London’s leading Mayoral hopefuls pledged to visit Israel at the Jewish Community Hustings for the capital’s elections, organised by the London Jewish Forum, the Board of Deputies of British Jews, the Jewish Leadership Council and Jewish News.
Current mayor Sadiq Khan told the meeting: “If elected I will be proud as a London Mayor of an Islamic Faith to lead a delegation to Israel. It is about building bridges and friendships.”
Conservative Candidate Shaun Bailey said: “I commit to lead a trade delegation to Israel in my first year. That we could link London to Israel through a business and trade is top of my mind.”
Liberal Democrat Candidate Luisa Porritt said: “Israel has lead on the vaccine and our NHS has done much to catch up. But there is so much more to Israel. Tel Aviv is one of the most liberal, tolerant cities in the world.”
Green candidate Sian Berry backed the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) working definition of antisemitism, saying: “I support the IHRA definition of Antisemitism and the examples. It is really important that we use the IHRA definition in practical ways.”
“Mayoral candidates addressed all the big issues that affect the lives of Jewish Londoners, including antisemitism, housing, education, social care, and Israel at the online event held yesterday.
Adrian Cohen, Co-Chair of the London Jewish Forum, who presided over the hustings said: “We are grateful for all the candidates for joining us for these hustings. This debate was only a continuation of the conversation between the Jewish community and decision-makers, which will go on whoever wins the election.”
Board of Deputies President Marie van der Zyl said: “I urge Jewish Londoners who could not watch the event in real time to catch up on video, to help inform their voting decision.”
Claudia Mendoza, Co-Chief Executive of the Jewish Leadership Council said: “We are delighted that so many people engaged with the London Mayoral hustings last night. It is important that we all engage with prospective candidates and provide opportunities such as last night to discuss the issues of importance to the community. We’d like to thank all four candidates for debating in good spirit.”
A video of the hustings is available here.