Muslim and Jewish community organisations in Britain say recent violence targeting Jewish residents in north London has reinforced the importance of long-term interfaith work, even as rising fear and tensions linked to the conflict in the Middle East make that work more difficult.

The latest concerns followed the alleged attempted murder of two Jewish men in Golders Green, an area of north London with a large Jewish population. Community leaders said the incident has deepened anxiety within British Jewish communities already facing heightened tensions since the October 7, 2023 attack on Israel and the subsequent war in Gaza.

Laura Marks, co-founder of Nisa-Nashim, a Jewish-Muslim women’s network established eight years ago, said repeated incidents of violence have left many community organisers emotionally exhausted.“I feel punch drunk,” Marks said. “Every day it feels like there is something else. It’s relentless.”

Nisa-Nashim was created to bring Jewish and Muslim women together through social gatherings, dialogue and community events aimed at reducing distrust and stereotypes between the two faith communities. The organisation’s founders said the goal was to strengthen local relationships that could withstand political tensions generated by international conflict.

Marks said incidents such as the Golders Green attack can feel discouraging for groups that have spent years working to improve community cohesion.“I do sometimes despair,” she said. “But if I don’t believe I can make things a bit better, then what am I doing?”She said the purpose of such organisations is not to address violent extremism directly, but to counter the wider social consequences of conflict, including fear, suspicion and growing separation between ordinary people.

“A lot of this work is not designed to address extreme radicalisation,” she said. “The aim is to help ordinary Jews and Muslims acknowledge their similarities as well as their differences, whether culture, history, scripture or food.”According to Marks, the conflict that followed the October 2023 Hamas attack on Israel made this work significantly harder.

As the humanitarian crisis in Gaza intensified and public debate in Britain became more polarised, support for interfaith initiatives weakened.She said some volunteers withdrew after experiencing online abuse or extremist threats, while others felt demoralised or faced pressure from family members who questioned participation in cross-community projects.

At present, she said, the immediate focus for many Jewish communities is physical security.“Right now, all people can hear is walls, police, security,” Marks said. “I understand that. It’s like a hierarchy of needs: if we are not safe, we can’t do anything else.”But she warned that permanent separation cannot be the long-term answer.“Long term, we can’t live behind walls,” she said.

“We have to build relationships.”Mohammed Amin, co-chair of the Muslim Jewish Forum of Greater Manchester, said he felt “horror and dismay” when he learned of the Golders Green attack. The forum, established more than two decades ago, brings Muslim and Jewish communities together through shared social events and dialogue.Amin said its work has produced practical improvements in local community relations by encouraging understanding and trust.

“People get to know each other,” he said. “We have seen real friendships emerge.”The group regularly organises visits, meals and cultural exchanges. Amin pointed to an upcoming visit to a kosher-halal fish and chip restaurant in Leeds, staffed by both Muslims and Jews, as an example of how ordinary social interaction can reduce suspicion and build familiarity.“You can’t change the course of international politics,” he said.

“But these things help change the atmosphere and defuse tension.”Amin, a businessman and former Conservative Party member who is now affiliated with the Liberal Democrats, said responsibility for improving cohesion cannot rest entirely with charities and volunteers. He argued political leadership is essential in shaping public attitudes.“Some politicians in our society trade on sowing division and resentment,” he said.

He cited comments made by Reform UK leader Nigel Farage following the Southport riots in 2024 as an example of rhetoric that can inflame tensions rather than reduce them.“If politicians are going to pour petrol on the flames, do not be surprised by the outcome,” Amin said.

Community organisations say funding for interfaith programmes remains limited despite growing concern over social division. Marks said government investment in cohesion work is often overlooked compared with visible security responses, despite its importance in preventing long-term fragmentation.“At the core of what we do is mixing people, bringing people together,” she said.

“This is social cohesion at the coalface.”She argued that while police protection and community security measures are necessary, they should not replace investment in trust-building between communities.Amin said tensions between Jewish and Muslim communities in Britain often rise and fall depending on developments in the Middle East, but local relationships can help reduce the impact of those external pressures.

For him, interfaith work is less about solving geopolitical conflict and more about preserving the everyday social fabric of British cities.“If you increase connectivity, you decrease hostility,” he said. “The key is to recognise we are all ordinary human beings.”

Akram, 24, is charged with opening fire at a Jewish Hanukkah gathering at Bondi Beach in December, killing 15 people in what police have described as one of the country’s worst mass shootings and an attack inspired by Islamic State.

The accused had sought a 40-year suppression order to block publication of the names, images and identifying details of his mother, brother and sister, arguing that publicity could endanger their safety.

Several Australian media organizations opposed the application, saying it would unduly restrict reporting in a case of significant public interest.Judge Hugh Donnelly ruled against the request, stating that suppression orders should be granted only in exceptional circumstances and that transparency in judicial proceedings was fundamental.

He noted the case had generated “unprecedented public interest, anger, outrage and grief.”The court heard that personal details of Akram’s family had already circulated widely online, while his mother had spoken to local media shortly after the attack.

Donnelly added that any order limited to Australian jurisdiction would be ineffective given the reach of social media and international publications.Akram appeared via video link from a maximum-security prison and did not contest the ruling further.

His lawyer, Richard Wilson, told the court there were no plans to appeal the decision.The December attack shocked Australia, a country with strict gun control laws, and has prompted renewed debate over firearm regulation and rising antisemitism.

The government has since launched a national inquiry into antisemitism and social cohesion, with findings expected later this year, alongside measures to strengthen hate speech legislation.

Concerns over the influence of extremist ideologies on young people have grown in recent years, with researchers and practitioners pointing to a mix of social, psychological and digital factors that shape vulnerability.

Interviews with counsellors, educators and former at-risk individuals suggest that exposure often begins in subtle ways, long before any overt signs of radicalisation emerge.A youth counsellor working with vulnerable adolescents in northern India, who requested anonymity due to the sensitivity of the subject, said that feelings of isolation frequently act as an entry point.

“Most of the young people I meet are not looking for conflict,” the counsellor said. “They are looking for identity, purpose and recognition. Extremist narratives often package these in a very appealing way.”According to the counsellor, online platforms play a significant role in this early stage.

Content is often framed in simplified, emotionally charged language that resonates with personal grievances. “It doesn’t present itself as extremism at first,” the counsellor said. “It presents itself as truth, justice, or even empowerment.”

Educators and digital literacy experts say algorithm-driven platforms can amplify exposure by repeatedly surfacing similar content. A media studies researcher at a public university in Delhi noted that recommendation systems tend to reinforce engagement patterns.

“If a young person interacts with polarising or identity-driven content, the system feeds them more of it,” the researcher said. “Over time, this can create an echo chamber effect.”The researcher emphasised that this process is not limited to any one ideology or region. “The mechanism is structural rather than ideological,” they said.

“Different groups may use different narratives, but the underlying method of influence is remarkably similar.”Students interviewed for this article described encountering such content during routine social media use. One university student said that initially neutral discussions gradually shifted toward more rigid viewpoints. “At first it felt like learning something new,” the student said. “But over time, it became more about ‘us versus them’.”

Former participants in intervention programmes described how emotional factors often intersect with exposure to extremist messaging. A 22-year-old participant in a community outreach initiative said that during a period of personal uncertainty, online communities provided a sense of belonging.

“It felt like people understood me,” he said. “They had clear answers when everything else felt confusing.”He added that the shift toward more extreme viewpoints was gradual. “You don’t realise when your thinking starts changing,” he said. “It happens step by step.”Intervention specialists say that early engagement is critical.

A programme coordinator working with youth groups said that family members, teachers and peers often notice behavioural changes before individuals recognise them themselves. These may include withdrawal from social circles, increased rigidity in opinions, or heightened emotional responses to specific issues.

“The challenge is not to confront aggressively, but to create space for dialogue,” the coordinator said. “Young people respond better when they feel heard rather than judged.”

Experts consistently emphasise the importance of education and open communication in building resilience against extremist influence. Digital literacy programmes, which teach young people to critically evaluate online information, are increasingly seen as essential tools.

A school principal in Srinagar said that structured discussions in classrooms have helped students navigate sensitive topics. “We encourage questions rather than shutting them down,” the principal said. “When students feel safe to express doubts, they are less likely to seek answers in unverified spaces.”Community initiatives also play a role.

Local organisations working with youth have introduced mentorship programmes and extracurricular activities aimed at fostering a sense of inclusion. According to organisers, providing constructive outlets for energy and ambition can reduce susceptibility to harmful narratives.Mental health professionals highlight the need to address underlying emotional factors.

“Extremist messaging often exploits feelings of anger, injustice or alienation,” said a clinical psychologist based in Mumbai. “If those feelings are acknowledged and managed in healthy ways, the appeal of such narratives diminishes.”At the policy level, governments and institutions have focused on balancing security measures with preventive approaches.

Analysts note that enforcement alone is insufficient without parallel investment in education, employment opportunities and community engagement.The accounts gathered in these interviews indicate that while the pathways into extremism are complex, they are not inevitable.

Practitioners underline that timely intervention, supportive environments and access to credible information can significantly alter outcomes for young people navigating identity and belonging in an increasingly digital world.

In Japan, where life expectancy ranks among the highest globally, researchers and policymakers have long examined the cultural and social practices that contribute to longevity.

According to data from the World Health Organization, Japan’s average life expectancy exceeds 84 years, placing it consistently at the top of global rankings. Government statistics from the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare attribute this outcome to a combination of dietary patterns, healthcare access, and social structures that support ageing populations.

One focal point of research has been Okinawa, a southern prefecture often cited in longevity studies due to its high concentration of centenarians.

Academic studies conducted by institutions such as the National Institute of Health and Nutrition indicate that residents in Okinawa have historically maintained lower rates of cardiovascular disease and certain cancers compared to national averages, although these trends have begun to shift in recent decades.

Japanese dietary habits have been identified as a central factor in long life expectancy. Traditional meals emphasize fish, vegetables, soy-based products, and fermented foods, with relatively low consumption of red meat and processed items.

Researchers often cite the practice of “hara hachi bu,” a cultural guideline originating in Okinawa that encourages eating until one is approximately 80% full. Studies published by the Japanese government’s health agencies suggest that this approach contributes to lower caloric intake and reduced rates of obesity.

National data indicates that Japan’s obesity rate remains among the lowest in developed economies. According to the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, adult obesity prevalence is below 5%, significantly lower than in many OECD countries.

Public health officials link this outcome not only to diet composition but also to portion control and meal structure, which typically includes multiple small dishes rather than a single large serving.Nutrition researchers at the National Institute of Health and Nutrition have also highlighted the role of fish consumption, which provides omega-3 fatty acids associated with cardiovascular health.

Fermented foods such as miso and natto are widely consumed and are believed to support gut health, although ongoing research continues to examine their long-term effects.

Beyond diet, social structures play a measurable role in Japan’s longevity profile. Studies examining ageing populations emphasize the importance of community engagement and social cohesion.

In Okinawa, the concept of “moai,” or informal social support groups, has been documented in academic literature as a mechanism for maintaining social ties throughout life. These groups often provide emotional support, financial assistance, and a sense of belonging, particularly among older residents.

Government data indicates that older adults in Japan remain more socially and physically active compared to counterparts in many other developed countries. According to surveys conducted by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, a significant proportion of individuals aged 65 and above participate in community activities, part-time work, or volunteer initiatives.

This sustained engagement is associated with lower levels of social isolation, a factor that global health studies have linked to increased mortality risk.Urban planning and infrastructure have also been cited as contributing factors.

Japanese cities are generally designed to encourage walking and public transport use, leading to higher baseline levels of physical activity. Researchers note that daily movement, rather than structured exercise alone, plays a role in maintaining health over time.

Japan’s universal healthcare system is another key component underpinning longevity. Established in the 1960s, the system ensures broad access to medical services at controlled costs.

According to the World Health Organization, Japan’s healthcare model combines public insurance with regulated pricing, enabling high levels of service utilization without proportionate increases in expenditure.Preventive care is emphasized through regular health check-ups, which are widely available and often subsidized.

Government data indicates high participation rates in screening programs for conditions such as hypertension and certain cancers. Early detection and management of chronic diseases are considered central to extending healthy life expectancy, a metric that Japanese policymakers track alongside overall lifespan.

Pharmaceutical regulation and dietary guidelines are also integrated into national health strategies. The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare periodically updates nutritional recommendations, reflecting evolving research on ageing and disease prevention. Public awareness campaigns reinforce these guidelines, contributing to relatively high levels of health literacy.

Despite these structural advantages, officials have acknowledged emerging challenges. Changes in dietary habits, particularly among younger populations, have been linked to rising rates of metabolic disorders in some regions.

In Okinawa, for instance, recent studies indicate a shift away from traditional diets toward higher consumption of processed foods, coinciding with increased obesity rates.

Japan’s experience has drawn sustained international attention, with policymakers and researchers examining how cultural practices intersect with formal healthcare systems to influence long-term outcomes.

The combination of dietary moderation, social integration, and accessible medical care continues to form the basis of the country’s longevity model, as reflected in both national statistics and global health assessments.