[December 2024]

Working in the anti-discrimination field, with a focus on combating anti-Muslim hate and Antisemitism, has been a profound journey filled with both challenges and significant rewards. This experience has provided a platform for reflection, collaboration, and action against prejudice, while celebrating diversity and promoting understanding.

We understand that it can be difficult to see the positives when we look at the world around us. With Trump back in the White House and the MENA region becoming increasingly unstable, we don’t need to look far from our own home to recognise the level of unrest that exists. The UK Government, as well as CST and Tell MAMA have recorded the highest levels of Antisemitism ever, and and the highest levels of anti-Muslim attacks in a decade.

While it is easy to focus on the doom and gloom, there is a silver lining. We have witnessed throughout the year how communities can stand together against hate, which was evident in the aftermath of the racist riots in August. We have seen the passion and drive in the next generation of upstanders, who are keen and are already making a change in society and, as a charity, working with young people has been inspiring and makes us grateful to be leading in such an important field. 

We understand that in this field one of the important ways to learn is through sharing best practice – so here are our reflections from working in the interfaith space!

1. Navigating Differences:

Every day, we engage with a variety of different beliefs and cultures which has allowed us to foster a sensitivity and patience for understanding others. It’s so important to be able to balance a respect for each other’s differences and to strive for unity. This allows us to really enrich our shared experiences.

2. Overcoming Misconceptions:

We have learned how to step out of our comfort zones by confronting stereotypes and biases, both externally and internally. By challenging uncomfortable ideas, we fuel our commitment to not only educate others but to learn things ourselves. Many of us will agree that it is refreshing to challenge some of the misconceptions about others that we grew up hearing.

3. Driving Positive Change:

We know that in dark times it feels impossible to make a change, but we have learned that change happens from the bottom up. You don’t have to do something huge to make a difference, something as small as advocating for inclusion or reporting on social media is just as important. This is a message we often refer back to when it feels like positive change is impossible; small steps are still steps forward.

4. Engaging with young upstanders:

It's all about the young leaders of tomorrow, and that’s why we feel passionate about engaging with students. Despite the spikes in levels of hate across the UK, we have seen younger people more willing to engage in uncomfortable conversations and they are always willing to find ways to have healthy dialogue with their peers, even when they don’t come to an agreement and that’s fine! Let's invest in young minds who will shape our future!

5. Key Takeaways:

-  Interfaith work is a vital but complex process requiring perseverance, respect, and a commitment to learning.

- Addressing issues like anti-Muslim hate, Antisemitism, and bullying through collaborative efforts can lead to impactful, long-lasting change.

- Despite challenges, the shared victories and the positive transformations witnessed reaffirm the importance of interfaith initiatives.

This month has reminded us of the ongoing need to celebrate diversity, challenge injustice, and Stand Up! together as a community united in mutual respect.

Aimee Bartman and Mohammed Al-Abdali

Stand Up! Project Coordinators