Earlier this month, the Jewish Chronicle ran a front-page editorial pleading with British Citizens to show solidarity against the ugly rise of anti-semitism. This week the Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis made an unprecedented intervention in the UK General Election warning that “the very soul of our nation is at stake” from the poison of anti-Jewish hatred. Faced with these cries for help, the various Asian communities across the UK must respond with equal force and clarity. We must stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the Jewish community in condemning all forms of racism. It is unacceptable for any group in Britain to live in fear for their future in a country that is now their home and where they have contributed so much.
The Chief Rabbi and Jewish Chronicle highlight the deep-seated concerns about Jeremy Corbyn and his relationship with the Jewish diaspora and its key organisations, questioning his fitness for the highest office. British Indians have also expressed similar fears about Mr Corbyn’s partisan attitude towards Kashmir. Meanwhile, concerns have been expressed about Islamophobia within the Conservative Party. All political parties should use this General Election to clarify their policies and demonstrate their commitment to uniting and not dividing Britain’s diverse and multi-cultural democracy.
Last November, I had the pleasure of sharing a platform with the Chief Rabbi at the Marble Arch Synagogue in London where we both addressed a gathering of the Indian Jewish Association to mark Inter-Faith Week. The Chief Rabbi spoke warmly of our shared values, saying: “If you want an example of unity, look at Jews and Indians. If only the whole world took a leaf out of our book, this would be a very different planet. As Indians and Jews together, we are playing different instruments but are together in the same orchestra, and our aim is to continue with that harmonious tone.”
Indeed, Jews and Indians share many of the same intrinsic values anchored around family, faith, and community; with a strong emphasis on education and entrepreneurship. It is fair to say Indians often look to leasing Jewish organisations such as the Board of Deputies, the Jewish Leadership Council or Jewish Care as role models for unity of purpose and effective participation in national life. It is because of our familiarity and deep respect for the Jewish community that it pains many of us to see the anguish felt by the Jewish community at the ugly rise of anti-semitism here in the UK and around the world. If the British Jewish community is going through such an ordeal, we all need to take heed.
South Asians are not immune either from the increase in reported hate crimes which have doubled over the past five years. Despite these challenges we have not allowed prejudice to define us. Both our communities have been beneficiaries of the British Dream. We often arrived in this country with very little, many as refugees, and through perseverance, have not just made a life here but also a disproportionate contribution to many walks of life.
At the heart of this success is being comfortable with multiples identities. We don’t see a conflict in being British and Jewish or British and Hindu, British and Sikh, British and Muslim or British and Jain. We demonstrate how communities can integrate successfully and embrace British values whilst retaining our cultural heritage and identity.
The former Chief Rabbi, Lord Sacks describes the “Dignity of Difference” in his powerful book, which argues that we must do more than search for common human values; we should learn to make a space for difference.We shouldn’t just tolerate diversity – but accept, respect and celebrates difference. Which is why being open to new ideas was referenced in the Rig Veda.
An open and tolerant society has been the hallmark of Britain over many decades. The Brexit Referendum, and the undercurrents which it has unleashed, has tested this cross-party consensus. Whatever the verdict of the 2019 Election - one outcome must be beyond all doubt - racism cannot be tolerated in whatever form it takes. We should proudly stand with Jews, and other minority groups, in making that case to our fellow British Citizens. Asian Voice recently stood in solidarity with the Jewish Chronicle in confronting the increasing racism plaguing British politics and I urge other stakeholders in the community to do the same.
