Your Harrogate Radio

7:00pm - 6:30am

Email the studio

Carly Rae Jepsen

Don't Leave Me On The Dance Floor

Listen Live

Harrogate religious leaders issue plea amid conflict in Middle East

Tuesday, 14 November 2023 07:00

A plea for tolerance, calm and respect has been issued by Harrogate’s religious leaders as the conflict in the Middle East continues.

Harrogate religious leaders issue plea amid conflict in Middle East

A plea for tolerance, calm and respect has been issued by Harrogate’s religious leaders as the conflict in the Middle East continues.

Local MP Andrew Jones met with the Imam of the Harrogate mosque, the President of the Harrogate synagogue and the vicar of St Peter’s Church, Reverend Alan Garrow, on Monday 13 November to discuss the ongoing situation and the positions of Muslims and Jews in Harrogate and Knaresborough and nationwide.

Mr Jones said:

“I am grateful to the Imam, the President of the synagogue and Rev Garrow for coming together to emphasise a message of tolerance, calm and respect.

"Islamophobic and antisemitic acts are unacceptable and I am pleased that we seem not to be experiencing an increase in this kind of hatred locally.

“This meeting is important because it demonstrates that whatever our beliefs we are compassionate beings sharing humanitarian values and respecting one another.”

Hasan Muhammad, Imam of the Harrogate Islamic Association, said:

“It is good to stand together with Mr Cohen calling for peace and understanding between faiths and, specifically at this moment, between their followers.

"Harrogate people are well-known for being welcoming and accepting.

"These are values we should cherish as we live our lives in respect and understanding and celebrate both what makes us different and what we share. As-salamu alaykum.”

Bernard Cohen, President of the Harrogate synagogue said:

“The Iman and I meeting today vividly demonstrates that although being of different faiths there is no difference in our humanity and our values of respect, tolerance, community and a desire for peace.

"We call on everyone in Harrogate and beyond to embrace these shared values and to exhibit them in all they do. Shalom.”

Read more local stories from Your Harrogate here.

More from Local News

Driver jailed after 130mph police chase ends in Knaresborough

A disqualified driver has been jailed after a police pursuit at speeds of more than 130mph ended in Knaresborough.
Historic Harrogate hotel put up for sale for £1.45million

A 19-bedroom hotel in Harrogate has been put on the market for £1.45million.
Harrogate pupils uncover school's past as Victorian hospital

Children at St Peter's CE Primary School in Harrogate have been exploring their classrooms' former life as hospital wards.
Harrogate nursery celebrates 'strong standard' after Ofsted inspection

Little Explorers Day Nursery in Harrogate is celebrating after announcing it achieved a ‘strong standard’ in all areas of its latest Ofsted inspection.
Henshaws launches urgent £10,000 appeal following water damage

Henshaws Specialist College has launched an urgent £10,000 fundraising appeal after significant water damage was discovered at the College following the weekend.
UK Foo Fighters to perform at Your Harrogate Stray bonfire and fireworks

The UK Foo Fighters will perform a special homecoming gig on The Stray as part of this year’s Your Harrogate Stray bonfire and fireworks celebrations.
Ripon detectorist calls Bayeux Tapestry a 'medieval stitch-up'

A Ripon metal detectorist has described the Bayeux Tapestry as a "medieval stitch-up" for leaving out one of Yorkshire's most significant battles.
Valley Gardens among top winners at Yorkshire in Bloom awards

Parks and gardens across the Harrogate district have been recognised at this year's Yorkshire in Bloom awards.
New opening date revealed for Harrogate bookshop

A new independent bookshop in Harrogate has announced its opening date after a leaky roof delayed refurbishment work.
Harrogate toy retailer cuts prices every time Town striker scores

A Harrogate toy retailer is giving customers a discount every time Harrogate Town's Brad Dolaghan scores.
North Yorkshire hospices warn of cuts and closures as funding crisis deepens

Hospice services across North Yorkshire are at risk of cuts and closure as a multi-million-pound funding crisis deepens, charity chiefs have warned.
Diesel prices rise above £2 a litre in Harrogate area

Diesel prices have risen above £2 a litre at filling stations in the Harrogate area.
New woodland sauna and cold plunge opens in Harrogate

A new outdoor sauna and cold water bathing site is opening in Harrogate today (Friday).
Brackenfield School in Harrogate praised by inspectors ahead of 50th anniversary

Brackenfield School in Harrogate has met all required standards in its latest inspection, with praise for its teaching, pupil wellbeing and caring culture.
Harrogate hotel chef shortlisted for 'Oscars of hospitality'

Rudding Park’s Adam Degg has been shortlisted for Hotel Restaurant Chef of the Year at the 2026 Hotel Cateys.
Public consultation could be held on Ripon street pedestrianisation plans

A public consultation could be held on proposals to pedestrianise one of Ripon’s historic city centre streets during the daytime and summer evenings.
Masham pupils surprise lifelong resident on her 100th birthday

Pupils from Masham CE Primary School have paid a special visit to a lifelong resident to celebrate her 100th birthday.
Knaresborough Matalan to reopen following refurbishment

Matalan in Knaresborough is holding a reopening event tomorrow (Saturday) following a refurbishment.
£5m project begins to improve River Nidd water quality

Work has begun on a project worth more than £5 million to improve water quality in the River Nidd.
Campaigners call for changes to school transport consultation amid "tick-box" criticism

Campaigners have called on North Yorkshire Council to change its consultation on home-to-school transport amid concerns it risks becoming a "tick-box exercise".