Islamophobia Awareness Month has started with an increasing number of anti-Muslim hate crimes.
According to the Met Police, 101 Islamophobic offenses were committed between 1 October and 18 October, resulting in a 140% increase compared to the previous year.
In the backdrop of the Israel/Hamas conflict, the Met also recorded 218 antisemitic offenses, compared to just 15 offences last year during the same period.
Islamophobia Awareness Month (IAM) aims to raise awareness of Islamophobia and showcase the positive contributions of Muslims in the UK.
To fight hate crime in London, the Met and the Major of London, Sadiq Khan, have established a strong collaborative relationship with members of London’s Muslim and Jewish communities.
I’m sickened by the rise in antisemitism and Islamophobia across our city. Last week I joined police and community representatives to send a clear and unified message: Hate crime has no place in London and is a criminal offence. pic.twitter.com/N1Bu3P4HEg
— Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan (@MayorofLondon) October 23, 2023
But even within these spaces, cases of Islamophobic offenses have occurred.
AbdulMaalik Tailor was targeted in an event for faith groups about hate crimes organized by the Mayor of London and the Kensington and Chelsea Council on 24 October.
Mr. Tailor says that a Jewish attendee asked him and another member of the Muslim community if they knew someone in Gaza who could release hostages after a person they believe to be a Labour representative spoke about the topic.
He says that he reported the offense to the police at the event, but hasn’t had a response.
Mr. Tailor will report the incident again with the help of the TellMAMA organization, which collaborates with The Met to file reports of anti-Muslim hate crimes.
We are working in partnership with @CST_UK, @TellMamaUK and the @CPSUK to make sure victims voices are heard through a community impact statements provided by each organisation. pic.twitter.com/5PeEezUSFn
— Metropolitan Police (@metpoliceuk) October 27, 2023
TellMAMA logged 515 anti-Muslim cases between 7 October and 29 October – the same period last year they received 73 cases.
Mr. Tailor will guide the walk ‘Islam and Nature in Highbury Fields’ as part of Islington Council’s activities for IAM.
Newham and Tower Hamlets Councils have unveiled their IAM 2023 plans, while others are in the process of finalizing their activities.
