It has been a difficult week for everyone following the terrible attacks on innocent people in Paris. I have been receiving on line many communications from different organisaions on the matter and maybe you have too. I felt that I should forward just two of them, one from the Community Security Trust (CST) who advise us and who help to keep Synagogues safe at all times, and this is probably one of the most important times. The other one is from the Board of Deputies who also do their best to assist the Jewish communities in the UK at all times. They both are very important to read because they help us to keep a sense of balance. Also I quote from The Times of Israel:
‘These days some people prefer to hide their Jewishness until the storm subsides. Even if they usually go to Synagogues or Jewish community centres they will postpone it for another time. I ask them to do the opposite. Now is the time for everyone to emphasize their connection to the Jewish people. Even those who do not regularly attend synagogue should visit it in order to express solidarity with the Jewish people throughout the generations and what they represent …..The main goal of the recent wave of terror is to intimidate us from who and what we are. Our answer is to deepen our faith in ourselves, who we are, and what we represent.’ So, do come along to the shul either for a service or to the events we have on to commemorate Holocaust Memorial Day.
We have looked into our own security, and of course, as I had mentioned in the last newsletter – just written before the attacks happened – we do need everyone to pull their weight in coming along for security duty and also volunteering for it. Please note that now we shall be locking the door into the Synagogue during a service or event and if you are not let in fairly quickly, please ring the bell outside once and wait until you are let in. The local police are aware of our fears and are keeping an eye on us. I have also heard on the news this evening that Mr Cameron has also stated that the police should patrol Synagogues more, so we are not forgotten which is comforting.
We must just pray that our police are able to be vigilant enough anywhere in the UK and in Europe to prevent another massacre anywhere.