Solihull Mosque Hosts Unity Fest After 2024 Riot Threats

When Jehangir Malik stood inside Solihull Hub Mosque during the summer 2024 riots, facing threats of attack, he found strength in an unexpected place: the deep connections across faiths that hold his community together.

Now that same mosque is hosting a celebration of unity and hope. The interfaith event brings together speeches, music, and food as part of A Million Acts of Hope, a nationwide week recognizing everyday kindness happening in communities across Britain.

Refugee charity Entraide organized the Solihull gathering, one of more than 350 events taking place from May 13 to 20. Founder Felix Kupay knows the headlines often paint a picture of division and hate, but he sees something different every day at his charity.

"There has never been a more important time to celebrate the positive and make sure people know all the good that is happening in our communities," Kupay said.

Jehangir, who serves on the mosque's management team and welcomed Prime Minister Keir Starmer during the riot crisis, believes these quiet acts of compassion need visibility. He sees neighbors looking out for each other, volunteers showing up, and people speaking out for refugees.

Mohammed, an NHS dental therapist who arrived from Syria in October 2021, is speaking at the event. Now a refugee status holder and Entraide volunteer, he wants to support the country where he's building his new life.

"I believe now is the time to speak out and remember what connects us and our shared experiences," Mohammed said.

The Ripple Effect

The campaign has already gathered over 60,000 signatures for what organizers call the UK's biggest thank you card. More than 200 charities have joined the alliance, including Save the Children, Crisis, The Wildlife Trusts, and HOPE Not Hate, representing diverse causes united by a common message.

These organizations recognize that small acts of solidarity happen in every corner of the country. A volunteer at a food bank, someone checking on an elderly neighbor, a community standing up against hate, all weave together into something larger than themselves.

The Solihull event proves that places once threatened by division can become stages for celebration. When communities choose connection over fear, those moments deserve the spotlight as much as any crisis.

Anyone can join by taking their own act of hope and adding their name to the national thank you card, turning individual kindness into collective momentum.