Stamford Hill Jewish community praised for Covid compliance over Purim

Stamford Hill’s Charedi community has been praised by local police for compliance with Covid restrictions over Purim.

In a letter to local Jewish groups, the head of Hackney’s neighbourhood policing, Jim Melton, said the festival passed “without incident”.

“There was a significant reduction in people out celebrating and those that were complied with the covid regulations ensuring a safe and enjoyable Purim for all.”

No police enforcement action was taken and no breaches of the law identified. “

Before the festival, Charedi  leaders told community members to avoid taking to the streets, with a written directive issued through the Union of Orthodox Hebrew Congregations .

Police worked with the local council, Jewish community leaders and neighbourhood watch group Shomrim to ensure guidelines were followed.

Hackney Council said it did not receive any complaints about residents celebrating Purim, and no fines were handed it. It confirmed one resident made a noise complaint from a synagogue.

Cllr Chris Kennedy, Cabinet Member for Health, Adults and Leisure said: “We have had a great working relationship throughout the whole pandemic with leaders from the Orthodox Jewish community. Together we have co-designed communication materials, attended weekly meetings and even ran a successful community vaccination clinic which saw over 600 residents vaccinated across two successive Saturday evening sessions.

Thanks to this joined up working we have been able to reduce the impact of coronavirus on this community. It really has been a whole community effort and I would like to thank all of our residents who have been following the rules and working together to help keep Hackney safe from coronavirus.”