Jewish leaders meet two deputy London mayors to address rise in antisemitism
Sadiq Khan's officials responsible for policing and communities held virtual discussion with representatives from all major communal groups
Lee Harpin is the Jewish News's political editor
A delegation of Jewish leaders from across the community has held a meeting with two of the Mayor of London’s most senior official to discuss the rise in cases of antisemitism in recent weeks.
Sophie Linden, Deputy Mayor of London for Policing and Crime and Debbie Weekes Bernard, Deputy Mayor of London for Communities and Social Justice, were made aware of the significant concerns over community cohesion at the meeting.
Representatives from all the major Jewish organisations – including the London Jewish Forum, Board of Deputies, Jewish Leadership Council, along with religious leaders – raised concerns over the policing of demonstrations anti-Jewish hate speech.
An increase in campus-based harassment was also discussed at the meeting, as well as the concerning recent images seen in London schools.
Andrew Gilbert, Co-Chair of the London Jewish Forum said: “At this delicate time it was important for us to bring together this wide coalition of Jewish community organisations to raise real issues of concern for Jewish Londoners.
“Many have been horrified by recent antisemitic events in our city and we are thankful for the assistance of the GLA and Metropolitan Police.”
Sophie Linden, Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime, said: “Today we met with a delegation of Jewish leaders on behalf of the Mayor to discuss the issue of antisemitism in London.
“The Mayor is clear that antisemitism has absolutely no place in our city, and we will continue to work with the community and do all we can to support the police in stamping this out.”
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