The Muslim Jewish Forum of Greater Manchester
Established to develop the cultural and social ties between the Muslim and Jewish communities of Greater Manchester
2 July 2024
The Executive Committee of the Muslim Jewish Forum of Greater Manchester was shocked and disgusted to see a video recording of Cllr Rabbi Arnold Saunders receiving vitriolic verbal abuse at the Bilal Mosque in Prestwich this weekend. He had been invited there as a guest in his capacity of the Conservative Party’s candidate for Bury South in the general election.
Cllr Rabbi Arnold Saunders has been a long-standing member of our organisation and has attended many of our events over the past 19 years since our inception. He is a popular man who always engages with other attendees. He is a well-respected individual who has been involved with interfaith work and Holocaust commemoration events across the North-West region for many years.
We demand that those who abused and harassed a man of such standing should be held to account. Their behaviour was incomprehensible and unacceptable. We stand in solidarity with our friend Cllr Rabbi Arnold Saunders, since we stand up against antisemitism whenever it occurs, just as we stand up against anti-Muslim hatred and other forms of bigotry. Such behaviour has no place in our society.
Cllr Rabnawaz Akbar, Muslim Jewish Forum Executive member, said:
"Cllr Rabbi Saunders was invited to the Mosque and should have been afforded the respect and courtesy deserved by all visitors according to Islamic teachings. This does not prohibit disagreeing on specific issues, but the aggressive behaviour seen on the video was utterly unacceptable."
The video recording of the abuse has been circulated widely via social media. We have embedded it below so that readers can see it for themselves. Click to play.
Our Co-Founder Afzal Khan CBE issued a tweet condemning the abuse, which we have retweeted. It is embedded below.
I was shocked to see footage of disgraceful behaviour towards @ArnoldSaunders5. I spoke to him this morning to offer solidarity.
— Afzal Khan (@AfzalKhanMCR) July 1, 2024
We don't always agree, but I am honoured to say he is my friend. We must respect each other even in disagreement. I hope GMP will be taking action. pic.twitter.com/hI4Gl6pDp2
Follow @MJF_Manchester
The Muslim Jewish Forum of Greater Manchester
Established to develop the cultural and social ties between the Muslim and Jewish Communities of Greater Manchester