Councillors and government officials bear a moral obligation to combat antisemitism, according to the Communities Secretary. Steve Reed has reached out to council leaders in response to the recent attack on Heaton Park Synagogue, emphasizing the importance of communal spaces like libraries, community centers, and town halls in fostering unity. The tragic incident, occurring just before the second anniversary of the Hamas-Israel conflict, resulted in two fatalities and three injuries.
Meanwhile, the Education Secretary has unveiled initiatives to address antisemitic behavior at universities. Young individuals will receive guidance on recognizing and challenging online misinformation, with thousands of educators undergoing training to eradicate antisemitism from classrooms. In a letter obtained by the Sunday Mirror, Mr. Reed urges public servants and councillors to actively combat antisemitism through practical measures.
He highlights the significance of public spaces in promoting community cohesion and denouncing hate speech. Encouraging councils to adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) Definition of Antisemitism, Mr. Reed asserts a zero-tolerance policy towards antisemitism within society. He emphasizes the collaborative effort required to eliminate antisemitism from various sectors and communities across the nation.
Concurrently, the government has taken steps to safeguard Jewish students on university campuses. The Union of Jewish Students is set to conduct 600 training sessions aimed at assisting university staff in supporting students, identifying harassment, and fostering respectful discussions. Ms. Phillipson has corresponded with vice chancellors, urging them to implement measures to safeguard Jewish students while upholding free speech and peaceful protest rights on campus.