PRESS RELEASE
Joint statement from all Southend Mosques mourning the tragic loss of local MP, Sir David Amess
16th October 2021
As members of Southend-On-Sea’s Muslim community, we mourn the brutal and senseless killing of Sir David Amess MP. Our thoughts and prayers are with Sir David’s family, friends and colleagues at this difficult time. We share their grief at his loss, for Sir David was not only our Member of Parliament, but an upstanding friend to our Muslim community.
Sir David joined the local Muslim community as we celebrated our achievements. He graced us with his presence at the opening of the Essex Jamme Masjid in 2008 and 2014. He took part in the launch of Southend-on-Sea’s first Muslim Scout group. He shared in our happiness, by attending our weddings and functions and he was there for us in our times of need. We will all miss him dearly, but his legacy of public service will live on, as will memories of his warmth, selflessness and kindness.
Sir David’s murder was an indefensible atrocity, commited on the grounds of a place of worship and we condemn it in the strongest possible terms. This act was committed in the name of blind hatred, and we look forward to the perpetrator being brought to justice.
Ruhul Shamsuddin, Joint Secretary of Essex Jamme Masjid said:
“Sir David was a tremendous force for good and pillar of support for our community. It’s tough for us all to come to terms with what happened; our thoughts are with his family. This was senseless violence against a truly wonderful man. It’s an honour to say I’ve known him my whole life- I’ve lost not just a community leader, but a family friend and mentor ”
Ibrar Azam, Secretary, Faizane Madina Masjid Southend said:
“It’s very heartbreaking news today of the brutal and cold blooded murder of Sir David Amess. It saddens me that this has happened in Southend. Sir David was a popular MP in our area and I have known him since he became a MP for Basildon. It was always a pleasure meeting him and discussing things for the benefit of the Muslim communities in the Southend. My thoughts are with his family, we are here for them, in this very dreadful time.”
Iftikhar Ul Haq, Imam, UKIM Southend Mosque and Dr Arshad Ghori, President, UKIM Southend Mosque said:
“We deeply mourn the passing away of Sir David Ames MP for Southend West. We pray to God to give his wife and family the strength and patience to bear this irreplaceable loss. We have wonderful memories of Sir David, including the Southend Muslim Scouts launch in 2013 and attending our Mosque open days every year; mingling and chatting with everyone.
Sir David Ames was always reachable, he showed great compassion for communities and alway was there to offer support. He will be greatly missed by us at UKIM Southend Mosque and the community in Southend. We strongly condemn this brutal murder and hope the perpetrator be swiftly brought to justice.”
[ENDS]
Notes:
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