Faith Matters is an organisation that works on numerous social projects including interfaith, conflict resolution, preventing extremism and monitoring hate crimes work. We believe in dialogue, in speaking to those with different opinions and in bringing communities together. This is a fundamental part of who we are and what we are about. There is no point in speaking to the same people as if this provides solutions to issues that form the basis of conflict in communities. Sometimes this means talking to those with opposite and polar views and we reserve the right to do so in the future.
However, we also recognise that our work through TELL MAMA involves working with Muslim communities, many of whom trust the work that we do. Hate crime monitoring can only take place if there is trust between victims and the organisation that they report to. In light of this, we are aware of a few of the tweets of Rabbi Schochet and which were made in relation to the Israel / Palestine crisis.
We acknowledge that the statements of patrons can become associated with organisations that they are patrons of. We would like to make clear. We believe that Palestinians and Israelis deserve a future free from fear, intimidation and hate. People will continue to have views supporting Israel or supporting Palestine or even both. We have no issue with what is, freedom of choice and opinion. However, a few tweets made by Rabbi Schochet have taken very strong positions which have led to difficulties for us.
We acknowledge that Rabbi Schochet has every right to say what he wants. Yet, for us, there are frameworks that we try to work within. In light of this, we will be moving forward without his involvement. We wish the Rabbi well and wish all communities a peaceful and progressive future.