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Good morning Yesterday I went to a synagogue for Mitzvah Day, an annual Jewish led day of volunteering which I’ve taken part in for ten years. As a passionate advocate of inter-faith work, it’s not unusual for me to visit different religious spaces. But the idea of a Muslim going to a synagogue while the conflict is raging in Israel and Gaza is, for some people, unacceptable. Friendships have been tested, intentions questioned, relationships have broken down. I’ve had Muslim friends tell me I’ve let them down for not posting enough on social media. The pain and anger felt on behalf of the people of Gaza is very real. I know that for one friend a banner is their form of expression and freedom of speech and for another that same banner is hateful and creates fear. I understand both perspectives and am torn between both friends. These are friendships that have been built up over many years often across religious divides and these conversations have taken a toll. There are those who mock inter-faith work as preaching to the converted. Some say it’s been tested beyond its limits. Looking at UK events over the last few weeks and the rise of anti-Muslim hate and anti Semitism, it’s easy to see why people say that. And yet, on Friday an Imam reflected on a verse from the Qur’an. Muhammad and his early followers were treated harshly, persecuted, ostracised, killed. In the verse, God reminded Muhammad of how he should react in the face of adversity, “if you had been cruel or hard hearted, they would have certainly abandoned you, so pardon them…. Once you make a decision, trust in God. Surely God loves those who trust Him”. I felt more settled when I read the verse, a reminder to me from the Qur’an that responding with harshness, no matter what others throw at us, will not resolve a situation and indeed, can make it worse. I thought of that message yesterday too. The fact that I, as a Muslim, could reflect on the life and teachings of Muhammad in a synagogue while listening to and sharing the pain and fears of the Jewish community, gives me hope. As people of faith I feel it is our duty to stand up against all forms of hatred, together. We may not be able to directly influence the events in Israel Gaza but being able to keep friendships alive here despite everything that's happening, is in itself a small but significant kind of peace. One friendship, one text and one meal at a time, people can reach out to each other more not less and understand how much good a kind word can do.