A group of leading Jewish figures has condemned government regulations preventing prison inmates receiving books through the post.
In a letter to The Times signed by 18 rabbis, journalists and activists, the group wrote: “Jewish culture is united by a deep-rooted conviction in the power of the written word. We are therefore sensitive to any attempt to restrict access to books.”
Keith Kahn-Harris, the editor of the Jewish Quarterly, who was the lead signatory, told the JC that he was “horrified about the new rules.
“Books and magazines are not a privilege. I think they are essential for rehabilitation and an enlightened prison policy. This is cruelty for the sake of cruelty.”