UK Friends of Standing Together

A Listening Circle at the London Islamic Cultural Society

London Friends of Standing Together activists, members of the local community, and others came together at LICS for a Listening Circle.

“Thank you for a really amazing evening that brought light to our similarities over our differences” 

Last week, 30 members of London Friends of Standing Together and London Islamic Cultural Society found themselves sitting in a circle, tummies full of delicious food provided by the mosque. For most, it was our first experience of a Listening Circle.  Sister Bibi Khan, President of LICS welcomed everyone and talked about the unique history of the Wightman Road Mosque her father founded. Then Toni Baum of London FoST introduced us to the aims and principles of a Listening Circle:

"To provide a fruitful space for expression and connection that will help build understanding between our communities and strengthen social cohesion. The purpose is not to engage in geopolitical debate, find a solution to a conflict, arrive at consensus, impose any kind of agreement, give advice, or plan any action. Rather, it is for everyone present to feel heard, and to develop our capacities to listen compassionately, learn from each other, and communicate difficult feelings effectively. With this practice we can share the emotional burden, and feel more social connection, support and belonging."

The evening built on over a year of ever closer partnership between London FoST and LICS (see links below). It started in September 2024 when the mosque hosted a very successful public event for FoST. Over 100 people came to hear Palestinian and Jewish leaders from Standing Together in Israel. Two leaders met Bibi the following month and this led to an invitation for FoST to have a regular stall after Friday prayers, enabling mostly friendly conversations and mutual support in the face of growing antisemitism and Islamophobia. The Listening Circle was organised in order to continue dialogue including about difficult aspects of the Israel-Palestine conflict which we often avoid. 

The group included people with personal links to Palestine and Israel and also British Jews and Muslims and those with Guyanese, Irish and South African heritage influencing their identities.

We began in groups of three. Toni encouraged us to: 

Each person had a chance to talk from the heart for three minutes, focused on whatever they were feeling in relation to Israel-Palestine, while another listened then reflected back what they heard and the third person observed. Then we regathered as a whole circle and anyone who wished to, had a chance to say more. Finally there was closing circle where we were all invited to share one word or sentence about the process or anything that had come up for them during the evening.

Being together in a Listening Circle was a powerful and positive evening for many in the room. Some felt it was too short and hoped we can meet again. We recognise it was only the beginning and of course it’s not easy for everyone to open up to ‘strangers’. Trust needs to be developed over time.

Feedback from participants: 

“I felt our communities were able to speak from an emotional rather than political standpoint, not that they’re separate. I particularly enjoyed the 1/1 conversations with the Muslim women I was sat next to and we were able to discuss topics in depth.”

“The Listening Circle was amazing. Giving a chance for people to talk about what he/she is thinking about the most, although the time was limited and not enough to explain everything. For me there are so many things to talk about. Pain became a part of my life. This circle gave me a chance to share with others my feelings a little bit.”

“It was such special evening. Thank you so much for inviting me to be there. I feel really grateful I got to be a part of it. I was blown away.”

“I enjoyed the opportunity to get together with our Jewish community. It’s very rare for both communities to meet in a meaningful way. I particularly appreciated the way the circle was designed to ensure we all had a say and felt heard. I learnt that sometimes we think we’re listening, but we’re not truly listening because listening involves not just your ears being open but your heart too.”

“I spent 33 years in Israel without ever speaking with a Palestinian about anything that truly matters. I’ve now lived 12 years in Britain, my new home, and until this evening never really spoken with a British Muslim. I’m grateful to LICS and Sister Bibi for helping us begin to bridge this disconnect – as neighbours who share this home.”

“I loved the warm welcome by Sister Bibi and the other women at the mosque. It was my first time in a mosque not as a tourist and it was a really lovely experience. I found it a really beautiful and profound experience. I don’t follow any religion as such (although I’m from a Jewish family) and to me this is spirituality or religion in practice. Thank you so much.”

“I met people I don’t usually meet - in terms of age and religious / cultural background and really enjoyed talking and sharing. That was a very positive experience. It makes you realise that the more we reach out to each other the more we connect which is the most important thing in the world.”

“I loved the warmth and the trust that was created in the room. There was a really beautiful energy and the space felt very intentional and accepting. I really valued that this was a women-led space and that there was really strong female representation. I enjoyed speaking to women across generations, nationalities and religions.”

“The importance of this space for listening to each other and dealing with these feelings is important for dealing with Israel-Palestine and beyond…. I learned that these spaces need to be intentionally created, we can’t just rely on conversation naturally occurring!”

“I felt immense gratitude for everyone, especially those on the ground in Israel-Palestine, who are trying to create a society where justice, human rights and equality for all is cherished as an aim. I was also overwhelmed by feelings of despair at how great a task that is, knowing we must never give up.”

Further reading:

London Friends of Standing Together and London Islamic Cultural Society – a partnership in solidarity (May 2025)

The Manchester and Peacehaven attacks show the need to unite against racism (October 2025)

Posted 27 October 2025