VOICE OF THE JEWISH NEWS: We owe a profound debt of gratitude to the volunteers who keep us safe
Not everyone is in a position to give their time, or their money – but something anyone can give is their thanks
You see them whenever you attend a high-profile Jewish event. They are present outside many of our shuls every Shabbat and Yom Tov, and the schools attended by many of our children. We often rush past them, taking them for granted.
Last Thursday we received the worst reminder imaginable about why they are there.
Many hundreds of British Jews, both men and women, have trained to be CST security volunteers for our community. They are, effectively, our first line of defence against the sort of horror we saw on Yom Kippur.
Unpaid, they donate their own time to guard us. And, as we saw last week, these defenders – themselves parents, siblings or children – also put their lives at risk. Among those seriously injured at Heaton Park Shul was a CST volunteer.
In the wake of the Manchester terror attack, more than 300 British Jews have applied to join the ranks of those who defend us. As CST has said, this is “a powerful reflection of the community’s resilience and strength”.
CST has also received a number of donations since last Thursday. Not everyone is in a position to give their time, or their money – but something anyone can give is their thanks.
Don’t just walk by the people who help keep us safe. This week – next week – every week – show them that you appreciate them.
Gratitude costs nothing – but it can mean everything.
Keep community journalism free.
Jewish News is free for everyone. No paywall. No barriers. Just trusted journalism for anyone who wants to stay connected to Jewish life in Britain.
If you value that, please support us.
From as little as £5 a month, you can help keep our journalism free and accessible to all.
Every day, we report on the issues that matter to our community. We celebrate achievements, support charities, challenge antisemitism and ensure Jewish voices are heard more widely.
From as little as £5 a month, you can help us continue to:
- Report on the stories shaping Jewish life in the UK and beyond
- Bring our community together through shared stories, events and campaigns
- Celebrate the people, culture and moments that define our community
- Support organisations doing vital work across Jewish Britain
You can make a one-off donation or become a regular supporter. Every contribution helps keep our journalism free, independent and accessible to all.
If everyone who values Jewish News gave a small amount, it would make a real difference to our future.
