Priti Patel: National fabric diminished if British Jews do not feel secure
Home Secretary tells Community Security Trust event there would be 'no excuses. No exceptions. No justifications' in the battle against antisemitism
Lee Harpin is the Jewish News's political editor
Home Secretary Priti Patel has told a Community Security Trust lunch event that “our whole national fabric is diminished” if the UK’s Jewish community “does not feel secure.”
Speaking at Monday’s Business Lunch 2021 event – the first in-person gathering by the organisation for two years – said that under her watch there would be “no exceptions” in the fight against antisemitism.
Patel told the 270 strong audience: “I for one will not stand by and I will not turn a blind eye to the threats that the community faces.
“If the Jewish community does not feel secure then our whole national fabric is diminished… We will at every level, fight antisemitism – and there will be no excuses. No exceptions. No justifications.
” No disagreements on politics or policy can ever be allowed to justify racism, prejudice or extremism in any form in our society.”
The Home Secretary also referenced the recent appalling murder of Sir David Amess MP, which took place in a church; a reminder of the importance for protecting faith communities and the work that CST does.
She thanked theCST volunteers throughout Britain who dedicate themselves to protecting our Jewish community and help lead the fight against intolerance, hatred and bigotry in the wider community.
She concluded with the words; “Together we will ensure Britain remains a country that Jewish People are proud to call home, today, tomorrow and for every generation to come.”
CST’s Chief Executive, Mark Gardner said “Following nearly two years of cancelled events, we initially wondered what response we would get to our first in-person event for such a long time.
“However, the way our supporters responded, with what was by some margin a record attendance for this annual lunch, was hugely encouraging for CST and for other organisations in our community.”
Lisa Ronson then gave formally welcomed all of CST’s guests.
An appeal for donations was made by CST’s Chair, Gerald M Ronson CBE, who spoke of CST’s anti-fascist origins in the 43 Group and the 62 Group, within which he was a member.
He stated: “Times change, but what doesn’t change is the need for Jews to come together and to stand up for themselves. Because if you don’t have security, then you won’t have a community.”
Referring to the Home Secretary, Ronson said “Her focus, her strength and her personal courage are there for all to see. She understands our Jewish community; she supports us in the problems that we face. And, she knows what it means for society as a whole.”
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