Sadiq Khan signs international mayoral pledge to tackle anti-Semitism
The new London Mayor joined over 150 mayors from over 30 European countries united against anti-Semitism
Justin Cohen is the News Editor at the Jewish News
Sadiq Khan has joined mayors from around the globe in signing a pledge to tackle anti-Semitism.
Signed by more than 150 mayors from 30 European countries and the 300 from every US state, the pledge is part of the Mayors United against Anti-Semitism initiative, originally developed by the American Jewish Committee.
Khan, who was at the forefront of condemning the scourge in his own party during the election campaign, said: “Sadly, for many Londoners, anti-Semitism is a very present problem. As a British Muslim, I am no stranger to discrimination and prejudice. That’s why, as Mayor for all Londoners, I am determined to fight racism in all its forms and will make challenging hate crime a priority.
“I am proud to sign the pledge and will encourage other mayors across the country and Europe to do the same, to help send the message far and wide that anti-Semitism is totally unacceptable and can never be justified.”
Board of Deputies President Jonathan Arkush said: “Just two weeks into the job, Sadiq Khan has signed up to AJC’s campaign against anti-Semitism. Taken together with his attendance at the Yom HaShoah Holocaust commemoration event, this sets a very positive tone that we hope will be replicated throughout his mayoralty. We also thank Barnet and Camden Assembly Member Andrew Dismore for his particular role in championing this initiative in City Hall.”
Joe Vinson, Director of the London Jewish Forum, said: “It is vital that City Hall plays a leading role in challenging and defeating anti-Semitism across London, and we’re delighted that Sadiq Khan as the new Mayor of London will continue to ensure that it remains a priority in the capital.”
The news was also “warmly” welcomed by David Delew, Chief Executive of Community Security Trust. “It shows that the fight against anti-Semitism goes across political parties and boundaries, and CST looks forward to working further with Mayor Khan and his team, on tackling anti-Semitism and strengthening Jewish morale,” he said.
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