The Muslim-Jewish Leadership Council (MJLC) expresses its profound shock and condemnation following the reported Islamophobic attack that took place in Edinburgh on 19 June 2026, in which several people were injured, including individuals who were reportedly targeted because of their Muslim faith.

We stand in full solidarity with those who were harmed, their families, and the wider Muslim community in Edinburgh and across the United Kingdom. Acts of hatred and violence directed against people because of their religion or identity are an affront to the values of human dignity, freedom of belief, and mutual respect that are essential to a peaceful and democratic society.

At a time when prejudice, intolerance, and extremism continue to threaten social cohesion, it is vital that people of all faiths and backgrounds stand together in rejecting Islamophobia, antisemitism, racism, and all forms of hatred. The MJLC remains committed to strengthening understanding, friendship, and cooperation between Muslim and Jewish communities, and to working alongside partners across society to build communities characterised by justice, compassion, and respect for all.

The following statements from Prof. Dr. Faid Mohammed Said and Rabbi Alex Goldberg reflect our shared commitment to standing united against hatred and supporting all those affected by this tragic incident.

Prof. Dr. Faid Mohammed Said, Member of the Board of the MJLC and Secretary General of the Commission of Fatwa and Sharia Affairs for the UK:

I strongly condemn the Islamophobic attack that took place in Edinburgh on 19 June 2026, in which five people were injured, including Muslims who were reportedly targeted because of their faith.

Such acts of violence have no place in a civilised society. Targeting individuals because of their religion, ethnicity, or identity is an attack not only on those directly affected, but also on the values of justice, dignity, and mutual respect upon which healthy communities are built.

The Holy Qur’an reminds us of the sanctity of human life:

“Whoever kills a soul—unless for a soul or for corruption in the land—it is as though he has killed all mankind; and whoever saves a life, it is as though he has saved all mankind.” (Qur’an 5:32)

This profound principle teaches us that an attack on one innocent person is, in essence, an attack on humanity itself.

This tragic incident also highlights the urgent need to continue raising awareness about the dangers of Islamophobia, racism, hatred, and all forms of discrimination. We must invest in education, dialogue, and community engagement to challenge prejudice and foster a culture of understanding and respect. The fight against hatred cannot be won through division; it can only be won through greater awareness, stronger relationships, and a shared commitment to our common humanity.

At a time when societies face growing polarisation, it is more important than ever that we stand united against Islamophobia, antisemitism, racism, and every form of violence and extremism, regardless of its source or target.

My thoughts and prayers are with those who were injured and with their families. I wish them a full and speedy recovery, and I call upon community leaders, faith organisations, educators, public institutions, and all people of goodwill to continue working together to build societies characterised by peace, justice, compassion, and mutual respect.

Rabbi Alex Goldberg, Rabbi of Guildford, Dean of Religious Life at the University of Surrey, and MJLC member:

I am deeply saddened and disturbed by the reported Islamophobic attack in Edinburgh, in which innocent people were injured, apparently because of their Muslim identity and faith.

As a rabbi, and as someone committed to building strong relationships between Jewish and Muslim communities, I condemn this attack unequivocally. Violence and hatred directed at people because of their religion have no place in our society. An attack on one faith community is ultimately an attack on the values of dignity, respect, and freedom that protect us all.

Jewish tradition teaches that every human being is created b’tzelem Elokim—in the image of God (Genesis 1:27). The Mishnah further teaches that whoever destroys a single life is considered as though they have destroyed an entire world, and whoever saves a single life is considered as though they have saved an entire world (Sanhedrin 4:5). These teachings remind us of the infinite value of every human life and the moral obligation to protect one another from hatred and violence.

At a time when antisemitism, Islamophobia, racism, and other forms of prejudice are rising across many societies, it is essential that we refuse to be divided. The strongest response to hatred is solidarity. Jewish and Muslim communities know all too well the pain caused by intolerance, and we must continue to stand together in defence of one another and of the common good.

My thoughts and prayers are with those who were injured, their families, and the wider Muslim community in Edinburgh. I wish those affected a full and speedy recovery. I also want to assure our Muslim brothers and sisters that the Jewish community stands with them at this difficult time. Through our interfaith organisations, local faith networks, and community relationships, we remain committed to supporting one another, challenging hatred wherever it appears, and strengthening the bonds of friendship and trust between our communities.

Now is a time for unity, not division; for courage, not fear; and for people of goodwill from all backgrounds to work together to build communities marked by compassion, understanding, justice, and peace.