Religion Media Festival 2026: Challenges facing British Muslim and Jewish communities

Rising levels of antisemitism and anti-Muslim hate crime, and the challenges facing faith communities and the media, were explored in a discussion with the Chief Rabbi, Sir Ephraim Mirvis, and Imam Qari Asim, CEO of the UK Muslim Network, at the Religion Media Festival on 29 June. They are both signatories of the Drumlanrig Accords which aim to improve relations between British Muslim and Jewish communities, and during the session, it was announced that a Council of Muslims and Jews is to be established to build bridges between Britain’s Muslim and Jewish communities and work towards improving social cohesion. Sir Ephraim said the Accords offered a new approach, putting on the table the issue of Israel, "its centrality to Jews, its centrality in Jewish faith, what it means to Muslims, what it means to Christians, and where we differ ... raising differences in a context of collegiality, of friendship, and of warmth." He said they were determined not to allow “a conflict thousands of miles away to disturb social cohesion on our streets” and Imam Qari Asim stressed that while he “may disagree on many things with the Chief Rabbi”, they could still work together to fight antisemitism and anti-Muslim hostility. Interviewed by the BBC's former Home Editor, Mark Easton, there were tough questions about the role of the media and freedom of expression, alongside a plea to report sensitive issues with caution.