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Chief Rabbi backs event marking anniversary of Jo Cox’s murder
Jewish community urged to get involved in Great Get-Together
May 3, 2017 18:05
Jewish community urged to get involved in Great Get-Together
May 3, 2017 18:05Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis has urged the Jewish community to take part in a national event marking the first anniversary of MP Jo Cox's death.
Mrs Cox’s husband, Brendan, is planning a weekend of community-based events under the title, the Great Get Together, in memory of his wife, a year on from her murder.
Rabbi Mirvis said he will join with more than 100 faith leaders, who have pledged to organise events over the weekend on June 16-18.
He said: “I am urging synagogues throughout the UK to take full advantage of this invaluable opportunity for community engagement on an unprecedented scale and I look forward to taking part.
“Breaking bread with those we care about has been a cornerstone of Jewish culture for millennia.
“That is why I believe that there is no better way than the Great Get Together to share what we have in common with those of all faiths and none.
“This will be a most appropriate tribute to the memory of the late Jo Cox MP.”
Mrs Cox was shot and stabbed in an attack in her Yorkshire constituency during the EU referendum campaign last June.
Thomas Mair, 53, was jailed for life for her murder, which was described in court as being inspired by white supremacism.
Mr Cox hopes inviting different faith communities to work together on the Great Get Together will help tackle extremism.
On Wednesday night, leaders from Jewish, Christian, Muslim, Hindu and Sikh communities met in London to discuss the project.
Speaking ahead of the launch, Mr Cox said the event would be a way of coming together after the election when so much of the focus has been on disagreement.
He said: “Elections are huge moments of national importance and deserve to be taken seriously. But we also need to get a better balance.
“We spend way too much time fixated on the areas we disagree with each other and need to create more moments where we come together as a country. That’s what I’m focused on and after polling day, I am sure that’s exactly what people all over the UK will be crying out for.
“I’m certain that The Great Get Together is more important now than it ever was. It’s the right thing at the right time. And it’s brilliant that so many people of all faiths and none will be taking part.”
