Minister pledges stronger action against antisemitism after meeting with Jewish community leaders
Meeting with Hamish Falconer included the Board of Deputies, the Jewish Leadership Council, the Union of Jewish Students, the Community Security Trust and B'nai B'rith,
Middle East Minister Hamish Falconer has met with communal leaders to discuss the government’s efforts to confront the rising tide of antisemitic hate in the UK and around the world.
The meeting included representatives from the Board of Deputies, the Jewish Leadership Council, the Union of Jewish Students, the Community Security Trust, B’nai B’rith, and the United Jewish Israel Appeal. Leaders voiced concerns that government promises have not yet translated into concrete action to counter threats facing the Jewish community, both domestically and abroad.
Jewish News understands that Adrian Cohen, senior vice president at the Board, arranged and led the delegation at the meeting, which took place at the Foreign Office.
The agenda was wide-ranging, and included frank discussion about the global threat to Jews, the government’s stance around Israel, and long-standing calls for the proscription of Iran’s IRGC.
After the meeting, Falconer said: “In speaking with representatives of the UK’s Jewish community today, I heard deeply moving testimonies—from parents worried about their children at school, to congregants anxious about attending synagogue, and students feeling unwelcome on campus. Nobody should feel unsafe for being Jewish.
“That is why I want to reaffirm a simple message: this government stands with the Jewish community. We will not tolerate antisemitism in any form and are taking decisive steps to root it out.”
Referencing the horrific attacks in Bondi, Washington, DC, Colorado, and Manchester’s Heaton Park Synagogue, where Jews were targeted and killed for simply being Jewish, he added: “I am completely committed to stamping out the scourge of antisemitism, and we can only tackle it by listening to those who bear the brunt of this challenge.”
In a statement the Board said:”Yesterday, a delegation from the Jewish community organised by The Board of Deputies met with Hamish Falconer, Minister for the Middle East.
“The meeting, chaired by Senior Vice President Adrian Cohen, is a key part of our regular engagement with the FCDO through a series of roundtables with the Middle East Minister.
“There was a full agenda for the meeting including Palestine State recognition, government discourse and actions on Israel, Iran and the IRGC, and the impact of UK foreign policy domestically.
“We specifically pushed the minister for swifter action in taking forward the Jonathan Hall KC recommendations so that there is a mechanism for proscribing the IRGC. On recognition, we are concerned that key questions remain unanswered 5 months on from the declaration.”
Falconer continued: “We have made record investments in security for synagogues and schools, delivered in partnership with the Community Security Trust. Emergency funding announced last autumn has strengthened local protection, and we will introduce new police powers to protect worshippers from intimidation at protests.
“We are tackling antisemitism across our institutions, including in schools, colleges, and universities. University leaders should adopt a public zero-tolerance position on antisemitic harassment and make clear that student groups who unlawfully glorify terrorism will face disciplinary action.”
He added: “As Minister for the Middle East, I am acutely aware of how events in the region affect communities here in Britain. The experiences and strength of the hostage families I have met will stay with me. This government will continue to push tirelessly for the release of the last remaining hostage and to ensure Hamas can never again inflict such pain on Israel and the Jewish people.
“There is more to do. We are committed to further action to build social cohesion and counter extremism. I will continue to meet with Jewish communities across the UK to ensure their concerns are heard as we work towards a Britain where Jewish people can live and worship without fear.”
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