The Jewish community has received support from parties across the political spectrum in Northern Ireland in the lead up to the Legislative Assembly elections tomorrow (Thursday 5 May).
The Jewish Manifesto for Northern Ireland has been drafted by the Belfast Jewish community and the Board of Deputies of British Jews and has received the backing of the Democratic Unionist Party, Sinn Fein, the Social Democratic and Labour Party and the Ulster Unionist Party.
Commitments in the Manifesto include support for the Jewish community’s access to kosher goods in Northern Ireland protocol discussions, tackling hate speech and showing responsibility in rhetoric concerning the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The Northern Irish Jewish community and the Board of Deputies also held constructive meetings with candidates from the Democratic Unionist Party (Brian Kingston – Belfast North); Social Democratic Labour Party (Conor Houston – Strangford) and the Ulster Unionist Party (Steve Aiken – South Antrim).
Michael Black, Chair of the Belfast Hebrew Congregation, said: “The Belfast Jewish community appreciates the support of parties across the political spectrum for the Manifesto. We look forward to working with them on the vital issues of accessing kosher food and tackling hate speech and hate crime.”
Board of Deputies President Marie van der Zyl said: “The Board is proud to support communities throughout the country, including the Belfast Jewish community. We will continue to work with the local community to help secure kosher food and ritual products, as well as protect community safety.”
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