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Shuls in forefront of campaign to bring children to Britain

September 8, 2016 13:19
08092016 Boy 2 holding sign

ByJosh Jackman, Josh Jackman

2 min read

The Masorti, Liberal and Reform movements are in the vanguard of a campaign to bring to Britain at least 150 child refugees from Calais who have a legal right to live here.

A number of United Synagogue leaders are also said to support the Safe Passage UK campaign, which is trying to raise £300,000 to resettle children from the camp. Started by Citizens UK, it has raised £50,000 in three days.

The Jewish response to the campaign was launched by Nic Schlagman, trustee for Noam and Masorti Judaism, who said there had been pledges of tens of thousands of pounds more. The situation had become more urgent, he added, as the French interior minister had announced the government's intention to dismantle the camp housing 9,000 refugees.

"It's terrifying even with our best work, if the camp closes before we complete this process some of these kids will never be heard from again," Mr Schlagman said.