United We Rose

United We Rose

On a cold, Saturday morning in November the Leicester Mend team kicked off Islamophobia Awareness Month with a heartwarming gesture to the local community, ‘United we Rose’. Three hundred roses were distributed along with messages paraphrased from prophetic sayings and the Quran.

The team experienced an eclectic range of reactions ranging from curiosity, deep gratitude, and even disgust.

Demonstrating that Islamophobia still exists in our beautiful city, some people responded with a harsh ‘no’ and we also witnessed at least two different children confused as to why their mother had refused to accept a free rose from a smiling stranger. One could be heard saying, “Mummy why didn’t you take the rose?” as the mother walked away at speed.

Others were more positive, the moments where the giver and recipient would be mutually moved, the lady who said, “you have made my day,” the numerous people who stood and talked to us about the problem of Islamophobia, the inquisitive youth, sympathetic community members. One Christian stood and talked with the team quoting a poignant verse from the Bible:

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6 New International Version (NIV)

All in all, an enlightening, fruitful couple of hours in the heart of the city, touching the hearts of the people.