Officers attend York Interfaith Group 'Prayers for Peace' event

York Local Neighbourhood Inspector Sam Knott and Hate Crime Sergeant Kate Barrett were honoured to be invited to a ‘Prayers for Peace’ event for the Israel-Hamas conflict, which was organised by York Interfaith Group.

Held at City of York Council West Offices, a number of local faith and community leaders came together to jointly pray for peace and unity for all of those innocently involved in the conflict.

Joint prayers from the Jewish, Muslim, Christian, Baha’i, Buddhist, Hindu and Sikh faiths were all offered.

The group, including the Lord Mayor of York Chris Cullwick, Canon Missioner for York Minster Maggie McLean, Rabbi Elisheva Salamo from the York Liberal Jewish Community and Chair of the York Interfaith Group Avtar Matharu, then joined together to recite ‘Ours is a Town’, a piece which the group regularly say together, to show solidarity and togetherness.

Commenting on the evening Inspector Sam Knott said,

“This evening’s meeting has been a touching reflection and a chance to promote unity within York and send our thoughts and hope out to all those affected by this conflict. Thanks to Avtar for giving us an opportunity to come together.”

Speaking about the evening Sergeant Barrett said,

“My thanks go to Avtar and the York Interfaith Group for arranging such a respectful and moving event. I felt privileged to attend it and am grateful for the invitation to take part.”

Chair of York Interfaith Group, Avtar Matharu said,

"This was a hugely significant event in collaboration with North Yorkshire Police, showing the strength of York as a collective community that stands in solidarity for peace, calm and unity. We continue to strive in making York a great place for all".