\n\t\t\tA REFUGEE charity is hosting a celebration of unity and hope at a Solihull Mosque today (Saturday).<\/p>\n
The interfaith event, organised by charity Entraide, will celebrate in Solihull with speeches, musical performances and food.\n<\/p>\n
It is one of more than 350 across the country holding events as part of A Million Acts of Hope \u2013 a week of action taking place from May 13 to 20.<\/p>\n
\nFelix Kupay, founder of Entraide, said: \u201cWe know the amazing acts of hope and kindness that happen all the time here at Entraide.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe know that most people believe in unity and compassion, but it\u2019s all too easy to believe the headlines \u2013 that this country is full of division and hate. There has never been a more important time to celebrate the positive and make sure people know all the good that is happening in our communities.<\/p>\n
\u201cToday, at this festival of hope, we will share what gives us hope in these challenging times and celebrate all that we do, every day, to bring hope and solidarity to our community.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
Jehangir Malik is a member of the Solihull Hub Mosque management team and interim director of Together With Refugees.<\/p>\n
He was one of the community representatives who welcomed Kier Starmer in August 2024 at the time of the riots.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\nJehangir said: \u201cI was in the Mosque when we were threatened with attack during the summer riots of 2024. It\u2019s frightening to be on the receiving end of that kind of hostility and hate.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut it is through the strength of the community and deep connections across people of all faiths and backgrounds here in Solihull that we stay strong and hopeful.<\/p>\n
\u201cI see ordinary people quietly taking acts of hope every day here \u2013 whether it\u2019s volunteering, looking out for a neighbour or speaking out for refugees.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe know that division and hate do not represent who we are, but these acts of compassion so often go unseen, making it easier for the rhetoric of hate to take hold.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe must shine a light on the millions of small but meaningful acts of solidarity happening in every community, in every corner of the country. And that\u2019s why we\u2019re here today \u2013 to celebrate them.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
Mohammed is an NHS dental therapist who arrived from Syria in October 2021 and has since been granted refugee status. He is a volunteer supporter of the charity Entraide and is speaking at the event.<\/p>\n
\nHe said: \u201cIt\u2019s really important to me to support this celebration of hope today. As a refugee I want to do my part, support my neighbours, my community and the country where I am building a new life. I\u2019m only too aware of the increasing headlines about hate and hostility. I believe now is the time to speak out and remember what connects us and our shared experiences.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis campaign is a great way to focus on all the good that is happening in our communities and I\u2019m very pleased to be here to celebrate that today.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
A Million Acts of Hope is an alliance of more than 200 charities including major charities representing a diverse range of sectors and causes, including Crisis, Save the Children, Trussell, The Wildlife Trusts, Refuge, Mencap, Christian Aid, Together with Refugees, 38 Degrees and HOPE Not Hate.<\/p>\n
Anyone wanting to take part in the campaign can take their own act of hope and add their name to the 60,000 signatures gathered so far for the UK\u2019s biggest ever thank you card by celebrating the people who make their communities brighter here<\/a>.<\/p>\n
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