Vigil Brings Community Together After Mosque Arson in Sussex
The fire, which damaged the mosque and a nearby vehicle, took place last week in the coastal town in East Sussex, southern England. Police arrested four men aged 22 to 46 on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life; all have been released on bail as investigations continue.
The UK has seen a rise in anti-Muslim hate incidents in recent years.
Mosque trustee Saqib Miah said he had been moved by the response. He noted that support had been “overwhelming… it has been really touching,” ITV News reported.
The vigil was held on Friday 10 October, nearly a week after the attack. Organisers said the aim was to bring people together and show solidarity. Attendees left handwritten cards and flowers outside the building.
Daily prayers were temporarily suspended due to the police inquiry but have since restarted.
A fundraising campaign has collected almost £40,000 to repair the mosque and improve security measures.
Read More:
Chris Ward, the Labour MP for Brighton Kemptown and Peacehaven, joined the gathering and said the town had faced a difficult period.
He described the event as “an outpouring of affection and strength to rebuild the community,” adding that it showed “scenes of hope and solidarity.”
Local residents also attended to stand with Muslim worshippers. Jennifer Robinson and Sue Burt said they came to “stand together with the Muslim community” and to ensure people did not feel isolated after what they described as a “horrible hate crime.”
Sue added that “together we’re strong” and the community wanted to show its care, The Argus reported.
Read More:
Another attendee, Sarah Thomas, said there had been “a really scary rise” in people acting in racist ways. She argued that members of the wider community, especially white residents, had a responsibility to support those facing abuse.
“Activism goes beyond marches,” she said, emphasising that daily acts of solidarity were essential and that the vigil was “just the start of that.”
Source: Agencies
