David Cameron has reaffirmed his determination to protect British Jews from rising antisemitism and hatred.
In a letter to Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis to mark the annual High Holy day Annual Conference of Rabbis, the Prime Minister said Britain would always be a safe home for Jewish people.
“A Jewish friend once asked me whether it will always be safe for his children and grandchildren to live in Britain,” Mr Cameron wrote.
“The answer to that question will always be ‘yes’. I hope that in years to come we will reach a point where that question will not even need to be asked.
“I know that many in our Jewish communities are feeling anxious at this time. So as we reflect on events this summer, it is more important than ever that Britain says loudly and clearly that there can never be any excuse for antisemitism.”
He said the government had provided more than £2.3 million to fund organisations working to combat hate crimes.
The Prime Minister told the rabbis: “As we enter this time of reflection in marking Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur I hope that you may be able to offer some reassurance to any who need it about the incredible pride that Britain has in its Jewish communities and our continued determination to fight discrimination and to keep Jewish people safe.”
Mr Cameron also pledged his ongoing support for Israel.
“With me, you have a Prime Minister whose belief in Israel is unbreakable and whose commitment to Israel’s security will always be rock solid,” he wrote.
“I will always stand up for the right of Israel to defend its citizens, as I did earlier this summer in the House of Commons.”
His letter repeated the government’s opposition to Israel’s plans to expropriate around 1,000 acres of land close to Bethlehem in the West Bank.
Israel’s Ashkenazi Chief Rabbi David Lau will address the rabbinical conference in London today.
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