Tom Gordon, MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough, has raised the safety of Harrogate’s Jewish community in Parliament this week.
Following his attendance of a Passover service at Harrogate Synagogue where he discussed the issue of security with local congregants, Tom raised a question with the Minister of State for Security.
One local Jewish couple he spoke to are considering leaving the UK because they feel so unsafe.
This comes as a recent survey suggests antisemitism is causing around one in five British Jews to think about leaving.
Tom referenced the recent comments of the Chief Rabbi, Sir Ephraim Mirvis that attacks on the Jewish Community are “gathering momentum”.
Tom said:
“It is a bare basic of a liberal society that people can freely practice their religion.
“No one should feel their security is conditional because of their faith or ethnic background.
“Every time I’ve visited the synagogue in Harrogate, we’ve had to discuss security.”
The exchange follows a marked rise in antisemitism across the country including a series of attempted arson attacks and Jewish Community Ambulances being set alight in London last month.
The Minister gave the government’s commitment to people being able to practice their religion and go about their lives unimpeded and discussed the record levels of resource currently being invested into places of worship.
The MP welcomed the investment and has pledged to continue to promote tolerance and inter-community dialogue.
He added:
“I’m proud to work across the range of diverse, interfaith communities in my constituency.
“We all have a collective responsibility and ability to stamp out the root causes of antisemitism, and all forms of hate.”
Harrogate-based Sporting Influence Foundation to tackle 24 climbs in 24 hours
Giant vegetables take centre stage at Harrogate Autumn Flower Show
Alpamare waterpark to be sold to 'protect its future' with private investment
Roadworks causing growing disruption in Harrogate and Knaresborough, officials admit
Yorkshire artist brings Harrogate's Old Market Hall back to life
Martin House hosts first children's palliative care conference
Judge appointed to lead inquiry into North Yorkshire mental health trust
Harrogate group raise more than £40,000 with cycle to Bordeaux
Scotton pub wins Tripadvisor award for seventh year running
Almost 2,000 people sign Knaresborough landslip petition
Police appeal after Range Rover damaged in Knaresborough
St Aidan's teacher recognised at national Teacher of the Year Awards
Bramham Park to host its first Christmas market
Harvest gown unveiled for flower show's 50th anniversary
Ripon's Mario's Restaurant named among Tripadvisor's top 10%
Harrogate Rugby Club reveals plans for clubhouse expansion and padel courts
Police appeal after Lister House minibus vandalised in Ripon
Council urged to "show me the money" and provide evidence of home-to-school policy change savings
Kate Mosse and Prue Leith among stars of Harrogate Literature Festival
Ripon among UK's top cities for missing parcels
