Like any human being we, at the Dialogue Society were shocked and sickened by the events of last week, which saw attacks in Tunisia, Kuwait and France. Like any Brit, we were deeply saddened and upset for the loss of life of our fellow countrymen and women, unsuspectingly attacked while holidaying on a beach in Sousse. Such horrific actions targeting innocent civilians represent an assault on human dignity.

We find ourselves having to condemn such acts far too many times, each time hoping and praying that it will be the last, but let us make it clear one more time, there is no ideology that can boast any meaningful link, however flimsy or inconsequential, with any world religion that would find it acceptable to spray bullets on innocent men, women and children enjoying each other’s company on a beach in any part of the world.

The Dialogue Society is a Muslim-led grass roots organisation working to facilitate dialogue and understanding between people and communities in the UK. We do not simply hope and pray that such brutal acts do not reoccur, but actively work towards that goal through our projects and activities. Such acts of terror are committed abroad with the specific aim of injecting fear and division into our communities at home. We must stand united in our resolve to prevent that outcome.

In these difficult times we offer the families of the victims our heartfelt condolences. We wish those injured a speedy recovery and pray for peace and unity in the UK and around the world.

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Notes to Editors

Dialogue Society is a registered charity, established in London in 1999, with the aim of advancing dialogue and interconnectedness by connecting communities, empowering people to engage and contributing to the development of ideas on dialogue. It operates nation-wide with regional branches across the UK. Through discussion forums, courses, capacity building publications and outreach it enables people to venture across boundaries of religion, culture and social class. It provides a platform where people can meet to share narratives and perspectives, discover the values they have in common and be at ease with their differences.