People of different backgrounds will come together in a show of unity at a Leeds mosque this afternoon.
No-one in Leeds will ever forget 7 July 2005, not just because of the horror that unfolded before everyone's eyes on the nation's TV screens, but because the city was the focus of unwanted worldwide media attention when it was revealed that some of the bombers had lived in the Beeston area.
Leeds Makkah Mosque, in conjunction with leading local and national organisations, is inviting Leeds residents to an event entitled 'Communities United – Working Together for a Brighter Future' today, 2.30pm–5.30pm to mark the fifth anniversary of the atrocities.
The Imam of Makkah Mosque, Qari Asim, commented:
"The event has been organised to remember those who lost their lives in the tragic London bombings on 7/7 and also to remember all those lives that are still being lost throughout the world due to violent extremism.
"Makkah Mosque's message is clear and simple – those who resort to violent extremism in the name of Islam are not following the true teachings of Islam."
The programme, it says, will consist of 'worksops and inspiring speeches'.
The workshops will cover issues that are common to all communities, including 'caring for the world', 'sports breaking barriers', 'Islam in the media' and 'business connecting communities'.
Brodrick Clarke, Director of Programs for the Muhammad Ali Centre, Louisville US, will lead a youth workshop. The aim of the workshops is to bring people of different backgrounds together to meet, learn and connect around issues of common interest and universal appeal so that inter-community relations are enhanced.
Following the workshops, talks will be delivered by politicians, sports personalities, media representatives and entrepreneurs.
Keynote speakers will be Kristiane Backer, TV presenter and journalist, and Greg Roberts, CEO of the Ali Centre in the US.
Roberts said that the Ali Centre was honored to be a part of the event.
He added:
"Our headquarters is located in Louisville, Kentucky, a sister city of Leeds, so we are especially excited to be involved in this partnership and to formally recognize the families and loved ones of those whose lives were lost in the 7/7 bombings.
"Our mission embraces the promotion of respect, hope, and understanding among cultures through our outreach and educational initiatives. And the centre's founder, Muhammad Ali, embodies the values that we hope will inspire people around the globe to break down barriers."
TV presenter and journalist Kristiane Backer will be amongst the speakers.
She said:
"As a Muslim, I am deeply distressed at those who contort the values of my faith and its commitment to peace and justice for their own corrupt means. Life is sacred in Islam. My faith teaches me to serve God by positively contributing to society; to care for the weak and the elderly; to be kind to animals and to protect the environment."
The event will also seek to highlight the positive way in which communities have moved forward and have been working for a peaceful co-existence.
Greg Mulholland, MP for Leeds North West, in whose constituency Makkah Mosque is located, said:
"The terrible events of 7/7 and the links to Yorkshire and to Leeds were a shock to all of us, but in the days and weeks afterwards, the community in Hyde Park and Headingley really pulled together and that strength of unity was crucial to taking us forward.
"Five years on, I am very pleased to be able to attend this important event at the Makkah Mosque to highlight the real progress that is has been made in bringing the community closer together and working together for the benefit of all."
Event partners and supporters include the Mosques and Imams National Advisory Board (MINAB), HRH Prince of Wales' charity Mosaic, Marketing Leeds, Muhammad Ali Center, GFEvents, Leeds Rugby Foundation, Yorkshire Cricket Board, ABDN, Together4Peace, White Ribbon Campaign and Concord.
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