March 14, 2024
By E-mail to the Rt. Hon. Michael Gove MP
Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities
Dear Secretary of State,
I hope you are well.
I continue to be deeply grateful to the government and to you personally for the extraordinary support that you give to the Jewish community. It is very much appreciated.
Rumours continue to circulate around the fate of Lord Mann, HM Government’s Independent Adviser on Antisemitism. I wish to put on record that the Jewish community is overwhelmingly supportive of Lord Mann and very appreciative of his tireless work on behalf of the Jewish community. The fact that it is a non-Jew that is leading the government’s work in combatting the evil of antisemitism is a tremendous testament to the government’s commitment. The fact that he is so effective makes it even more significant.
At a time when our community is so distressed by the sheer amounts of Jew-hatred in the UK at this time, I believe it would be a retrograde step to dismiss Lord Mann.
If, however, you feel compelled to terminate his appointment, I trust that you will consult with the Jewish community’s democratic representative leadership and look to appoint through an open and transparent process an equally outstanding and non-controversial figure who will command respect from the vast majority of our community.
Thank you for taking the matter of antisemitism so seriously. I am available to discuss this matter with you at your convenience.
All good wishes,
Marie van der Zyl
President