Following consultation with representatives of more than 300 communal organisations, the Board of Deputies today launched its Jewish Manifesto for Local Government in advance of May's local elections.
A successor to the Jewish Manifesto released before last year's General Election, it outlines "policy asks" in which the Board seeks support from local authorities. It also incorporates "10 commitments" for local policy-makers, reflecting the needs of Jewish communities nationwide.
The commitments include opposing antisemitism and other forms of racism; providing resources to promote interfaith relations and joint social action projects; making efforts not to exacerbate communal tensions over conflicts in the Middle East; support for Jewish schools and for Jewish care providers. Where such specialist care does not exist within a local authority, residents who wish to access it should be funded to do so in other council areas, the manifesto suggests.
In the wake of the controversy over the unwillingness of Mary Hassell, head of St Pancras coroner's court, to grant quick burials for Jews and Muslims, the document highlights the importance of understanding the needs of diverse communities in public health and related provision.
