Jews and Muslims to meet at peace rallies

Jewish and Muslim protesters were today meeting in London as up to 50,000 people converged there for rallies.

The Israel Solidarity Rally was organised to protest ‘‘for peace and the resumption of talks in the Middle East’’ with up to 40,000 people expected.

But Muslims have organised a counter demonstration after fears that the demo would be used to support Israel and its policies in areas such as Jenin, where an alleged ‘‘massacre’’ and ‘‘war crimes’’ are said to have taken place.

A spokesman for the Israel Solidarity Rally insisted that the event was simply to call for peace.

‘‘The aim is really to show solidarity with the people of Israel and to say yes to peace and no to terror,’’ he said.

‘‘The numbers taking buses are 15,000-20,000 alone and we are expecting up to 40,000 on the day.

‘‘It’s a shame the Muslim groups don’t want to join in but we are calling for a resumption to peace talks and we aren’t going to be distracted by people looking to wind up trouble.’’

Massoud Shadjareh, chairman of the Islamic Human Rights Commission, which is planning the counter rally, said his group had felt compelled to organise a demonstration by the huge response of its members.

‘‘We didn’t plan on organising this but were forced into it by popular demand as we wanted an orderly rally rather than separate groups demonstrating,’’ he said.

‘‘We feel that in the light of the recent massacres in Jenin it’s extremely insensitive to organise a rally and blatantly say they support the state of Israel.

‘‘It’s extremely offensive, not just to one community but to all of us who believe in certain absolute values.’’

Kumar Murshid, chairman of the London Muslim Coalition, said the Israeli rally could not have come at a more insensitive time.

‘‘People feel this is provocation,’’ he said. ‘‘If the purpose of this rally is to support the Israeli government and its position then it’s clearly not a step in the direction of peace but quite the contrary. People feel very strongly about that.’’

The two rallies are due to converge on Trafalgar Square at around 2pm.