At a time of heightened tension and rising antisemitism, the JRC continues to believe that strong, constructive relationships with Ministers, MPs, local government, emergency services leaders and civil society is essential. Our goal remains to ensure the safety and confidence of our community whilst contributing to a stronger, more cohesive Britain for everyone.
Following the Yom Kippur terrorist attack, we have held hundreds of meetings in Westminster, Whitehall, Parliamentary constituencies and town halls. We have appeared on all major print and broadcast media advocating proactively for our community with a calm, measured and responsible messaging on critically important issues. Through extensive and high-profile discussions, we have joined our communal partners to deliver real and meaningful outcomes.
In the meeting that took place the day after the terrorist attack, Chaired by Mark Adlestone and attended by the Prime Minister, Home Secretary and other senior politicians, we spoke about the need for an extensive counter extremism strategy. We also referenced the importance of defining British values. This formed part of our extensive engagement with politicians and Mark Adlestone wrote the following opinion pieces in the Jewish news:
Moral Clarity Not Platitudes Will Keep British Jews Safe
Britishness Must Mean Something or Extremists will Fill the Void
Democratic Dangers of Being Too Independent with Your Vote
This week Government announced their strategy entitled “Protecting What Matters” which has been described as a “call to action”, setting out a wide range of measures aimed at strengthening social cohesion and tackling extremism. It is pleasing that many of our comments and recommendations to government have been taken on board and we join our national communal leadership in welcoming htis important step forward.
The “cumulative impact” of the pro-Palestinian marches was also referenced in all our initial briefings post Yom Kippur. We welcome that Government has introduced new powers for the police to prohibit face coverings and powers to protect places of worship. We have joined our partners in demanding stronger protections because of these marches and we are closely monitoring the legislation as it returns to the House of Commons.
Our firm demand has been to enhance the powers of the Charity Commission given the poor responses we received when raising obvious breaches of charity law. We welcomed the enhanced powers given to the Charity Commission and have immediately noted a fundamental change with the organisation proactively contacting the JRC to immediately report when we have been outspoken on an issue. If this continues, it will make it harder for charities to be misused as platforms for extremism and hate.
We have been responsible for extremist preachers having their visas revoked ahead of them entering the UK where they were due to be preaching to packed audiences. Ensuring visas can be revoked or cancelled is an important part of protecting our communities as we must stop individuals who spread antisemitism having access to cultural spaces.
We facilitated the visit by the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves MP as she announced a further £10 million in funding to be administered by CST. Since the terrorist attack, we have met with a significant number of Cabinet Members and those who advice them to discuss the public policy document and discuss the tangible results that need to be delivered.
Following the deeply concerning CST Report detailing the levels of antisemitism in the UK, we have scheduled meetings at the highest levels of government alongside communal partners. With the Community Security Trust and Antisemitism Policy Trust, we have engaged a significant number of MPs from across the region discussing the report in details with policy asks as to what is required to protect our community. We have addressed Select Committee Chairs and will continue speaking out on the dangers of social media and how it clearly ahs the power to radicalise people in their homes.
It is important that we have received assurances that the IHRA definition on antisemitism will be the only one used by government.
By meeting the leadership of Greater Manchester, we can provide authentic commentary on communal sensitivities and the work they can do to reassure our community. Regular discussions take place with the Greater Manchester Combined Authority, Leaders and chief Executives from the Local Authorities, Greater Manchester Police, the Crown Prosecution Service, Manchester NHS Foundation Trust and Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service.
Our media footprint is large as we have undertaken more media than any other communal organisation in the UK, regularly appearing in all forms of media to advocate on issues of local, national and international significance. This has cemented the JRC as a significant voice and thought leader helping shape national conversations and perspectives at a time of heightened concern. We have been approached and commented on critically important issues directly affecting the UK Jewish community.
Whilst much of our work, particularly discussions with Ministers and senior officials must remain confidential, it is encouraging that a number of the issues raised by our communal leadership have resulted in tangible action from Government. We will continue to speak at the highest levels to ensure the safety, security and confidence of Jewish life in Greater Manchester and beyond remains a clear priority.
