Over the past weekend, the Labour supporters convened in Liverpool for their annual conference while our team traveled to Birkenhead under the Mersey. At Future Yard, a cooperative venue contributing to the area’s revitalization, we screened a film from our ‘Island of Strangers’ series for the local community who assisted in its creation.
This experience was deeply moving for us. Over recent months, myself along with colleagues Claire Donnelly and John Domokos have collaborated with the individuals behind an exceptional initiative called Refugees Rock. This project originated when a Liverpool climbing wall began offering free climbing sessions to local asylum seekers.
In a time when asylum hotels and refugee support services face direct opposition from extremist groups, the compassion and support found at the Climbing Hangar, where refugees are paired with ‘Boulder Buddies,’ is a refreshing contrast. Ali, a 21-year-old climber who fled Iran, expressed, “Coming to a new country and city is not easy. You feel like you are on a desert island.” His transformation from a reserved figure to a young man joyfully interacting with his boulder buddy Sev Domela spoke volumes.
While many work tirelessly to unite our nation, there are those intent on sowing division through violence. The recent attack on the Heaton Park synagogue in Manchester, on the sacred day of Yom Kippur, is a strike against us all. The motives of the attacker, Jihad Al-Shamie, remain uncertain, but it may be an effort to instill fear and hatred in an area known for its diverse communities.
Labour MP Graham Stringer promptly denounced the attack as an assault on the tolerant city and its interfaith relationships. Merseyside, with its own history of division, has faced challenges such as the misinformation following a tragic incident in Southport and attacks on asylum hotels in Knowsley. However, it also witnessed a remarkable display of unity when thousands rallied to protect Asylum Link Merseyside from Far-Right protesters.
In times of adversity, cities like Manchester have demonstrated resilience against division. Following the Manchester Arena attack in 2017, the community came together, showcasing acts of kindness and unity across different faiths. The Lord Mayor of Manchester urged unity in the face of terrorism, emphasizing the strength of diverse communities working together.
Amidst setbacks, initiatives like ‘Island of Strangers’ aim to highlight positive community actions. These films showcase the efforts of individuals who strive to bridge divides and foster unity. Through the story of climbing, the films symbolize the nation’s ability to overcome challenges together.
In bouldering, navigating rockfaces is referred to as solving ‘problems.’ Sev, an accomplished boulderer, explained the challenge of deciphering handholds to reach the top. Ali, inspired by climbing, equated life’s obstacles to bouldering problems, emphasizing the importance of perseverance.
The friendship between Sev and Ali, central to our film, encapsulates the essence of Refugees Rock and the power of camaraderie in challenging times. As communities navigate through difficult terrain, our films serve as guiding lights, illustrating the strength found in unity and collaboration.
Our ‘Island of Strangers’ films are released every Friday on our Mirror Originals YouTube channel. The Liverpool film can be viewed here.