Starmer quizzed about Rosh Hashanah by Jewish primary school class for Labour video
Labour leader Keir Starmer is filmed offering his own reflections on the Jewish new year to a Year 6 class at the Independent Jewish Day School in Hendon, north London
Lee Harpin is the Jewish News's political editor
Keir Starmer’s question and answer session with a school class at a Jewish primary school is the focal point of a new Labour Party video for the community ahead of Rosh Hashanah.
The Labour leader is asked:”What is your favourite way to celebrate Rosh Hashanah?” by a female pupil from a Year 6 class at the Independent Jewish Primary School Academy in Hendon, north London, in a short film released on the party’s social media platforms today.
In the Q&A session witnessed by Jewish News last Friday, Starmer, whose wife Victoria has a Jewish background, responds that his favourite location to see in the new year is “at home”.
The politician is next asked:”What is your favourite thing about Rosh Hashanah?” by another pupil. Starmer says of the Jewish New Year;”I quite like the fact that it’s a period where you look back as well as forward …have a good reflection.”
Cameras then pan to show the Hebrew alphabet on display on a classroom wall, along with some of the school’s key values – “Respect” and “Ready”.
Assistant headteacher Deborah Kestenbaum is shown asking the class:”Can anyone here say they’ve done anything wrong in the last year that they’d like to think about over Rosh Hashanah? If you have, can you put your hand up?”
One pupil admits to “arguing with siblings”, while another 10 year-old speaks of the need to “listen to my parents more”, another speaks of her wish to “being kinder” next year.
Teacher Kestenbaum then brings the discussion with the class on to post-Rosh Hashanah efforts to “help other people more and be kinder”.
The film then ends with Starmer reiterating his attempts since becoming leader to mend relations with the Jewish community. “We have changed the Labour Party to make sure it’s inclusive and represents all communities,” he says.
Releasing the video, Starmer tweeted:”Last week I met Year 6 pupils to hear all about how they’re marking Rosh Hashanah this year.
“As is custom in our family, we’ll mark it by having a festive meal together.
“Shana Tova, from me and my family, to you and yours.”
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