WATCH: Sadiq Khan pledges to fight “disgraceful” anti-Semitism if elected Mayor
Jack Mendel is the former Online Editor at the Jewish News.
By Jack Mendel
Labour mayoral candidate Sadiq Khan has pledged to call out anti-Semitism “wherever it arises”, and that it was “disgraceful” that schools and synagogues needed guards protecting them.
Filmed at the Jewish Museum, Khan makes a number of pledges to the community, including tackling anti-Semitism and celebrating the community’s contribution to the city.
The MP for Tooting said: “I share with the Jewish community their concerns over the rise of anti-Semitic attacks on Jews and on synagogues here in London.”
“It’s disgraceful that here in 21st century London we have guards outside schools and synagogues protecting them. Anti-Semitism like racism is vile. I stand shoulder to shoulder with Jewish community.”
He outlined a further pledge to the Jewish community, by saying he would “provide resources the police need to keep the community safe, and I will call out anti-Semitism wherever it arises. We must rid our streets of this scourge.”
Khan paid tribute to Chanukah square and “the brilliant Mitzvah Day initiative, bringing people from all backgrounds together to celebrate a Jewish day of social action showcases London at its best.”
As Mayor, he claimed he could “bring together communities and promote understanding” building on his previous experience with initiatives, like 3FF (Three Faiths Forum), The Coexistence Trust, and The All Party Parliamentary Group on anti-Semitism.
He also addressed issues such as housing, transport, pollution and living wages, which he said “concerns the Jewish community as it does other Londoners”.
Also running to be Labour’s mayoral candidate is David Lammy, Tessa Jowell, and Gareth Thomas.
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