The power of community action
For nearly two decades, Mitzvah Day has brought together people from all faiths and walks of life to deliver social action in their communities. Now in its 19th year, this initiative has grown to become the UK’s largest faith-led day of interfaith social action. And we are proud to say that it all started in Camden.
We spoke with Stuart Diamond, CEO of Mitzvah Day, to explore the impact of this unique project and his vision for a more connected society in Camden and beyond.
Stuart, what does Mitzvah Day mean to you personally?
“Mitzvah Day is about community, compassion, and unity. It’s rooted in Jewish values but transcends religious boundaries. The word ‘mitzvah’ means a good deed, and that’s exactly what we’re promoting — doing good in a way that brings people together.”
“Every year, people from diverse backgrounds join forces to address local needs, whether that’s organising a food drive, visiting care homes, or tackling environmental issues. Mitzvah Day is a reminder of the power we all have to make a difference.”
How has Mitzvah Day evolved under your leadership?
“When I became CEO, my focus was on deepening community partnerships to ensure that Mitzvah Day’s impact continues beyond a single day.”
“In 2023, we saw 35,000 people from over 450 UK organisations participate in nearly 2,000 projects. By building relationships with local charities and interfaith groups, we’re creating year-round opportunities for volunteering and fostering genuine connections within communities. For example, our collaboration with JW3, the Jewish Community Centre in Camden, brought together people of all ages and faiths to support the local food bank.”
“It’s more than just a day of action — it’s a movement.”
“By working side-by-side, people break down barriers and see each other’s humanity.”
Stuart
What’s been the most rewarding part of this work?
“Seeing the community come together, especially during times of rising social tensions, has been incredible. We’re facing challenges like antisemitism, Islamophobia, and other forms of hatred, so the interfaith focus of Mitzvah Day is more crucial than ever.”
“As I often say, we can’t just respond to hate with words; we need to respond with action. By working side-by-side, people break down barriers and see each other’s humanity.”
One of Mitzvah Day’s participants, Rabbi Josh Levy, shared his experience:
“The power of Mitzvah Day is that it puts our values into action. It’s a chance to build and deepen relationships within and across faiths. At the food bank project at JW3, I saw firsthand how people from different backgrounds came together to make a real impact on our community.”
Stuart, what’s next for Mitzvah Day?
“Our mission remains “Stronger Together”, and that’s an ongoing effort. As we move forward, we’re focusing on sustainability—making sure our partnerships last and grow, and that we’re addressing real needs in Camden and beyond.”
“My hope is that Mitzvah Day continues to inspire people, not just to volunteer once, but to embrace community service as part of their lives. We’re building bridges, strengthening civil society, and showing that we can achieve so much more together.”
Under Stuart Diamond’s leadership, Mitzvah Day has become more than an event—it’s a beacon of unity and kindness that leaves a lasting impact on the community.
From food drives to environmental projects, Mitzvah Day embodies the belief that together, we can make the world a better place. Mitzvah Day is 24 November but the team encourage events all year round.
Get involved
Visit the Mitzvah Day website to join an event or get involved in activities throughout the year.
