A message from One Sheffield Many Cultures and Sheffield Unite Against Fascism

Please support the statement below.

Don’t let the racists divide us – Unite to peacefully celebrate and defend One
Sheffield Many Cultures

Oppose attempts by the racist and fascist English Defence League to
exploit the tragic death of soldier Lee Rigby to whip up racism

Join the rally on Saturday 8 June.

Please email your support for the campaign statement to
info@onesheffieldmanycultures.org.uk or info@sheffielduaf.org.uk and
spread the word about the rally on Saturday 8 June called by One
Sheffield Many Cultures and Sheffield Unite Against Fascism.

Campaign statement

We urge people from all walks of life in Sheffield to unite in
celebration and defence of One Sheffield Many Cultures on Saturday,
8th June from 12 noon in Barkers Pool.

We strongly oppose plans by the English Defence League (EDL) and their
national leadership to demonstrate in Sheffield on Saturday 8th June.

We condemn the brutal murder of soldier Lee Rigby in Woolwich last
week. There can be no justification for such a terrible attack on an
individual. Our thoughts and condolences go out to his family and
friends.

We also oppose the cynical attempts by the EDL and others to exploit
the murder to whip up racism and direct hatred against all Muslims in
defiance of the wishes of Lee Rigby’s family and regiment.

The EDL is a racist group dedicated to attacking Asian people and
Muslims. Islamophobia – bigotry against Muslims is as unacceptable as
any other form of racism.

The EDL’s aim is to divide us by making scapegoats of one community,
just as the Nazis did with the Jews in the 1930s.

Today they threaten Muslims, tomorrow it could be Jewish people,
Hindus, Sikhs, black people, lesbians and gay men, Travellers or
Eastern Europeans. There is no place for the fascist EDL in our
multicultural and multi-faith city.