JLC responds to protest in Westcliffe-on-Sea over Passover

We are shocked by the scenes that the Jewish community witnessed on Shabbat and Yom Tov in Westcliffe-on-Sea. Be it in Central London or in suburban Essex, the right to protest must not be allowed to disrupt the right of the Jewish community to practice our religion without fear and intimidation. As a result of the failure by the police to exercise their powers to move the location of this illegal rally, the majority of regular congregants, including all women and children, stayed at home instead of attending services. It is evident that there has been a failure to uphold the vital balance between protest and religious freedom. We have been clear with both the police and government that this state of affairs cannot be allowed to continue.

There is no obvious connection between Southend and Israel. This location was chosen because Westcliff-on-Sea is home to a small but significant Strictly Orthodox community. Marchers were observed shouting slurs at members of this community as they passed. We are shocked that no police action has yet been taken.

We welcome the government’s forthcoming legislation which will give further protections to places of worship from intimidatory protests. However, we maintain that Essex Police already had the option under existing legislation to impose conditions which would have allowed the Jewish community to have celebrated Shabbat and Passover without disruption. This march should never have been allowed to take place.

The Jewish community of Westcliff on Sea must be reassured that they will not be subjected to such a frightening experience again.