A Hasmonean High School girl was so inspired by her participation in an interfaith project that she initiated a tribute event later this month for murdered MP Jo Cox.

Ruby Levy, 15, was one of a group of 15 girls from Hasmonean, Islamia School and UCL Academy who took part in JW3’s Open Door programme.

Over two months, the girls met weekly for after-school sessions at the centre, with discussions led by outside speakers and joint activities including cooking and weaving. 

Ruby found the encounters “eye-opening. As the weeks went on, I felt more comfortable being with the girls. It has made me more aware and accepting of other people.”
Keen to keep in touch with her new friends, she has not waited long for a reunion.

In two weeks, a series of events, under the banner of “The Great Get Together”, will take place across the country to mark the first anniversary of the death of Mrs Cox, who was killed by a far right activist.

When Ruby heard about it, she suggested doing something local. Pupils from the three “Open Door” schools will come back to JW3 for a public event on June 18, which will be addressed by local MP Tulip Siddiq.

JW3 hopes to repeat Open Door, which was organised by the centre’s youth programmer Anna Braybrooke,  if it can secure further funding.

As for Ruby, she would “definitely recommend it. It was such a great opportunity and experience for everyone to come together.”