MPs hear impact of anti-Semitism on Jewish students during community tour

MPs from across the political spectrum have heard about the impact of anti-Semitism from Jewish children and students as well as those charged with defending the Jewish community.

Six parliamentarians representing constituencies as far north as the Shetlands joined the All-Party Parliamentary Group Against Antisemitism (APPGA) for a half-day in London last week, accompanied by representatives from the Antisemitism Policy Trust.

The delegation was briefed on security arrangements and modern-day anti-Semitism by the Community Security Trust (CST) before transferring to North West London Jewish Day School to hear directly from pupils about their thoughts and feelings on being young Jews in Britain.

The children even had the opportunity to vote in their own referendum on topics such as personal, social, health and economic education, and school security.

Following the school visit, the MPs met officers of the Union of Jewish Students to better understand anti-Semitism on campus, including the effect of Israel Apartheid Week, and the role of the soon-to-be-created Office for Students.

“We’re delighted with the impact and engagement,” said Danny Stone, director of the Antisemitism Policy Trust. “I hope that through this kind of interactive engagement, parliamentarians can deepen their understanding of the impact of anti-Semitism in Britain and why it is critical that they use their public platform to speak out.”