and now we face turbulent times again the divisions are deepening. 

As we face these dilemmas, it is vital for community leaders, organizations, and individuals alike to actively promote and participate in these neutral activities. 

By demonstrating a commitment to inclusivity, we send a powerful message that rejects hate and embraces the richness that diversity brings to our society. 

Let peace and love come before your opinion for the sake of our children, our future leaders.

There needs to be more understanding in our communities to have the best possible future, both the Rabbi and the Mosque leader concurred as there is no place for hate in our communities.

Salma Zulfiqar BEM (British Empire Medal) is a multi-award winning filmmaker and visual artist whose work helps change the lives of vulnerable and marginalized people and inspire students. Her main collaborative work, The Migration Blanket project, has been featured in dozens of student dissertations. ARTconnects has been featured as best practice project at the United Nations