Jewish manifesto launched

ANTISEMITISM continues to be a major concern to Jewish communities in Wales, according to the Jewish Manifesto for Wales, released in advance of next month’s Senedd election.

The manifesto states: “There has been a sharp increase in antisemitic incidents during the last five years. In 2015 the Jewish community’s Community Security Trust recorded 890 antisemitic incidents in the UK, which has risen every year to 1,805 in 2019.

“Meanwhile, the Welsh Jewish community is alarmed that other forms of hatred, including antiMuslim hatred and anti-black racism persist in our society. We must do all we can to root out these and other types of bigotry.

“Growing levels of antisemitism such as online hatred, verbal abuse or graffiti can make communities feel vulnerable and isolated. We urge the Welsh Government and local authorities to work with the Jewish community to ensure that Jewish life in Wales receives any appropriate security support.”

Other policies include: ■■Adopt, promote and implement the full International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance working definition of antisemitism; ■■work closely with minority communities to oppose all forms of prejudice, hatred and discrimination. Promote social cohesion by supporting interfaith and intercommunal activity between all of Wales’ communities; ■■support efforts to remember and understand the Holocaust and strive to prevent any future genocide; ■■defend the right to a Jewish way of life, including kosher meat; religious clothing and circumcision; ■■work to entrench cultural change in the workplace that embraces flexible working to accommodate Shabbat and festival observance; and ■■support the provision of religiously and culturally sensitive health, social care and youth services. Work closely with minority communities to oppose all forms of prejudice, hatred and discrimination.

Laurence Kahn, Chair of the South Wales Jewish Representative Council, said: “The Jewish Manifesto for Wales guides Senedd candidates on how they can ensure that Wales continues to be a great place to be Jewish. We urge them to support it.”