Harehills ❤️ Love

In the wake of the unrest that shook Harehills in July, local Councillor Mothin Ali stepped forward to lead the community on a path toward healing and unity. His “From Unrest to Unity” event, held at St. Aidan’s Church just a month after the disturbances, brought together residents, community leaders, and faith representatives to promote understanding and forge a stronger Harehills.

City of Belonging

In the wake of the unrest that shook Harehills in July, a remarkable gathering took place on the evening of July 23rd at St. Aidan’s Church. Organized by Green Party Councillor Mothin Ali, the “City of Belonging” event drew a diverse crowd of 200-250 people, representing all ages and backgrounds from Harehills and surrounding areas, united in their desire to heal divisions and envision a brighter future for their community.

Reverend Sally Osborn of St. Aidan’s opened the evening with a powerful message, describing love as an active force that requires patience, bravery, and deep listening. Pastor Dan, a Romanian pastor serving the local Romanian community, echoed her sentiments, speaking through a translator to offer blessings of love and peace. “Romanian children go to the same schools as everyone else,” he emphasized, highlighting the shared experiences and friendships that connect communities. “We must show love and compassion.”

Councillor Ali, who had already earned community praise for his swift action during the unrest, energised the crowd with his vision for a united city. “We have a vibrant tapestry of people breaking down barriers,” he declared, drawing enthusiastic applause. Reflecting on his own experience, he shared, “I didn’t know much of the Romani community before; they were just people who lived next to me. So thanks to the community for taking me in, teaching me about their culture.” He acknowledged the challenges, stating, “So many people live side by side, but we don’t live together as we should. On Thursday night, we saw the worst of Harehills, but we also saw the best of it.”

Ali then gestured towards a group of young men in the audience. “When people were in trouble, people tried to help. These young people, sitting together tonight, fought to stop the fire on the bus, even filling wheelie bins with water. Some received burns fighting the flames.” His words served as a powerful reminder of the courage and compassion that emerged from the unrest.

Baroness Natalie Bennett, who had visited the riot-affected area earlier that day, praised the community’s resilience. “I’m here to listen and learn,” she affirmed, arriving all the way from Westminster. She acknowledged the inequalities that contribute to social unrest, noting, “Some parts of London have life expectancies ten years lower than others.” She emphasized the need to counter divisive narratives, stating, “It’s hard with so much negativity from outside; we have to stand up to that.”

The atmosphere was attentive and respectful, with everyone absorbing the speakers’ messages. Later, during an open mic session, some attendees voiced their frustrations with the police, believing their actions had contributed to the unrest. A young woman activist highlighted the disproportionate impact of school exclusions and incarceration on the Roma community, emphasizing the need for greater understanding and systemic change.

A buzz rippled through the crowd when Romanian MP Antonio Andrusceac arrived, having attended another community meeting at CATCH Leeds earlier. He expressed his solidarity with the Harehills community, emphasizing the importance of ethnic diversity and unity. “Proud of you, proud of the community here in Harehills,” he declared passionately.

The “City of Belonging” event stands as a testament to Harehills’ resilience and its potential for healing and positive change. It demonstrated the power of community in overcoming adversity and offered a glimpse of a future where everyone feels they belong.