Hertsmere councillor to light up Borehamwood civic building in Israel’s blue and white

The Jewish leader of Hertsmere Borough Council plans to light up Hertsmere’s Civic Offices in Borehamwood, in Israel’s colours of blue and white.

In a statement Cllr Jeremy Newmark said: “An Israeli flag will also be flown at the offices of Elstree and Borehamwood Town Council. I will also ensure that the Council is represented at (the) National Vigil for Israel opposite Downing Street organised by the Board of Deputies of British Jews and the Jewish Leadership Council. We are also in contact with the Hertfordshire Jewish Forum and are grateful for their support and wise counsel.”

He added: “Hertsmere is home to one of the UK’s largest Jewish populations. I’m incredibly proud of the way in which colleagues from across the political spectrum and beyond have reacted to reassure the community that we will not allow the politics of hatred espoused by Hamas and Hizballah to spill over onto our streets. I’m deeply concerned to hear about ‘celebrations’ of the attacks taking place in Bushey and will ensure that the Council works in partnership with the police to identify those responsible.”

“I’ve spoken this evening to Councillors in Borehamwood’s twin town of Shoham in Central Israel. The Mayor of Borehamwood, Cllr Challice will shortly be having an official call with Shoham’s Mayor to express our solidarity.

“Finally, our Councillors are available to provide help and support to any Hertsmere residents who were away in Israel for the Jewish holidays and are struggling to return to the UK.

“Now is the time for solidarity, for supporting the victims and to bolster community relations in our own borough. However, even though this may not be the time for politics, there are some basic political truisms that we must not lose sight of.

“Hamas and Hizballah are monstrous terrorist groups who pose a threat not just to the State of Israel but to Jewish people around the world. They are open and clear about this. Everybody who supports a better future for Israel and the Palestinians knows that the depraved actions and politics of these groups are part of the problem. Not part of the solution.

“For now we mourn the victims, pray for the return of those in captivity, send the strongest possible message of solidarity to Israel and continue to work together to oppose those who seek to import this conflict onto the streets of Hertsmere.”