Emotional Somali centre activity unites rabbis and faiths
V FIVE RABBIS from four strands of Judaism were part of a moving Mitzvah Day project at the Somali Bravanese Welfare Association in Finchley, where Jewish and Muslim youth planted bulbs for a local care home. The centre opened recently, the association’s previous home having been destroyed in an arson attack six years ago
The rabbis — David Mason (US), Miriam Berger (Reform), Rebecca Birk and Danny Rich (Liberal Judaism) and Jeff Berger (Sephardi) — were hosted by the SBWA’s Abu Bakar Ali and Asma Mohamed Ali, who were integral to the reopening. Lord Mendelsohn was also among those at the event, organised by the Jewish/Muslim women’s group, Nisa-Nashim.
Finchley and Golders Green Lib Dem candidate Luciana Berger said: “Great to join young people planting bulbs at the Somali Bravanese Welfare Association”
Bulbs planted had attached labels with notes and pictures for the care home residents, many of whom came to the centre to be part of the day.
Rabbi Rich said “the friendship
between the Somali Bravanese and Jewish communities has brought so much to both. It was a proud moment to stand here with people of all faiths and denominations to share such a special Mitzvah Day and show that love and friendship always wins over hate and division.
“If the Sabbath was the Hebrew culture’s gift to the ancient world,
Mitzvah Day may well rank as the Jewish community’s gift to the modern world. A Jewish initiative that is now not only interfaith but sensitive to the needs of our planet too.”
Love and friendship always wins over hate and division’