Anti racists were “shocked and sickened” by the antisemitic vandalism inflicted against a North London Synagogue and shops. On Monday 30 December, Stand up to Racism decided to organise a vigil in solidarity with the Jewish communities, which was attended by hundreds of local residents, including trade unionists, faith groups, and author Michael Rosen.
Hundreds turned out to show their solidarity and unity against the antisemitic vandalism and against all forms of racism. Despite taking place in the middle of the festive holidays, many attended to stand with the Jewish community.
Speakers at the vigil included Rabbi Janet Darley, Taranjit Chana from the GMB union, Weyman Bennett co convenor of Stand Up To Racism, author Michael Rosen, Daniella Abraham from Cinti Roma Holocaust Memorial Trust, Emina Ibrahim, a Haringey Councillor, author Louise Raw, Julia Bard from Jewish Socialist Group, Rob Ferguson from Stand Up To Racism, Rabbi Herschel Gluck, Donald Meskine, the chair of Hampstead & Belsize Labour Party branch, James Chiriyankandath – elder from Rosslyn Hill chapel, Fadouma Hassan, a councillor, Gary McFarlane from Stand Up To Racism, who was bringing a message from Wightman mosque.
There was a minute silence held, followed by We Shall Overcome led by choirist from St John’s Wood synagogue
The vigil took place on Monday 30.December at 17.30 pm at 80 Rosslyn Hill London NW3 1DN
Watch author Michael Rosen at the vigil as he read No Pasaran to the crowds HERE
Rabbi Janet Darley opened the vigil, watch her opening words HERE
Weyman Bennett from Stand Up To Racism brought solidarity, see his speech HERE
David Rosenberg, Jewish Socialist Group, said : “The Jewish Socialists condemns the cowardly spraying of antisemitic graffiti on a Synagogue and shops in North London, which closely followed the spate of incidents in New York “
Weyman Bennett, Stand Up To Racism co convenor, said
“Eighty one years after Kristallnacht, when Nazis in Germany unleashed progroms against the Jewish population leading to mass murder and the Holocaust, we can not be complacent. We have to defend united all our communities against Racism, Antisemitism, Islamophobia, persecution against the Gypsy Roma Traveller communities, Homophobia and intolerance.”