The East London Mosque in Whitechapel welcomed a prominent rabbi for a inter-faith event on Monday when a group, believed to be Muslims Against Crusades, held a small protest outside.
Under the banner of “Children of Abraham”, members of the mosque met with Mark Winer, the former senior rabbi of the west London synagogue, to develop inter-faith programmes.
In a speech to guests, Mr Winer said: “I so treasure the endeavour of so many Muslims to express the voice of mainstream Islam within our world.
“I celebrate our dialogue today as part of that sacred endeavour.”
A mosque spokesman said staff were harassed by a small number of protesters in Whitechapel Road who were also handing out leaflets opposing the visit.
He said the mosque prides itself on its dialogue with non-Muslims.
Tower Hamlets police said there were around 20 protesters and that it was a peaceful demonstration.
No arrests were made.
Muslims Against Crusade oppose the British military being in Afghanistan and believe in “re-establishing the Islamic state.”
They were not available for comment.
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