Inside your 20-page Community Newspaper
CHANUKAH ISSUE 5784/2023
Simchas
AJEX Parade
Mitzvah Day
Page 8
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THE INDEPENDENT NEWSPAPER FOR THE JEWISH COMMUNITY IN ESSEX & EAST ANGLIA
Standing united against antisemitism
Photo courtesy of Campaign Against Antisemitism social media
By PAT LIDIKER EWS and allies from across Essex have taken a number of steps to fight antisemitism in the wake of rising abuse and attacks against the Jewish community since the Hamas terrorist atrocities of 7 October. The terrorist attack and resulting Israel-Hamas war has brought a surge in antisemitic incidents in Redbridge and greater Essex, as it has in other parts of the country. You can read more on page 5 of this newspaper. In response, thousands of Essex residents were among the 105,000 people at the National March Against Antisemitism – believed to be the largest demonstration of its kind since the Battle of Cable Street in 1936. Harlow MP Robert Halfon and Southend-born celebrity Rachel Riley were just of the two of the high-profile faith leaders, politicians and celebrities taking part in the march (pictured), which was organised by the Campaign Against Antisemitsm (CAA) and supported by the Board of Deputies of British Jews. A spokesperson for the CAA said: “Britain sent a powerful message. Our country, one of tolerance and decency, stood shoulder to shoulder and said ‘no’ to anti-Jewish racism.” Hundreds more from Essex have attended other marches, rallies, vigils and events all over the country. These include the Together 4 Humanity vigils, taking place opposite Downing Street, where Jewish, Muslim and Christian leaders – along with
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Israelis and Palestinians – unite to stand against antisemitism and anti-Muslim hate, mourn all innocent lives lost in the conflict and share a message of combined humanity. Our community also has the fullthrottle support of its local MPs. We wrote to all those with a sizeable Jewish population in their constituency – and below are excerpts from, their replies. Wes Streeting MP (Ilford North): I know that our Jewish community is going through deep trauma following events in Israel and it is abhorrent that this is being aggravated by antisemitism in our streets and on our screens. The diversity of my borough of Redbridge has always been part of our strength as a community. Since the appalling terror attacks of 7 October, I have been working with our community leaders to stand together against hatred. We must not allow such hatred to flourish. We are better than that. Britain, London and Essex must always be safe and welcoming places for all. Dame Eleanor Laing MP (Epping Forest): I am very conscious of the strain that our Jewish community is under. The attacks committed by Hamas are barbaric and the subsequent rise in antisemitism is abhorrent. The UK has always endeavoured to be a safe haven for Jewish people. I echo the words of the Prime Minister when he says that the Jewish community has our unequivocal support. We stand against antisemitism and hatred of any nature.
Anna Firth MP (Southend West): I recently spoke to both the Southend and Westcliff Hebrew Congregation and Southend and District Reform Synagogue and have been deeply affected. To see the repugnant language and despicable images targeted at them is very disturbing. I have subsequently met with Chief Inspector Jo Collins, Southend’s District Commander, to discuss what can be done to protect the Southend Jewish community and ensure they can go about their daily lives safely and free from abuse. Terrorism must never prevail and we must not tolerate any antisemitism or threats to our Jewish community. Andrew Rosindell MP (Romford): The only Jewish state in the world is suffering under the thumb of terror whilst the Jewish community here is fearful of a rise in antisemitism. It is imperative that we collectively show support for the British Jewish community. Sir Iain Duncan Smith MP (Chingford and Woodford Green): I am deeply committed to the Jewish people and will not tolerate antisemitism. It was absolutely right for the Government to give an initial £3million to CST to help communities from attacks at this increasingly dangerous time, to be followed by a further £7million. I am angry that the police have not known how to react to trouble at antisemitic, pro-Hamas marches and gatherings and this should be urgently addressed. On a local level I hold regular meetings with those at the helm in my own
constituency. With the closure of so many police stations I have stressed the need for greater visibility of more officers on our streets to reassure frightened residents they are there to help should trouble arise. Robert Halfon (Harlow): I am sickened by some of the reports coming out of our schools, colleges and university campuses, not just as Higher Education and Skills Minister, but also as a Jewish member of Parliament. Jewish students are being forced into an invisible ghetto because of what is going on. We will stamp this out. My political hero is Sophie Scholl and I have her picture in my office. She was a non-Jewish student and part of the White Rose movement who campaigned and spoke out against the Nazis. She was executed by Hitler in 1943, but where are the Sophie Scholls of today ready to speak out? We need to take a stand across British Society against the horror of antisemitism. Alex Burghart MP (Brentwood and Ongar): I have been deeply saddened to hear from Jewish constituents now afraid for their safety and that of their families as they go to work, school or university. Some have stopped taking day trips to London for fear of meeting protestors displaying Hamas logos and flags. Others are advising their children not to be drawn into arguments at school or university about the conflict. This is not how any members of my constituency should be made to feel. Both I and the Government are clear that the forces of terror can never be allowed to triumph.