THE Archbishop of Canterbury has said that the Church of England must take action to tackle anti-Semitism, and that she “cannot imagine how frightening it must be” for Jewish parents to worry about their children’s safety.
The Archbishop was speaking on a visit to the Sternberg Centre for Judaism in Finchley, north London, on Thursday. Hosted by Rabbi Charley Baginsky and Rabbi Josh Levy, the co-leads for Progressive Judaism in the UK and Ireland, she met rabbis and individuals training for ordination at Leo Baeck College, as well as pupils and teachers at the Akiva School.
Speaking after a series of anti-Semitic attacks in recent months (News, 1 May), Archbishop Mullally said: “This is not a problem for the Jewish community to solve. It’s on all of us — every single member of our society — to call out anti-Semitism whenever we see it, and to oppose it without hesitation or qualification.
“For the Church of England, such solidarity must also mean action, as well as words. We are committed to serve the whole nation by working together to tackle hatred in all its forms, knowing that violence against one group wounds us all.”
Archbishop Mullally continued: “Jewish places of worship and community life have been targeted and have been under surveillance. Students at the Avika School, and at Jewish schools around the country, must enter through fortified gates.
“As a parent myself, I cannot imagine how frightening it must be to drop your children off at school and worry about them making it home safely without fear of harassment or attack.
“And yet this is the terrifying reality for so many Jewish communities — as we have witnessed a horrifying increase in anti-Semitic violence over the past few weeks, months and years. It is completely unacceptable that you live this reality every day.”
She continued: “I am convinced our nation’s schools, colleges, and universities are at the forefront of countering religious intolerance. They can be shining examples of mutual flourishing. They can foster sensitivity and religious understanding. They can encourage young people to be enriched by challenge and encounter. They can help them grow as true neighbours and friends, as part of the same country. Let us hold that vision dear and renew our commitment to it.”
The Archbishop paid tribute to her hosts. “The Movement for Progressive Judaism is clearly thriving with theological training at Leo Baeck College, a dynamic school at Akiva Primary, and community outreach and interfaith engagement through your rabbis and congregations,” she said.
“It’s a privilege to be witnessing the extraordinary breadth of educational, theological and community work being done by those who live, work, worship, and learn here.
“This Centre is a testament to the vibrant life of Jewish communities and the essential contribution you make to British society. From charity work and healthcare, to education and the arts, your flourishing community enriches society and embodies the best values of this country.
“But, as I arrived through the security gates earlier, it was impossible to ignore the distressing truth about Jewish life in Britain today.”
In a joint statement, Rabbi Baginsky and Rabbi Levy welcomed the Archbishop’s solidarity. They said: “We are living through a time when loud voices are trying to deepen divisions between communities, and especially between faith communities.
“To have the Archbishop of Canterbury with us at such a moment was a powerful act of solidarity and care. Her presence meant a great deal and we are grateful for her clear support and willingness to stand with our community.
“We were able to share with her the breadth and depth of our communities across the four nations, and to speak about the faithful and often unseen work they do every day.”