Labour leader participates in a busy programme at South Hampstead shul, saying the day's Jewish values are 'more important than ever' during pandemic
November 15, 2020 15:16
Sir Keir Starmer was among the many taking part in Mitzvah Day activities today, helping South Hampstead Synagogue members collect and distribute food and toiletries to those in need.
The shul, which is located in the Labour leader’s Holborn and St Pancras constituency, set up a Covid-compliant collection point outside its premises for members and other local residents to donate items.
The collection will benefit three charities helping those in food poverty – Castlehaven Food Bank in Chalk Farm, St Mary's Church in Primrose Hill and the New Horizon Youth Centre, which supports homeless and vulnerable teenagers across London.
Although “delighted” to help out, Sir Keir wished “these food donations were not needed. But it fills me with hope to see how generous and resilient our community has been in rising to the challenges of the last few months.
“Mitzvah Day is a wonderful opportunity to see people of different faiths working together to enrich their local communities. While this year feels very different, the Jewish values behind Mitzvah Day of tikkun olam, healing our world, and gemilut chasadim, acts of loving kindness, are more important than ever.”
Also at the South Hampstead activity was Mitzvah Day founder and chair, Laura Marks, who lives locally.
She said the shul’s long-term relationships with charities, nurtured through Mitzvah Day, were vital during the pandemic.
“Even stuck outside in the car park in the rain, the small acts of kindness we saw today brought a warmth and community spirit that just can’t be dampened.”
The South Hampstead collection was organised by long-term Mitzvah Day volunteer Ben Leon and a hard-working committee.
Supporters also collected books for pupils at a Camden primary school while young members made videos of songs and poems for Jewish Care residents, co-ordinated by youth directors Devorah and Netanel Rosen.
Mitzvah Day traditionally takes place on this weekend. But with lockdown restrictions preventing some activities and limiting numbers at others, organisers have made November the “month of mitzvahs”.