Oasis stands together on the National Day of Solidarity

On Thursday 9th October, Oasis academies and community spaces across the country came together in a powerful act of solidarity, reflection, and belonging as part of the National Day of Solidarity. 

This important initiative was led by a coalition of organisations including the Together Coalition, Church of England, Scouts, Hope not Hate, Women’s Institute, and the British Muslim Network. It was a response to the deeply distressing attack at Heaton Park Synagogue in Manchester on Yom Kippur - the holiest day in the Jewish calendar - just a week earlier, on 1st October. 

Speaking on behalf of Oasis, our Founder Rev. Steve Chalke shared: “Our message to our Jewish friends is that you are not alone. We stand with you at this time of sorrow and fear, and as we all work together to end hate and bring hope to every community.” 

Throughout the day, Oasis academies and community spaces observed a minute of silence - a symbolic gesture of our commitment to being peace makers and peace builders. Assemblies focused on themes of togetherness, and staff, students, and community members engaged in meaningful discussions about how we can work together to stop hate and build peace. 

In MediaCityUK and Hull, our communities hosted vigils of peace and reflection, standing together in unity. 

At Oasis Academy South Bank Primary, students were joined by Nathan Jones, Oasis Exec Director and Senior Minister at Oasis Church Waterloo, who led an engaging assembly exploring the power of difference and the strength of togetherness. The assembly concluded with a shared reflective minute of silence. 

After the assembly, Nathan reflected: “One of the great strengths of Oasis is that we work in so many different communities across the country, serving people from diverse backgrounds. What unites us is our commitment to inclusion. 

“We believe everyone is in, everyone is valued, and everyone has a role to play. We must keep telling that story - loudly and clearly. Days like this remind us that we are better together, and that everyone is made in God’s image and loved for exactly who they are.” 

Paul Cornall, Principal of Oasis Academy South Bank Primary, added: “It’s so important to talk about difference with young children, especially as they begin to form their understanding of the world. Teaching them about diverse ways of life and perspectives helps them navigate conflict and challenges in a healthy, constructive way. 

“A huge thank you to Nathan for helping us do that today.” 

Let’s continue to stand together, speak out against hate, and build communities rooted in peace, inclusion, and hope.