Following the attack in Golders Green, Bishop Hugh has issued the following statement:
“My first thoughts and prayers are for the victims of this appalling attack: as I pray for them, I realise that their recovery will include the physical healing from the stabbing as well as the longer term process of working through psychological and emotional trauma.
"This is the second anti-Semitic attack in this area of London, so the whole Jewish community will be feeling anxious and afraid. Sadly, my contacts with Jewish people locally show that they too are feeling intimidated – the hatred is being felt across the country. This is unacceptable and shameful.
“A few years ago a ceremony was held in Worcester to unveil a plaque which commemorates the medieval Jewish community who settled in the city from 1154. They suffered persecution and were expelled for their faith in 1275. The reception that followed the unveiling was attended by representatives of Muslim, Jewish, Christian and other faiths, all of them committed to working together so that all feel safe, respected and valued. I share that commitment. Antisemitism and violent extremism must be consigned to history. I will work with sisters and brothers of all faiths or none to achieve that goal.”
