A new interfaith initiative for Elstree, Borehamwood & Radlett

Local faith leaders and councillors gathered in Elstree for a simple yet powerful moment to launch a new interfaith initiative to promote understanding, hope, and the celebration of difference.

Convened by the Mayor of Elstree and Borehamwood, Dr Dan Ozarow, who is a member of The Liberal Synagogue Elstree, the event welcomed representatives from Jewish, Christian, Muslim, Hindu and Hare Krishna communities, alongside councillors from Hertsmere Borough Council and Elstree and Borehamwood Town Council. 

Rabbis Gershon Silins and Anna Wolfson (The Liberal Synagogue Elstree), and Rabbis Paul Freedman and David-Yehuda Stern (Radlett Reform Synagogue) were also part of the meeting dedicated to championing inclusivity over exclusion, and unity through diversity.

Rabbi Gershon said: “We are spearheading an interfaith initiative that will celebrate our different communities and the way in which the differences between us create the mosaic that makes Britain both diverse and united. We gather to think about the best ways to advance the story of our Britain, which takes pride in being British as one of inclusivity, not exclusion.”

Pastor Rachel Waitt from Borehamwood Baptist Church added: “It was a joy to meet with leaders of other faiths and begin to dream of ways that together we can be a blessing to our local community. I hope that in meeting and working together as leaders of different faith groups, we can be an example of the strength and hope of our modern United Kingdom.”

Plans are already underway for a Peace Walk through the town, open to all, as well as participation in each other’s festivals and a large-scale interfaith celebration event. The group also confirmed its involvement in Mitzvah Day this November, reinforcing a shared commitment to service and solidarity.