U.K. Gov’t Reaches Out to Chareidi Kehillah Following Attack

Following the terrorist attack outside Parliament on Wednesday, the British government offered its support to the Jewish community.

On Thursday morning, when the Houses of Parliament reconvened, Prime Minister Theresa May made a statement in the House of Commons about the attack and its consequences. Mrs. May said, “People of all faiths and none are going about their business in defiance of the terrorists. Their very clear message is that they will not be cowed, and that is a message that this House gives very clearly today: this country will not be cowed by these terrorists.” She explained that the government would specifically be reaching out to faith communities to offer them support.

Lord Bourne, the Government’s minister responsible for faith and integration, recently visited Stamford Hill to meet with the chareidi kehillah there. On Thursday, he called Rabbi Avrohom Pinter, principal of Yesodey Hatorah Girls’ School and a well-known askan, to offer reassurances to the kehillah following Wednesday’s attack in Westminster. Lord Bourne emphasized the important contribution made by the chareidi community to British society, including their role in promoting good community relations and cohesion, both of which continue to be vital following the incident.

He reiterated the prime minister’s message, adding that communities would naturally be feeling anxious at this time and that the Government wanted them to feel safe and reassured.

Lord Bourne emphasized the importance the government places on the security of the Jewish community, and its partnership with the Community Security Trust to ensure that schools and synagogues are secure and protected.

Following the call, Rabbi Pinter said, “Minority communities often get negative attention after this kind of atrocity. We are incredibly grateful that the government reached out to us and appreciate their support during this difficult time for all of us.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims of the Westminster attack and their families, and we would like to pay special tribute to the police force who dedicate themselves to protecting us.”