After a year of unprecedented division, polarisation and anxiety within Britain’s faith communities, Caritas Westminster was pleased to join 35,000 people of all faiths and backgrounds on Mitzvah Day this Sunday 24th November, for a day of good deeds all across the UK. This year’s theme was ‘Stronger Together’ – defying the forces that seek to tear us apart, and instead uniting as one to support local charities and build bridges of commonality.
Mitzvah Day is Britain’s biggest interfaith day of social action, and this year’s events saw political and religious leaders joined by tens of thousands of Jews, Muslims, Christians, Hindus, Baháʼí and people of all faiths and none in a total of 2,500+ projects, including care home visits, cooking for those in need, litter picking, card-writing, park clean-ups, and food bank and winter clothing collections.
Attendees included Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, London Mayor Sadiq Khan, Bishop of Edmonton Revd Canon Dr Anderson Jeremiah, Progressive Judaism Co-Lead Rabbi Charley Baginksy and Imam Asim Hafiz, the Islamic religious advisor to the Chief of the Defence Staff, and representatives from the Diocese of Westminster and Caritas Westminster.
In one of several projects taking place across London, Stephen Curran, Head of Development at Caritas Westminster, joined Imam Asim Hafiz, Rabbi Charley Baginksy and Bishop of Edmonton Revd Canon Dr Anderson at Hammerson House care home, where residents and volunteers packed for Food Bank Aid and sang and danced together.
Stuart Diamond, CEO of Mitzvah Day, said: ‘Caritas Westminster has been a fantastic partner in Mitzvah Day, supporting our efforts to build a more just and compassionate society. Their dedication to serving those in need aligns perfectly with the spirit of Mitzvah Day.’
Rabbi Charley Baginsky said: “This was a heart-warming event on a very special day. Mitzvah Day provides us all with an incredible opportunity to take part in making the world a little bit better and remind ourselves how much stronger we are when we work together.”
Imam Asim Hafiz said: “Whether through zakat in Islam or tzedakah in Judaism, our shared traditions remind us that caring for others is not just an act of kindness but a sacred duty. Mitzvah Day beautifully reflects these shared values, bringing us together to strengthen our communities and make a meaningful difference.”
Mitzvah Day Founder and Chair Laura Marks CBE said: “After a truly challenging year, on Mitzvah Day our faith communities did what we do best – we came together to give back.
“It was so heartening to see our most senior leaders from across the religious and political spectrum put on their green T-shirts, roll up their sleeves and join us in these acts of citizenship, community-building and helping those who need us most.”
