 | | Abdullah Mussa |
Group Scout Leader Abdullah Mussa of Birmingham's first official Muslim Scout Group organised an event in Victoria Square in Birmingham city centre to unite all children from schools across the city in peace after the attacks in London. Muslim scouts in Abdullah's group were concerned after the bombings and wanted to unite and show support and solidarity for the people of London and those mourning friends and relatives killed. The children invited other children from across the city to join together as a symbol of peace and solidarity, and to express their condolences to the families of the victims.
 | | Fifi |
"Islam holds the sanctity of human life in the highest possible regard and shedding the blood of an innocent person is seen as a terrible crime" said Abdullah. "I'm really touched by all the children here. We really have hope for the future now." Abdullah opened the event by saying; "Assalam alaikum" meaning 'Peace be upon you', the Lord Mayor, Councillor John Hood, welcomed people by saying; "No matter what the colour of your skin, or religious beliefs that you've got, we all need to condemn this attack on democracy."
 | | Bally and family |
Children, parents and friends joined together, holding hands to sing songs of peace, while 9 year old Fifi from Solihull read an emotional message; "We the children of Birmingham..... want a world free of violence where we are free to be children and to grow up safe and not be afraid. This is the future we want for ourselves. Together we can achieve this if we stand united in grief, united in peace." Bally was at the event with her family; "I came here today because I'm against any killing in any form and in any shape. I wanted to be united with other people who felt the same way."
 | | Releasing white balloons |
Forming two large circles, one of adults, and an inner circle of children, everybody held hands for a minutes silence as a mark of respect and sympathy to those affected by the London bombings. As the silence ended, dozens of white balloons were then released into the sky above Victoria Square by all the children present. Click the gallery link at the top right of this page to see images of the 'united in grief, united in peace' event>>> Click the 'Scout and about' link to find out more about the inclusive 304th Birmingham MAB scouts >>> | 
