#ShowUpForShabbat: Khan tells congregants ‘London stands with Jewish community’

Sadiq Khan attended yesterday’s Shabbat service at West London Synagogue, where he told the congregation how “the capital stands shoulder to shoulder with the Jewish community, both here and around the world.”

Answering calls from Jewish community leaders to take part in the #ShowUpForShabbat’ international initiative following last week’s shooting in Pittsburgh, the Mayor of London said: “Today I joined the West London Synagogue at their Shabbat service to show solidarity to the victims of the Pittsburgh shooting last weekend. In the face of hatred, we stand united.

“Deeply moving service at West London Synagogue today, honouring the memory of the victims of the atrocity in Pittsburgh last weekend. London stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the Jewish community here and around the world.

“Places of worship should be sanctuaries and safe spaces.”

Deeply moving service at West London Synagogue today, honouring the memory of the victims of the atrocity in Pittsburgh last weekend.

London stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the Jewish community here and around the world. #ShowUpForShabbat #PittsburghStrong @tweetWLS https://t.co/HYl9HG1zoF

— Sadiq Khan (@SadiqKhan) November 3, 2018

Khan had earlier this week paid respects to victims of the attack at the community’s vigil at JW3, organised by the Board of Deputies of British Jews.

Speaking in his sermon during the service, Rabbi Neil Janes said: “I want to welcome all those from near and far who have taken the opportunity to #ShowUpForShabbat with us this weekend in an act of solidarity and support, in particular the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan. I cannot tell you how truly sustaining and significant the small act of sitting in pews with us all across the world has become – and a message of strength to Tree of Life Or L’Simcha Congregation and the grieving families.

“Last week Jews were gunned down in pews like these, today in defiance we sit together with the human family to strive to increase the goodness in the world, to bring light to darkness, to show that we will not be cowed by violence in our observance of our faith or engagement with the world.”