Keir Starmer praises Jewish pandemic volunteers in Pesach message

Keir Starmer has applauded to thousands of Jewish volunteers during the pandemic in his Pesach message, while recommitting to stamping out antisemitism.x

In a video message released ahead of the festival, which falls days before some restrictions are lifted, the Labour leader reiterated his vow to fight Jew-hatred, made in his election speech a year ago.

“I am thankful for the opportunity the Jewish community has given me to begin to repair, to deepen, and to reinforce our relationship. I am pleased with the progress we have made although I know there is more work to be done”, he said.

Reflecting on the last 12 months, during which he attended a Mitzvah Day event at South Hampstead Synagogue, Limmud and the Jewish Labour Movement’s virtual conference, he spoke of the “positive engagement with the community’s leadership” during that time.

This comes after strained relations with Labour and the community under four years of Jeremy Corbyn’s leadership.

While touching upon the fact that people will mark seder this year without their families, he thanked the community for having “come together to support those in need during this crisis. Your acts of kindness and giving tzedakah are an inspiration.”

And now Jewish people across the country are volunteering to help the vaccination effort and demonstrating the importance of getting your Covid vaccine.”

I hope that next year you will be able to celebrate in person once again. Chag Sameach”.