Chief Rabbi calls on leaders to act over Syria

Rabbis across the religious divide have called on world leaders to commit to peace talks in Syria on the third anniversary of the outbreak of civil war.

Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis along with representatives from the Sephardi, Reform, Liberal and Masorti movements signed an open letter sent by World Jewish Relief this week.

“We as Jewish leaders are committed to doing everything we can to make this the conflict’s last year,” the letter reads. It urges governments to “stop the bloodshed, ensure all those in need can access life-saving assistance, and commit to inclusive peace talks”.

WJR has raised £200,000 for Syrian refugees since launching an appeal in September. Richard Verber, the charity’s campaigns manager, said: “It is so important that, during crises such as in Syria, the Jewish community comes together to stand with others and demand an end to the violence.”

More than 100,000 people have been killed as a result of the civil war.