Jenrick praises ‘brilliant’ work of Jewish MP Hodge at Board Chanukah reception
Conservative minister makes poignant tribute to Dame Margaret Hodge at parliamentary reception in Westminster
Lee Harpin is the Jewish News's political editor
Conservative minister Robert Jenrick has used a speech delivered at the Board of Deputies annual parliamentary Chanukah reception to heap on praise on the “brilliant” work of Jewish Labour MP Dame Margaret Hodge.
In a break from party political rivalries, immigration minister Jenrick told a packed audience in Westminster:”I’ve seen that in the House of Commons, of course, and valued, the contributions and the friendships that I’ve made with brilliant Jewish members of parliament, some of whom are here today.
“I wanted to take this opportunity as sadly were in the long sunset of her time in the House of Commons to say a special thank you and to pay tribute to day Margaret Hodge privilege to work briefly alongside Margaret, as co-chair of the all-party parliamentary group, but to watch with admiration from afar for a lot longer in the way that she has fought for the community and for the values that she and all of us believe in.
“That representation like Margaret’s in Westminster has a very long and proud pedigree. When some commentators noted that Rishi Sunak was the first minority Prime Minister. I always reminded them that of course, it was Benjamin Disraeli, who was the first minority Prime Minister.
“And I remember that when he was taunted by a member of parliament in the House of Commons for being Jewish, he answered, ‘Yes, I am a Jew’.”
Complementing Jenrick over his praise of Hodge, Labour Party chair Anneliese Dodds also noted: “Likethe festival of Chanukkah, this parliament is a celebration of difference, different ideas, different backgrounds and different things.
“I believe that differences are strength and diversity is a virtue.
“And I agree with my colleague from across the other side of the house that nowhere do we see that contribution more than in the contribution of our Jewish communities right across the country, to our nation, and its life. These are values to be cherished and protected.
“And we’ve unfortunately seen all too often what happens when they’re not cherished and protected. We’ve seen that in political parties, and I associate myself with the words of my colleague, Margaret, we’ve seen that in society.
And of course, we’ve seen critically, the strong, powerful response of the Board of Deputies to appallingly intolerant and hateful behaviour, and we must all do more, especially at a time when disturbingly, much of that behaviour seems to be increasing and emboldened, including online, we have to stand up for the marginalised and ensure those in a minority have a voice.”
Board President Marie van der Zyl was also warmly applauded as she spoke to guests at the event in which she said had been a “significant year” for the communal organisation.
She noted:”Our intervention after the Chanukah attack on Jewish children in Oxford Street led to Ofcom validating the concerns the Jewish community had over the BBC’s reporting of this incident.
“We produced Jewish manifestos for the local elections up and down the country…
“We helped to hold the Reverend Sizer to account for antisemitic behaviour and conduct unbecoming of a clergyman, in a church law case with sets an important precedent for the future.”
Van der Zyl also noted how the Board had been honoured to organise a Book of Condolence to the late Queen Elizabeth II.
Tzipi Hotovely, the Israeli ambassador to the UK, also spoke on why Chanukah was for many Jews the favourite holiday of the year.
Also speaking were Liberal Democrat deputy leader Daisy Cooper, Chair of Dame Margaret Hodge, and Baroness Gillian Merron.
Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis had been due to attend to speak and light the Menorah, which had been commissioned and paid for the by the late former speaker Michael Martin – but was feeling unwell.
Kinloss Synagogue Rabbi Jeremy Lawrence stood in, and spoke and lit the candles before attendees sung Maoz Tsur.
Among those to attend the event on Monday evening were foreign secretary James Cleverly, former minister Theresa Villiers, the Labour MPs Christian Wakeford and Chalotte Nicols, who was praised for wearing a fantastic menorah hat.
Also warmly greeted was Tom Watson, the former Labour deputy leader, who has just taken up his seat in the Lords, and attended the Board reception with his two teenage children.
Also in attendance were Mitzvah Day founder Laura Marks, the London Jewish Forum’s Andrew Gilbert and the Board’s chief executive Michael Weiger.
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