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Jonathan Arkush has condemned Donald Trump’s ban on refugees from Muslim countries
January 30, 2017 17:41![Jonathan Arkush [Evening Standard]](https://api.thejc.atexcloud.io/image-service/view/acePublic/alias/contentid/173mco2il553evz2kzw/0/jonathan-arkush-evening-standard.webp?f=16%3A9&w=3840&q=0.6)
Jonathan Arkush, Board of Deputies president, has condemned Donald Trump’s ban on refugees from Muslim countries.
Mr Trump’s implementation of a travel ban prevents people from seven mainly Muslim countries entering the United States.
Mr Arkush visited a mosque in Bradford, west Yorkshire, as part of a pre-arranged visit to meet Muslim communities
Speaking on Channel Five news during the visit, Mr Arkush said: “America has just sent a message that is taken as a gesture of evil intent towards Muslims or people just because of the country they live in.”
Joining him on the trip, Marie van der Zyl, Board vice-president, added: “It is going to have a drastic impact on communal relations and we need to come together as a community.”
She said: “Even though he is the most powerful man on the planet we need to tell him it is wrong.”
In an earlier statement, Mr Arkush condemned the ban on behalf of the Jewish community.
He said: “Bans based on national origin are indiscriminate and unjust. They would be unlawful in UK law.
“While we all understand the need to properly check those who enter our countries, this needs to be balanced with compassion towards the plight of those fleeing for their lives.
“This is a dismaying beginning to a new US Administration. Good government needs cool, rational judgments delivered professionally, not hasty policy-making on the hoof.
“All those who respect and admire the USA’s commitment to freedom will call on President Trump to review this misconceived Executive Order."
President Trump's executive order bars citizens of the countries from entering the US for a period of 90 days.
It also suspends the United States' refugee system for a period of 120 days.
