An opportunity "to use the Jewish community's hard lessons to help build a better Britain" was how Community Security Trust founder Gerald Ronson described the launch of the CST's new Hate Crimes Guide, launched this week in conjunction with the Home Office.
Mr Ronson, speaking at the CST's annual fundraising dinner last week, acknowledged Prime Minister David Cameron's tribute to the Jewish community as a model for his Big Society.
But he pledged: "We will also lead from the front, enabling the Jewish community to keep playing its part in challenging extremism and working with police, and politicians of all parties, and good people of all religious backgrounds, in defence of our common values."
The guide was written by the CST, funded by a grant from the Home Office Victims' Fund. CST has recorded antisemitic hate crimes on behalf of the Jewish community since 1984, and became an official Third Party Reporter of hate crimes to the police in 2001.
The booklet includes guidance on defining and recognising hate crimes; how to respond to different types of hate crimes, such as assault, abusive graffiti or hate-mail; forming partnerships with the police and other agencies; supporting victims; and examples of report forms that can be photocopied and used to record hate crimes.
James Brokenshire, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Crime Prevention, said: "Tackling hate crime carries an importance beyond the individual crime itself. The actions of a bigoted few should not be allowed to interfere with their right to share in our society."
Richard Benson, chief executive of the CST, said: "The Jewish community in Britain has long recognised the need for a strong response to hate crime as part of our commitment to fighting all forms of bigotry in our society."
Assistant Chief Constable Drew Harris of the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) said: "The CST is an excellent example of an effective body that has been able to form a true partnership with Police colleagues and inspire confidence in communities."
