World Jewish News

In Rosh Hashanah message, British PM Theresa May vows to fight anti-Semitism

Speaking on the eve of the Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, British Prime Minister Theresa May vowed to fight anti-Semitism as she addressed members of the Jewish community from business, the arts, politics, public services and charities at a reception at Downing Street.

‘’Through our new definition of anti-Semitism we will call out anyone guilty of any language or behaviour that displays hatred towards Jews because they are Jews,’’ she said.

‘’We will actively encourage the use of this definition by the police, the legal profession, universities and other public bodies,’’ she added.

‘’But the ultimate way of defeating anti-Semitism is to create an environment that prevents it happening in the first place,’’ she stressed .

She also mentioned the celebration of the centenary of the Balfour declaration on November 2.

It will mark 100 years since British Foreign Secretary Arthur James Balfour wrote in a letter that his government viewed favourably the establishment of a ‘’national home for the Jewish people.’’ ‘’It is absolutely right that we should mark the vital role that Britain played a century ago in helping to create a homeland for the Jewish people.’’

‘’As Prime Minister, I am proud to say that I support Israel ‘’ a remarkable country,’’ she said.

EJP