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Lockdown wedding couple named
Bride and groom named as Mimi Friedlander and Zevi Begal
April 26, 2020 10:36
Bride and groom named as Mimi Friedlander and Zevi Begal
April 26, 2020 10:36The bride and groom at the Golders Green wedding shut down by police after it had contravened rules on social gatherings have been named as Mimi Friedlander from London and Zevi Begal from Manchester.
The JC revealed last Wednesday how police were called to a house in north-west London after videos circulated on social media of a couple taking part in a ceremony during the coronavirus pandemic beneath a chuppah in the garden.
The ceremony was attended by around 40 guests who were treated to a luxurious meal laid out on long tables covered in white tablecloths, with orchids lavishly draped around the room.
The father-of-the-bride, Moishe Friedlander, was chairman of the Hackney Metropolitan police Independent Advisory Group for five years.
The Metropolitan Police said on Thursday that Mr Friedlander had "voluntarily stepped down" as head of the IAG for the North London borough.
Police responded to complaints from neighbours about the gathering in advance of it starting but according to MailOnline the owner of the property, Rabbi Doniel Kleiman, told officers that the celebration was just for 10 members of the same family, all of whom lived at the address.
But subsequent video footage showed that around 40 guests had attended the function.
Golders Green Rabbi Chaim Halpern also reportedly recited a blessing under the chuppah.
Police officers returned to the house at 9pm to find the party was in full swing.
In the footage, an officer is seen saying, "I'm crashing the party". A reveller then replies, "Do you want to have a little drink? A beer?" The policeman refuses the offer.
A heated argument also broke out with police outside the house. No arrests were made but the Met confirmed that one person was fined.
A Metropolitan Police spokesman said: "Police were contacted at 17:30hrs on Wednesday, 22 April regarding an alleged pre-planned event at a residential address in Bridge Lane NW11.
"Officers attended the address and spoke with the occupants. They were informed that a family occasion was to take place and that a very small number of people would be present. Appropriate advice regarding government guidelines around Covid-19 was given.
"Police were called again at 21:00hrs following reports of a large group of people gathered at the address.
"Officers attended and engaged, explained the guidance and encouraged compliance. People were seen to leave the venue and by 23:00hrs the event had closed.
"No arrests were made. One fixed penalty notice was issued."
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