Rabbis Launch Charter Against Destitution
Three rabbis, representing the Liberal, Masorti and Reform movements, co-signed JCORE’s charter last month, calling on the government to allow asylum seekers the right to work after they have been in the UK for six months.
Rabbi David Mitchell of Radlett & Bushey Reform Synagogue attended on behalf of the Movement for Reform Judaism.
The aim of the charter - part of JCORE’s No Way to Live campaign - is to persuade the government to end the destitution affecting tens of thousands of refused asylum seekers, often for many years. Most live on handouts or, at best, on £5 a day. Yet they are not allowed to work to support themselves.
The rabbis hope many more will add their signatures to the charter. Rabbi Danny Rich, Chief Executive of Liberal Judaism, said: "Treatment of the poor and vulnerable is a fundamental Jewish responsibility, and JCORE has taken a lead in reminding the community of this."
Rabbi David Mitchell added: "With our history as refugees, our community cannot ignore the needs of others seeking refuge in this country."
Rabbi Jonathan Wittenberg of New North London Synagogue, Senior Rabbi of the Assembly of Masorti Synagogues, said: "As Jews, we owe a duty of care to destitute asylum seekers. Allowing them to work would not only lift them out of destitution but would also restore their human dignity."
Subsequent charters to be launched in the spring will gather signatures from other groups in the Jewish community - employers, students, doctors and other citizens. JCORE will present all the signed charters to the Minister of Immigration in June.
Find out more about JCORE
Photograph above by Talya Sive: (left to right) Rabbis Jonathan Wittenberg, Danny Rich and David Mitchell.
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