British Prime Minister Theresa May reaffirmed her government’s determination to fight anti-Semitism as she saluted the resiliance of the State of Israel.
Speaking on the eve of the Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year celebration, Mrs. May told members of the Jewish community from business, the arts, politics, public services and charities about her plans to fight anti-Semitism as well as celebrate this year’s centenary of the signing of the Balfour Declaration.
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.
And we will actively encourage the use of this definition by the police, the legal profession, universities and other public bodies.
But the ultimate way of defeating anti-Semitism is to create an environment that prevents it happening in the first place.
Mrs. May then looked ahead to the Centenary of the Balfour declaration. November 2 will mark 100 years since a letter from British Foreign Secretary Arthur James Balfour established the diplomatic process that would end in a “national home for the Jewish people.”
Born of that letter, the pen of Balfour, and of the efforts of so many people, is a remarkable country. Of course, there are great challenges in the region – and we will do everything we can to support efforts towards building a two-state solution – and the lasting peace that we all want to see.
But as Prime Minister, I am proud to say that I support Israel.
And 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.
The Tory leader also acknowledged the work of volunteers such as Marsha Gladstone, the mother of Yoni Jesner who set up a foundation encouraging youngsters to volunteer in his name.
Follow Simon Kent on Twitter: Follow @SunSimonKent or e-mail to: skent@breitbart.com
//