Politics
Starmer acknowledges hostage families’ ‘anguish’ ahead of Passover
The prime minister vowed to keep the Jewish community safe in the face of growing antisemitism
April 11, 2025 08:46
The prime minister vowed to keep the Jewish community safe in the face of growing antisemitism
April 11, 2025 08:46The prime minister has sent festive wishes and "Chag sameach” to members of the Jewish community ahead of Passover.
“As families gather around the Seder table, including my own, I take this opportunity to thank you for the contribution you make to British life,” Sir Keir Starmer said in a statement.
A special visit to Downing Street this week.
— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) April 11, 2025
A very happy Passover to Jews celebrating in the UK and around the world. pic.twitter.com/5Ru7gGAU9L
Starmer’s wife, Lady Victoria, is Jewish and when he was elected to office she became the first practising Jew to reside in Downing Street (Benjamin Disraeli was born Jewish but later converted to Christianity).
The prime minister also noted the suffering of those still held captive in Gaza. “This celebration of freedom is once again poignant this year, with 59 hostages still held by Hamas”, he said, adding that it was “impossible to imagine the anguish their families continue to feel.”
“So as we mark Passover, we renew our efforts to secure their release, and we must also see a return to the ceasefire and an end to the bloodshed,” he added.
Last month, the prime minister hosted former hostage Eli Sharabi, whose British-Israeli wife and two daughters were murdered by Hamas on October 7, in Downing Street. Starmer described the torture that he endured in captivity as “inhuman”.
The Labour leader also said he would keep the British Jewish community safe in the UK.
"I also want to reaffirm my determination to keep you safe in this country – to fight the poison of antisemitism wherever it is found, and to celebrate the many ways in which Jewish life makes our country what it is today. As your Prime Minister, I will always stand by you.”
Last month, during Prime Minister’s Questions, he spoke against antisemitism within the National Health Service (NHS).
“It is a fundamental principle that the NHS provides care and treatment for everyone, regardless of race, faith or background,” he said, calling on “all trusts and healthcare providers to take necessary action against any staff that express views that do not reflect the views and values of the NHS”.
Earlier this year, Starmer made his first visit to Auschwitz, accompanied by his wife, and wrote in the JC shortly afterwards: “Time and again we condemn this hatred, and we boldly say ‘never again’. But where is never again, when we see the poison of antisemitism rising around the world in aftermath of October 7?
“Where is never again, when the pulse of fear is beating in our own Jewish community, as people are despicably targeted once again for the very same reason, because they are Jewish?”