Party leaders and mayoral candidates have welcomed this years’ Jewish Manifestos for London, Scotland and Wales and their ‘Ten Commitments’ ahead of devolved elections this coming Thursday.
The Jewish Manifesto for London was produced by the London Jewish Forum, the Board of Deputies of British Jews and the Jewish Leadership Council, and covers issues such as countering antisemitism, transport, housing, relations with Israel and social care.
Ten Commitments include pledges on support for the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance definition of antisemitism, support for London’s Jewish heritage, encouraging ties with Israel and engaging with faith communities when planning transport changes.
The Jewish Manifesto for London can be read here. The Jewish Manifesto for London Ten Commitments can be read here.
President of the Board of Deputies, Marie van der Zyl, said: “It is heart-warming that party leaders and mayoral candidates have backed the Jewish community’s priorities in these elections. We look forward to working with them over the course of the next political term to ensure that London, Scotland, Wales and every part of the UK are great places to be Jewish.”
Mayor and Labour Candidate Sadiq Khan said: “Jewish Londoners have been hard hit by the pandemic, and it is right that the community’s thoughts now turn to building back better as we recover. This Jewish Manifesto for London sets out practical and achievable ways of doing just that – and I look forward to working with the Jewish community in making it a reality.” Watch his video here.
Conservative candidate Shaun Bailey said: “I fully back all Ten Commitments in here and also send a message to the Jewish community that I stand shoulder to shoulder with the community now and into the future.” Watch his video here.
Liberal Democrat Candidate Luisa Porritt said:” Coming from Jewish heritage myself, I know how important it is to stand up for our values, which is why I’m very proud to back the Ten Commitments in the Jewish Manifesto today.” Watch her video here.
Green Candidate Sian Berry said: “I’m here to give my commitment to engage with and support the Jewish community in London and the groups that represent them and listen to the issues that they raise.” Watch her video here.
Adrian Cohen and Andrew Gilbert, co-Chairs, London Jewish Forum said: “We’re grateful to the candidates for their support of our Jewish Manifesto for London. The next mayoral term will arguably be the most important since the mayoralty began and we look forward to working with the next mayor to implement our manifesto’s policy asks.”
Jonathan Goldstein, Chair, Jewish Leadership Council said: “I’m delighted to see that our Jewish Manifesto for London has been supported so enthusiastically by Mayoral candidates. Our manifesto highlights the outstanding work of our member organisations across the capital. The Jewish community looks forward to working with the next Mayor and playing its part in London’s recovery from Covid-19.”
The Jewish Manifesto for Scotland was produced by the Scottish Council of Jewish Communities (SCoJeC), the Glasgow Jewish Representative Council, the Board of Deputies of British Jews and the Jewish Leadership Council and covers such issues such as countering antisemitism, education, relations with Israel and preparations for the COP26 environmental summit.
The Ten Commitments included pledges on implementing the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s definition of antisemitism in policies and practices, provision of faith-sensitive public services, opposing boycotts of Israel and ensuring that young people understand the diverse society they live in.
The Jewish Manifesto for Scotland can be read here. The Jewish Manifesto for Scotland Ten Commitments can be read here.
First Minister and SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon said: “I am very pleased to have the opportunity to endorse the Jewish Manifesto for Scotland. I commit to doing whatever I can to make sure the Jewish the Jewish community in Scotland will always feel welcome and valued.” Watch her video here.
Conservative Leader Douglas Ross said: “I want to wholeheartedly welcome the manifesto. We are totally committed to standing up for the rights of Scotland’s Jewish community. The Scottish Conservatives support the Ten Commitments outlined in this Manifesto.” Watch his video here.
Labour Leader Annas Sarwar said: “This is an important and significant document and I am happy to show Scottish Labour’s support for the Jewish Manifesto for Scotland. I have always appreciated my close collaboration with Scotland’s Jewish Community in fighting prejudice and hate in all its forms.” Watch his video here
Liberal Democrat Leader William Rennie said: “The Scottish Liberal Democrats endorse the Jewish Manifesto for Scotland. We stand side by side with the community, to ensure these commitments are advanced in the next five years of the Scottish Parliament.” Watch his video here.
Commenting on the Party leaders’ statements, a spokesperson for SCoJeC, the Glasgow Jewish Representative Council and the Jewish Leadership Council said: “We welcome this cross-party support for out Jewish manifesto for Scotland. The Jewish community of Scotland is proud to work collaboratively with all political parties, and with the Scottish government, local authorities, and other representatives and public bodies.
“We work to ensure that the voices of Jewish people in Scotland are heard, and that their needs and concerns are understood and addressed. We look forward to engaging and working with the new Scottish Parliament and Government to implement these proposals, from fighting antisemitism and discrimination, to supporting freedom of belief and Jewish education.”
The bilingual Jewish Manifesto for Wales/Maniffesto Iddewig Cymru was produced by the South Wales Jewish Representative Council and the Board of Deputies of British Jews and covers such issues as countering antisemitism, community cohesion, relations with Israel, religious freedom and education.
Jewish Manifesto for Wales/Maniffesto Iddewig Cymru can be read here. The Jewish Manifesto for Wales Ten Commitments/ Y Deg Ymrwymiad can be read here.
First Minister and Welsh Labour Leader Mark Drakeford said: “I want to thank you for taking the time and trouble to put together such a comprehensive and powerful set of aspirations to address the concerns of the Jewish community here in Wales. The Welsh Labour Government and Welsh Labour as a party stands shoulder to shoulder with Jewish communities and against antisemitism in Wales, as well as around the world.” Watch his video here.
Andrew RT Davies, Leader of the Welsh Conservatives said “Antisemitism is a scourge of modern society, and these Ten Commitments will go a long way to stamping it out and eradicating it from all our communities in Wales.” Watch his video here.
Adam Price, leader of Plaid Cymru said: “I give my absolute commitment to build on the constructive engagement we have had with the Board of Deputies and others in the Jewish community in recent months. And I look forward to working with you to deliver the priorities outlined in the Jewish Manifesto for Wales.” Watch his video here.
Jane Dodds, Leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats said: “The Welsh Liberal Democrats want a Wales where everyone regardless of their characteristics is treated fairly, equally and with respect. We support the Ten Commitments as outlined in your manifesto.”
Laurence Kahn, Chair of the South Wales Jewish Representative Council said: “The decisions made at the Senedd are critically important for Jewish life in Wales and it is important that Jewish citizens go out and vote. Whatever next Thursday brings, we look forward to continuing the conversation with elected representatives on issues like antisemitism, religious freedom and faith sensitive public services that affect the Welsh Jewish community.”