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Tonight, I joined with representatives of all faiths and none at the BATCA annual peace ceremony in Tooting. Thank you to everyone for their prayers of peace. They are needed now more than ever and I am so proud to represent such a wonderful, caring community.
It was wonderful to host a coffee morning for local residents today at Tooting United Reform Church. It was brilliant to welcome residents from Tooting and Furzedown. I am really grateful to everyone who attended, including some local organisations and charities who do invaluable work in the community. Tonight, I held a peace vigil at Tooting Broadway station to bring our community together to remember all those who have died in Israel and Gaza recently. I want to pay a huge thanks to the representatives from our local religious groups who said a prayer for peace. During some of our darkest hours, Tooting reminds us that there is always hope. It was great to attend and speak at the annual Balham and Tooting Community Association’s multi-faith peace ceremony in Tooting Broadway. Local people of all faiths and none gathered to celebrate all that unites us. We heard prayers and moving speeches from leaders of six different faiths and school students. I love representing a community where so many faiths are represented. People of all faiths and none live and work alongside each other in our community and I was honoured to be part of such a joyous occasion that celebrates our diversity and our commitment to common values of tolerance and understanding. Leaders from Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Jewish, Muslim, and Sikh communities spoke and prayed in their own traditions. Senior school pupils from Al Risalah Girls Secondary School spoke of what their faith means to them and their hopes for peace. This event has taken place in Tooting for many years now and it’s always an inspiring and uplifting event that I look forward to attending. It’s always fantastic to see our community come together. Thank you to all who attending and to those who worked so hard to make this event a success.  
 It was an absolute pleasure to spend time at the Khalsa Centre Gurdwara here in Tooting, sharing prayers and food.
It was nice to meet the Sikh community at the Gurdwara. Our community is a vibrant and multicultural place, and the diversity of our community is such a strength. Thank you so much for the warm welcome.  Last week was the first time in two years, Tooting came together for the Multi-Faith Peace Ceremony. The importance of this ceremony is that leaders of the main faiths and civic leaders gather with the general public to express prayers and wishes for peace and community solidarity.
Our community stood side-by-side, many faiths, all ages, and people from all walks of life who bonded over those differences. It was a real honour to be asked to speak and say a few words. Thank you.  Today Muslims across the UK and around the world mark the beginning of the holy month of Ramadan.
As a proud Muslim, the period of reflection, prayer, and fasting is incredibly important to our Muslim community. Traditionally, Ramadan is a time for gathering and sharing Iftar with family and friends. Although, like last year, we are unable to come together and celebrate as we normally would, the spirit of Ramadan remains. To every Muslim nurse and doctor who have saved countless lives throughout this pandemic, to every volunteer and community leader in our Mosques and community centres who continue to support those most vulnerable, and to every Muslim in Tooting and across the country, I wish you all Ramadan Mubarak. |
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