Boris Johnson Writes For TJ
It's fabulous to be given this opportunity to address members of the Jewish community, and invite you all to join in with the forthcoming Trafalgar Square festivities this weekend!
This year's Simcha on the Square line-up is not to be missed, with a few superstars of the Jewish music world dropping in to get the crowds going under the shadow of Nelson's column.
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I know that there are a number of Jewish voluntary organisations out there, such as various Maccabi GB and Streetwise campaigns, currently doing cutting-edge work at the frontline with London children and teenagers.
One of my main priorities as Mayor is to help disadvantaged children and young people from a wide spectrum of London communities, and the Mayor's Fund will provide support to those working in this area. I know tzedakah is a key tennet of Judaism and I very much hope that you will be willing to join Sir Trevor in making the fund a great success.
Different areas of London have different needs, and I plan to meet with key Jewish organisations and explore how some of these community-specific challenges may be met. For instance, I am aware of the increasingly desperate housing situation for the Charedi community in Stamford Hill, and the need for larger housing units as the community continues to grow. The London Jewish Forum has taken an important lead in discussions with GLA officers to come up with constructive solutions to the ongoing problems, and we will continue to look at ways in which we can ensure that the Charedi community will never need to consider leaving our city, which is so proud to have them.
Another issue I will be looking at is anti-semitism. Unfortunately, despite our celebrated diversity, London still has not completely defeated the pernicious effects of anti-semitism. I know this is a huge worry to the Jewish community and it is something that concerns me greatly.
Tackling hate crime is an absolute priority for me, and I intend to work with the Metropolitan Police, and ensure that we learn from the important work of the Community Security Trust, and adopt a zero-tolerance approach to anti-semitism. That said, there is also a great deal of good feeling between the different communities of London, and much to celebrate.
This weekend's Simcha on the Square is just one event in which the Jewish community comes together with the wider London community to celebrate the delights of Jewish culture. This event will be followed by a Chanukah ceremony later in the year.
Events such as these help to make these occasions special for all Londoners, and ensure that the Jewish community takes its rightful place alongside all of London's diverse communities in the cultural life of our city. The Jewish community has enriched London culture for hundreds of years and we will be acknowledging this historic contribution with a fascinating exhibition featuring postcards from the early 20th century depicting different aspects of Jewish life in London.
The exhibition will be held in City Hall from 15 December to 5 January. The postcards feature places and people from a bygone era, such as market traders in Petticoat Lane, Jewish religious scholars and places of worship, some of which are still used today. You can find out about this and other events in our online Jewish London Guide which will go up on the Greater London Authority website soon.
I look forward to enjoying a positive and productive relationship with all of London's Jewish communities, and would like to wish you all a happy, healthy and sweet New Year.
• For more info, visit www.simcha.org.uk
Read the latest copy of The Jewish News Online by clicking here.
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