An exhibition aimed at helping people to gain a greater insight and understanding of Judaism was launched yesterday (Tuesday 8 May) in Newcastle by the Board of Deputies, as part of the ‘Together We Are Stronger’ campaign.
The Jewish Living Experience, run by the Board of Deputies, will be held at the United Hebrew Congregation, Gosforth, for two weeks and will be open to the public and school groups from across the city. Hundreds of young people from across the region have already signed up to attend.
The exhibition, which has recently been held in Hertfordshire, Manchester, Carlisle and Lincoln, teaches people about Judaism through authentic artefacts, displays and educational activities which promote experiential learning. Visitors will be guided through the exhibition by volunteers from the city’s Jewish communities.
The ‘Together We Are Stronger’ campaign is a collaboration between Safe Newcastle and the Government’s Building a Stronger Britain Together programme. The campaign, which launched in March 2018, features nine videos of everyday local heroes, who have made a real contribution to Newcastle – from to Ally Ali, who moved to the city in 2012 and now coaches football at the Newcastle United Foundation Kicks, to Elizabeth Wilson-Halliday, who helped found a community café in Shieldfield. By providing the opportunity for people to learn about Judaism, the Jewish Living Experience will continue the campaign’s work celebrating Newcastle’s diversity and inclusive spirit.
Baroness Williams, Home Office Minister for Countering-Extremism, said:
“Newcastle has a strong local Jewish community and so I am very pleased that the Board of Deputies’ important exhibition is in Newcastle and I encourage local people to sign up and visit.
“The Together We Are Stronger campaign shows that while individuals may seek to divide us or hold extremist views, Newcastle is an open and welcoming city that celebrates the contribution of all its different communities.
Anthony Josephs, president of the United Hebrew Congregation, said:
“The United Hebrew Congregation and the Newcastle Reform Synagogue are delighted to be hosting the Jewish Living Experience exhibition. It’s been fantastic to have so many schools and young people come through already to learn about Judaism and we are looking forward to welcoming people from across the city over the next few weeks. Anyone who is interested in attending should contact the synagogue to book their place.”