The chair of Finsbury Park Mosque has welcomed Islington Council’s decision to adopt a new definition of Islamaphobia.
So far only four councils in the UK have adopted the definition recommended by the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on British Muslims.
Mohammed Kozbar says he is pleased to have Islington on board.
“Islamophobia is real, it affects individuals and families” says Mosque Chair
He said: “We as a community are grateful to Islington Council as the public will learn about the issue of Islamophobia.
“We would like to put more pressure on the government to adopt this definition as the Muslim community and the wider community will benefit,”
“Islamophobia is real, it affects individuals and families,” added Mr Kozbar.
Mosque site of repeated attacks in recent years
Finsbury Park Mosque has been the target of repeated Islamophobic attacks of late. It was the site of a terrorist attack in 2017, when Darren Osborne drove a van into a crowd gathered outside killing one man and injuring 12 others.
More recently, a pig’s head was put on a gate at the entrance while arsonists have also targeted the mosque.
Islington Council says it wants to eradicate hate crime and racism from the borough.
Councillor says Islington is “welcoming, inclusive borough”
“There is no place for hate in Islington,” said Cllr Richard Watts, Islington Council leader. “We are proud to be a welcoming, inclusive borough that celebrates diversity and champions inclusion.”
No official definition of Islamophobia existed until the APPG on British Muslims report was published last November.
The APPG says that the lack of a widely adopted working definition of Islamophobia has led to an increase in Islamophobia in society.
Newham, Redbridge and Oxford are the only other councils to have adopted the definition.
