Following a landmark meeting with the OneVoice Movement at the London Muslim Centre (LMC) in Whitechapel, increased efforts are to be made promoting Palestinian products in the UK.

OneVoice, which works with both Israelis and Palestinians to promote peaceful dialogue and a two-state solution in the Holy Land, appeared at a discussion last Friday (1 March 2013) hosted by LMC chairman Muhammad Abdul Bari. At the meeting, OneVoice and LMC tenant MADE in Europe agreed to boost sales of Palestinian products in the UK, and to promote inward investment into the Palestinian private sector.

Speaking to an audience including Jews and Muslims, as well as local MP Rushanara Ali and Dr Muhammad Abdul Bari, Chairman of the East London Mosque Trust, John Lydon, Global Chief Operating Officer for OneVoice, said:

“Ending this conflict is going to take an enormous effort on the part of Israelis and Palestinian, but also internationals. We all have a role to play in building a two-state solution, and we at OneVoice are thankful to the London Muslim Centre for hosting a discussion that allows us to explore ways in which British Muslims can lend their support to those in the region working to achieve peace.”

OneVoice calls for an end to settlement building on Palestinian lands, as stated by the UN Human Rights Council. Over 298,000 Palestinians along with 334,235 Israelis have signed the OneVoice mandate, making it one of the largest grassroots campaigns for peace in the region of its kind. The movement states that “violence by either side will never be a means to end the conflict.”

Rushanara Ali expressed her support for the movement and praised how they had taken steps towards helping the reconciliation process. She said she would be working hard to highlight the issues raised in a national and international capacity.

Dr Muhammad Abdul Bari, who supports the objectives of the OneVoice movement, said: “People in Palestine and Israel are desperate for peace. The civil society in both these lands should be more assertive in putting pressure on their politicians for peace. The world community, with movement like OneVoice and the US taking the lead, should push for a long-lasting peace settlement, based on justice, in this holy land.”

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Notes to editors:

• OneVoice is an international grassroots movement that amplifies the voice of mainstream Israelis and Palestinians, empowering them to propel their elected representatives toward the two-state solution. Further information can be found here: http://www.onevoicemovement.org/
• MADE in Europe is a Muslim-led movement of young people who want to see our community leading the fight against global poverty and injustice. http://www.madeineurope.org.uk
• The East London Mosque & London Muslim Centre is in the heart of Tower Hamlets, a diverse borough with a rich history, and home to the UK's largest Muslim community. For further information contact: Salman Farsi – Communications Officer [email protected] – 020 7650 3000