Hate crimes against Muslims in the UK have spiked in the past few years, with the Brexit debate and terrorism attacks being blamed for the increase. Many mosques and Islamic centers in the country have been targeted by far-right protesters, sparking fears among the Muslim community. One of those affected is the Abdullah Quilliam mosque located in Liverpool, which received attention from protesters during the recent far-right riots across the country.
However, instead of allowing the situation to escalate, the imam of the mosque, Adam Kelwick, decided to take an unconventional approach. He crossed the police line separating protesters and supporters to speak to those who had come to “protest” the mosque. Kelwick handed out food, drinks, and even hugs to the protesters, trying to establish a connection with them. Many took him up on his offer and were surprised to find that some of their fears and anger were based on misconceptions.
Speaking to Helen Pidd, Kelwick expressed his thoughts on what motivated the far-right protesters’ anger and fear towards Muslims and spoke about the benefits of people talking to each other, even in extreme circumstances. Despite receiving backlash from some members of his own Muslim community, Adam Kelwick’s approach highlights the importance of communication in bridging divides regarding religious and cultural differences and how a little kind gesture can go a long way in winning hearts and minds.
With hate crimes against Muslims showing no signs of slowing down, it is imperative to foster better understanding and communication between people from different backgrounds. Adam Kelwick’s methods may be unconventional, but it shows that even in the toughest of situations, there is always a way to build bridges and create a sense of unity
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