11th March 2025

Dear Ilford Islamic Center Committee,

We wish this letter could be written in better circumstances, however, this letter constitutes a formal objection to the recent invitation extended to Local MPs and Councillors identified as supporters of Israel to your mosque.

We, your local community, find this decision to be profoundly unacceptable and a serious breach of the trust placed in the mosque’s leadership.

Furthermore, we are deeply disturbed by the racist, Islamophobic and completely untrue post shared by council member Judith Garfield, in which it was stated, ‘Muslims are born to hate Jews’. FORMO sent a formal complaint to the council regarding this post in 2023.

Mosques have always maintained that they are apolitical- especially when challenged on speaking on political matters affecting Muslims, so why have the mosque decided to become political by inviting these individuals.

Your priority should be serving and uplifting your community, not providing a platform for Islamophobic councillors or for the likes of Ilford North MP, Wes Streeting, who shows no compassion for the suffering of Palestinians. It is disgraceful to extend invitations to individuals who persecute NHS staff for opposing genocide whilst openly aligning themselves with the IOF. At a time when

Muslims are grieving the atrocities unfolding in Palestine, your actions are deeply offensive and an insult to the congregation you claim to serve.

And then you had Ilford South MP, Jas Atwal, whose conduct as a landlord has fallen far below acceptable standards. Rather than being welcomed and honoured, he should be held to account and cast out. Furthermore, despite the alarming rise in Islamophobia locally, he has done nothing meaningful to challenge or address it. Your decision to associate with such figures is both irresponsible and indefensible.

The Zionist ideology, by its very nature, is predicated on the dispossession and ongoing oppression of the Palestinian people. To provide a platform for such a viewpoint within our mosque, a place of worship and community, is a direct affront to the principles of justice, human rights, and solidarity with the oppressed that Islam mandates.

This action has caused significant distress and division within our congregation. It creates an environment where members of our community, particularly those with a personal connection to the Palestinian struggle, and those who have been targeted by racist remarks, feel alienated and betrayed.

Furthermore, it undermines the mosque’s credibility as a moral authority and a safe haven for all Muslims.

We draw the line at aligning in alliance with zionism and those reprehensible individuals that cheer lead the genocide of Palestine. This is the ultimate betrayal, and your actions will not be forgotten.

We demand a formal response addressing the following:
* A clear explanation of the rationale behind the invitation, including the vetting process for invited speakers, and the cost involved in holding this event.
* A public acknowledgement of the harm caused by this decision.
* A commitment to appropriate disciplinary action should the allegations be substantiated.
* A commitment to a transparent and inclusive process for future selection, ensuring that such a grievous error is not repeated.
* A commitment to creating a safe space for dialogue on the Palestinian issue and addressing racism & Islamphobia within the mosque community.
Failure to address these concerns adequately will result in further action, including but not limited to, the mobilisation of community members to ensure that the mosque upholds its fundamental values and creates a safe and inclusive environment for all.

Sincerely,

Muslim Public Affairs Forum Committee (MPAC UK)

Akhmed Yakoob

Redbridge Palestine Solidarity Network (RSPN)

Parents United

Enlighten Minds Youth Project

Actions With Impact

Barking & Dagenham Palestine Solidarity Network

Newham Palestine Solidarity Network

Seeds Of Gaza

Greenwich Palestine Action

Health Workers and Allies for Palestine