The Archbishop of Canterbury has said that “every single member of our society” needs to call out antisemitism.
Speaking during a visit to the Sternberg Centre for Judaism in Finchley on Thursday following a wave of antisemitic attacks in the area, the Most Revd Dame Sarah Mullally said: “[Antisemitism] is not a problem for the Jewish community to solve. It’s on all of us – every single member of our society – to call out antisemitism whenever we see it, and to oppose it without hesitation or qualification.”
On the eve of the first Jewish Culture Month, which kicks off on May 16, she praised the Jewish community for its contribution to wider UK society, saying: “From charity work and healthcare to education and the arts, your flourishing community enriches society and embodies the best values of this country.”
The Sternberg Centre houses the headquarters of the Movement for Progressive Judaism.
Hosted by Rabbi Charley Baginsky and Rabbi Josh Levy, co-leads of the organisation, the Archbishop visited Leo Baeck College – a rabbinical seminary and teacher training centre – and the Akiva Jewish Primary School, where she was shown the security measures and dropped in on several classes to talk about the friendship between Christian and Jewish communities.
The Archbishop also met Rabbi Eleanor Davis of Finchley Reform Synagogue, where an attempted arson attack took place last month.
As well as talking about rising antisemitism, the archbishop and the rabbis also discussed working together to promote interfaith dialogue and solidarity.
In a joint statement after the visit, Rabbi Levy and Rabbi Baginsky said: “To have the Archbishop of Canterbury with us at such a moment was a powerful act of solidarity and care. Her presence meant a great deal at a time of rising antisemitism, and we are grateful for her clear support and willingness to stand with our community.
“We are living through a time when loud voices are trying to deepen divisions between communities, and especially between faith communities. Her visit pointed to a better vision of public life, one in which faith communities and minorities recognise one another’s dignity, stand alongside each other, and work together for the common good.”
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