Theresa May praises community’s contribution to Britain in Pesach message

Theresa May has praised Anglo-Jewry’s contribution to Britain’s success in a message for Pesach.

The prime minister also used the annual greeting to stress she would defend the community’s right to practise the faith “without fear”.

She wrote: “As Jewish families come together to relive the story of escape from slavery in ancient Egypt, it gives all communities an opportunity to join with you in thanks for the liberty and freedom that we all hold dear.

“The history of the Jewish people and the horrors of the Holocaust highlight what happens when freedom is lost and anti-Semitism is allowed to flourish. That is why we are establishing a national Memorial to the Holocaust, together with an accompanying education centre, next to Parliament at the heart of our democracy. For in remembering the Holocaust, we will also reaffirm our national commitment to fighting hated and prejudice in all its forms in the world today.

“The freedom to practice your religion, without anxiety or prejudice, is one of the fundamental tenets of our society and as Prime Minister I will defend your rights to practice your faith without fear. As I have said before, without its Jewish Community, Britain would not be Britain.”

She added: “Your community makes an enormous contribution to the UK and has excelled in every field helping create a successful and prosperous country.”

Conservative Party Chairman Patrick McLoughlin MP also delivered a Passover message to the community. He says:

“This week, Jewish people all over the world unite to mark the festival of Passover.