With London's Jewish community preparing to mark Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, the Mayor of London Boris Johnson has issued the following message: 'As well as looking ahead to a new year, Rosh Hashanah is a period of reflection for the Jewish community. It is also an opportunity for us all to consider the great things that Jewish people have done to help our city prosper. Not only has London's Jewish community contributed to our buoyant, booming economy, it has also been at the heart of our city's cultural life.
'This has been a difficult year, but Jewish Londoners can look to the future with great optimism as we recognise their value to London. I wish everyone a happy, safe and secure Rosh Hashanah and all the best for the coming fast. L'Shanah Tovah Tikatevu.’
Notes to editors
1. Rosh Hashanah is a judgement day when Jews believe that their good deeds over the past year are balanced against their bad deeds. Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, is the most solemn day of the year and occurs ten days later. It is a period of self-reflection when Jewish people look back on the year and their conduct throughout.
2. The MPS is working in partnership with Jewish communities and the Community Security Trust (CST) to co-ordinate security arrangements around synagogues and key sites during the High Holy Day period, providing visible reassurance to Jewish communities across London as its members celebrate at religious and cultural events.