Rabbi Condemns Straw's Veil Comments
An Ilford rabbi yesterday condemned Jack Straw after he said he would prefer it if Muslim women did not wear the full veil.
The House of Commons leader last week provoked a fierce debate by revealing he asked visitors to his surgery if they would remove the veil. He later said he would prefer if the item was discarded at all times, describing it as a “visible statement of separation”.
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“It is nonsense to suggest that, ‘women who wore veils made community relations more difficult’’, rather it is remarks such as these that create divisions and intolerance in Britain.”
Rabbi Chapper told the Jewish News: “If you’re going to single out for condemnation, or even ban, one style of dress where do you draw the line? Could the kipah or sheitel be next, are they divisive in Mr Straw’s eyes?”
Meanwhile, in a speech to a Muslim audience yesterday, Communities Secretary Ruth Kelly took issue with those who continued to boycott Holocaust Memorial Day even though it has also helped raise awareness of more recent atrocities like the Rwanda genocide.
She said: “That's also their right.
"But I can't help wondering why those in leadership positions who say they want to achieve religious tolerance and a cohesive society would choose to boycott an event which marks, above all, our common humanity and respect for each other."
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