Each year our synagogues host thousands of local school children. We teach the pupils about the Jewish values of family, integrity and tradition as well as the lessons of the Holocaust.
In the past week two schools have cancelled their attendance, leaving 500 students without access to our programmes.
The reason for this withdrawal – fear. Fear of the children being in a synagogue, fear of association with Jews.
This decision is a three-fold victory to perpetrators of terror and extremism. First, it gives in to the fear that these terrorists created rather than combatting it with strength and care.
Second, it deprives the children of an education against extremism. Third, it marginalises the Jewish community to be the pariah within our society, not through active discrimination but through neglect.
For us this marks a tipping point, not when Jews are concerned for their own safety but when others are scared of mere connection to our community.
This letter is not intended to be alarmist. It is a call for communication, friendship and hope. Kingston is a place with a long history of interfaith collaboration.
We hope and pray that in Kingston, and the rest of our country, this very British value continues.
RABBI SAMUEL LANDAU
Kingston, Surbiton & District United Synagogue
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