One of Hackney’s most senior police officers has hit out at a local Orthodox organisation known as the Jewish Community Council (JCC) following a community meeting with police about the forthcoming High Holy Days and Covid-19 prevention.
Although the JCC did not attend the meeting, its founder Levi Shapiro had written an email to many of those present saying that he had “been at the forefront lobbying and working closely with local authorities and police officials to provide a greater insight of the sensitive culture” ahead of the yomtovs.
But Jordi Navarro, who is responsible for community engagement across East London, issued a statement saying “we do not recognise the JCC as an organisation”.
Mr Navarro wrote: “Levi (JCC) has emailed everybody invited to yesterday’s meeting apart from any Jewish contacts such as Moishe Friedlander, Rabbi Gluck, Hatzola, Interlink ….
“I personally know everyone on the email list and they are all hugely important with the Jewish community and the organisations they represent are the ones who have contributed the most in terms of combating the spread of Covid and providing services for those most in need of help during the pandemic.
“I can confirm the MPS has not worked with the JCC in regards to the High Holy festivals and we do not recognise the JCC as an organisation.”
In March a top medical expert sharply criticised Mr Shapiro for urging the government to back a high-risk drug to treat coronavirus.
Ellie Cannon, one of the UK’s most high-profile GPs attacked his promotion of the Hydroxychloroquine drug to treat COVID-19 patients.
The JC has contacted Stamford Hill based Mr Shapiro for comment over the latest criticism by Mr Navarro.
