Finsbury Park mosque held event at the weekend in memory of Jo Cox
The mosque targeted in the Finsbury Park terrorist attack hosted an event in honour of murdered MP Jo Cox just two days ago.
The Muslim Welfare House, in north London, said it was “horrified” by the attack in which a man drove into worshippers, injuring 10.
In a statement the Muslim Welfare Centre said: “We have worked very hard over decades to build a peaceful and tolerant community here in Finsbury Park and we totally condemn any act of hate that tries to drive our wonderful community apart.
Read more about the Finsbury Park mosque attack
“Our mosque and welfare centre provides vital support to many people in North London and we will continue to do this despite this incident.
“Muslim Welfare House has always welcomed the whole community. Only a few days ago we hosted a Great Get Together in memory of Jo Cox, attended by people of every faith and background.”
Andy Hull, Labour Councillor for Highbury West, posted images from the MoreInCommon event, which took place on Saturday, a year after Jo Cox was murdered by a far-right extremist.
This is Muslim Welfare House in #FinsburyPark on Saturday, a few yards from where the attack happened last night. #WeStandTogether still… pic.twitter.com/IsOU2t2DFG
— Andy Hull (@AndyHull79) June 19, 2017
Last week rabbis, vicars, police and others joined Muslims at #FinsburyPark Mosque for a communal Ramadan meal. We have #moreincommon still. pic.twitter.com/O02bSP9QMZ
— Andy Hull (@AndyHull79) June 19, 2017
The mosque’s imam has been praised as a “hero” for guarding the van driver who is suspected of mowing down Muslim worshippers until the police arrived.
Mohammed Mahmoud was said to have used his body to shield the suspected terrorist, who had been wrestled from his vehicle, from the fury of onlookers.
He is said to have told the gathering crowd: “Do not touch him.”
The imam was hailed as the “hero of the day” by Toufik Kacimi, chief executive of the Muslim Welfare House.
He said: “The guy, he came out and said ‘You deserve, I did my bit, you deserve it’ and he was shouting and screaming abusive language – what for? What did he do, this man? He is an innocent man.
The mosque added: “I would like to particularly thank our imam Mohammed Mahmoud, whose bravery and courage helped calm the immediate situation after the incident and prevented further injuries and potential loss of life.”
A 48-year-old man, who not been named by police, is in custody.