Wembley synagogue

► We are writing in disbelief at the sale of Wembley United Synagogue to Dawat-e-Islami UK.

As current members of this Synagogue, we were part of the large congregation of mostly past and present members who attended the recent happy event to remember our wonderful shul as it was before it closed for good. Amongst us were children of founder members of the synagoue, whose parents raised money through sheer determination and hard work to get Wembley United started.

Sitting in the front row were representatives of the United Synagogue, who knew exactly about the sale but kept it quiet, as was everyone else involved in this sale, realising the backlash there would be.

We hope that this letter can be published in the JC to show the wider Anglo-Jewish community just how the United Synagogue operate and what they think of the community they are supposed to be serving. We all realised that the Synagogue would be sold to another faith community but to have sold it to this group, beggars belief!

Elaine and Freddy Fleischer

► As a Muslim who lives near Wembley Synagogue I wanted to share both my sadness at the language used in the Dawat-e-Islami fundraising flyer and my concern about the views of the preacher who allegedly once spoke at their West Midlands branch. These remarks are indefensible and do not form part of the Islam that I practise.

As someone who campaigns against extremism, I am also worried by the reporting of this story, particularly on social media, where comments have included racism against Muslims.

We need to work together to tackle anti-Jewish and antiMuslim prejudice and I look forward to popping into Wembley Synagogue’s new home to support community dialogue.

Akeela Ahmed MBE