Opinion: A Jewish History Month will help foster better community relations

Highlighting the tremendous contributions of Jewish society will help fight against future hatred and ignorance, says Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden

By Oliver Dowden 10 January 2024, 3:41 pm
Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden, Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis and members of the Jewish community pose during a vigil at Keystone Passage in Borehamwood for victims and hostages of Hamas attacks.

It is a real source of pride to me to represent one of the largest Jewish communities in the country. On a personal level, I have had the pleasure of making many great friends and I continue to attend a variety of events, including Mitzvah days, Friday night dinners and Menorah lighting, as well as visiting a number of synagogues around Hertsmere.

I know that it remains a deeply worrying time for the Jewish community. The merciless attacks of 7th October, which saw the degrading slaughter of over one thousand civilians, including so many women, children and babies offends every value we hold dear. We must guard against the terror and hate of this attack spilling over to terror and hate against the Jewish community.

It is therefore important to recognise the valuable contribution the Jewish community has made over centuries. I wholly support the proposals for a Jewish History Month. Not only will this provide the opportunity to preserve and celebrate their heritage, it will also educate individuals on their history and contributions to society.

Hertsmere’s Conservative Oliver Dowden, pictured at the Western Wall

A dedicated month to the Jewish community could help foster a better and deeper understanding of Jewish history, which is so desperately needed right now.

As our communities continue to face the scourge of antisemitism, a dedicated month would provide the opportunity to reflect and recognise the significant contributions made by Jewish individuals in fields such as science, arts, politics and more. It will allow for the acknowledgment of these contributions to be shared and discussed across our schools and universities.

While as a society, and in my own constituency of Hertsmere, we continue to combat prejudice and antisemitism, the celebration of a Jewish History Month will contribute to the preservation and promotion of our Jewish culture and traditions.

  • The Rt Hon Oliver Dowden is Deputy Prime Minister, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, and Secretary of State in the Cabinet Office. He was elected Conservative MP for Hertsmere in May 2015
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