Responding to report of a wedding broken up by police in Stamford Hill last night, President of the Board of Deputies of British Jews Marie van der Zyl said:
“We are horrified by the news that a large wedding party was broken up by the police in Stamford Hill. We unreservedly condemn this flagrant and disgraceful breach of Covid-19 regulations, which goes against Jewish teaching that preserving life is of the highest value.
“The reckless and dangerous behaviour of those behind this event does not represent the attitude of the vast majority of British Jews, including from within the Strictly Orthodox community, who are fully aware of the terrible toll of this pandemic.
“At the latest count, 740 members of the Jewish community were among the more than 90,000 UK fatalities from Covid. May the memory of all those who have perished in this terrible time be for blessing.
“We urge all members of the Jewish community, most of whom have faithfully kept to the Government’s advice on this matter, to continue to do so. These rulebreakers do not represent us. We commend instead the thousands of members of our community who work for the NHS and have been giving their all for the good of this country.”