Brighton shows Labour its future potential as a Jewish centre - The Jewish Chronicle

Shadow Culture Secretary Jo Stevens and Board of Deputies and Jewish Leadership Council representatives were among those given a taste of Brighton Jewish life past, present and future during last week’s Labour Party conference. They visited the site of the new communal hub, BNJC, which is currently under construction. There was also a tour of the historic Middle Street Synagogue, whose supporters have expressed concerns over its future. At the BNJC development in central Hove, CEO Marc Sugarman hosted a hard hat tour, explaining that its synagogue and mikveh, educational and working facilities, kosher dining and cultural programme would revitalise Jewish life in the city. The visitors were also able to view the housing units being built as part of BNJC, which will range from mews properties to penthouses. Commending the development’s environmental credentials, Ms Stevens also highlighted the importance of exposing the wider community to Jewish culture. She applauded “the ambitious vision for this project which will help to strengthen the Jewish community in Hove and establish a cultural destination for people across the whole of the city and beyond”. JLC co-CEO Claudia Mendoza said Brighton and Hove was already a good place to be Jewish. “But the addition of BNJC will make the city even more attractive for Jews wishing to live by the coast.” At Middle Street — which has not operated as an active synagogue for around 17 years — Brighton and Hove Hebrew Congregation’s Rabbi Hershel Rader stressed the importance of the Grade II-listed shul as a Jewish heritage site. The visitors acknowledged the need to restore the building to its former glory, Ms Mendoza describing it as “a hidden treasure. Securing its future is important not only for Brighton’s Jewish community but for the nation. We hope that funding can be found to sustain this unique shul for future generations to experience.” Rabbi Rader asked Ms Stevens to convey the local Jewish community’s appreciation to Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer for his efforts to combat antisemitism within the party. She responded that it had been important to her “to take time out of the conference to visit and I want to thank the Jewish community leaders I’ve met. Repairing and re-establishing Labour’s relationship with the Jewish community was front and centre of Keir Starmer’s acceptance speech as Labour leader and I hope that my visit has helped that process.”