Darus Salaam Mosque and Ealing Synagogue leaders unite after Manchester attack
A mosque in Southall opened its doors to the wider community on Sunday (5 October 2025), days after the terrorist attack at Heaton Park Synagogue in Manchester, in an event aimed at promoting understanding between faiths.
The Darus Salaam Mosque, also known as the Abode of Peace, hosted visitors as part of the national Visit My Mosque initiative. Organisers said the open day provided an opportunity for local residents to learn about Islam, ask questions and build connections across communities.
The event, arranged before Thursday’s attack, took on added meaning following the incident. The Ahmadiyya Muslim Association (AMA) in Southall condemned the attack and expressed solidarity with the Jewish community. In a letter to Ealing Synagogue, the association’s president, Sayeed Abdus, described the assault as “an attack on the conscience of society”.
National AMA president Rafiq Hayat also denounced the violence, urging people of faith and goodwill “to unite in the face of such evil”. The association called for stronger efforts to tackle extremism and to ensure the protection of all places of worship.
A delegation from Ealing Synagogue attended the open day, including chair Gary Barak, vice-chair Dr Jonathan Glass and council member Alison Shindler.
Mr Barak said both communities would continue to strengthen their relationship, adding: “It’s been an awful Yom Kippur experience for all of us, and I’m not referring to just the Jewish communities.”
The mosque’s imam, Mujeeb Ahmad Mirza, said he was encouraged by the attendance, describing it as “a true testament that love will always prevail”.
Visitors toured the mosque, viewed exhibitions about Islam and joined discussions over refreshments. The Ahmadiyya community said it plans further initiatives to promote dialogue and cooperation across Southall.
