It’s a wrap as faiths unite for St John’s Wood project
LUCIANA BERGER MP joined some serious wrappers at St John’s Wood Liberal Synagogue as people of all ages packed hundreds of books collected by the shul for young refugees.
“It’s fantastic Mitzvah Day creates this focus,” Ms Berger said. “I’m in London today because I had a family event. But there are events going on today in Liverpool, in Manchester, right across the country.
“And it’s wonderful to see people here not just from the Jewish community but from wider backgrounds and places, all coming together to wrap presents for refugees.
“Unfortunately, there has been a rise in incidents of racism and discrimination and the use of very divi- sive language post-Brexit and postTrump election.
“That’s why events like this are all the more important, for us to come together and show what we have in common,ratherthanwhatdividesus.”
The gift-wrapped books will go to children at the Salusbury World Refugee Centre in Queen’s Park.
Rabbi Danny Rich, Liberal Judaism’s chief executive, was also supporting the wrapping session. “Of course we should be doing mitzvot all of the time,” he observed. “But it’s the one day where we make sure all our communities are making an effort.
“We’ve had people from our Finchley synagogue clearing Highgate Cemetery this morning and another group singing for residents at a care home. Everyone can do something.
“It’s a bit like the old Jewish communal chest idea — however poor you were, you had to give something. You might get back more from the communal chest than you put in but everybody took part.”
Sarah Reynold, manager of the refugee centre, said: “We’re lucky to have been beneficiaries for two years.
“Last year, we were completely knocked out by the generosity and the sheer quality and volume of books we received. It made such a difference to the kids. I just love the fact it’s an interfaith initiative.”
Among those from other faiths was church minister Rev Maggie Hindley, whopointedout:“Whenpeoplecome together to do something for other people, it’s very easy to form relationships and just get on as friends.”