The London Assembly stands in solidarity with the Jewish community both in London and beyond.
At a Mayor’s Question Time meeting today, the substantive Mayor’s Question Time motion was amended to state that the London Assembly is shocked and horrified by the recent terrorist attacks in Israel.
It also recognises that this atrocity was committed by the terrorist group Hamas and not the Palestinian people, who themselves are now suffering as a result.
The Lord Bailey of Paddington AM, who proposed the amended substantive motion, said:
"We are shocked and horrified by the recent unjustified terrorist attacks in Israel and fully support Israel's right to defend itself.
“We stand in solidarity with our Jewish friends and neighbours both in and outside of London.
“It is vital that our Jewish community feels safe and supported. Now is the time to come together with our Jewish residents to show our support for them. Hate must not win."
Anne Clarke AM, who seconded the amended substantive motion, said:
"We stand in solidarity with the Jewish community following the terrorist attack on 7 October. There is no justification for the murder of innocent people and our hearts go out to the victims and all those who have been affected and lost loved ones.
“This is a worrying time for many families in London who have loved ones caught up in the terrorist attacks and the humanitarian disaster and those who are impacted by the rise in anti-Semitic incidents.
“We must do what we can to support our communities in London and send our condolences to those who have lost friends and family members. We must not let terrorism sow the seeds of division.”
The full text of the motion is:
This Assembly notes in particular the answers to the questions regarding the terrorist attacks in Israel and the impact on many Londoners.
This Assembly is shocked and horrified by the recent unjustified terrorist attacks in Israel.
Our thoughts are with everyone caught up in the violence and with those who may be waiting for information on the safety of loved ones. We send our deepest condolences to those who have lost friends and family members.
This Assembly stands in solidarity with our Jewish friends and neighbours both in and outside of London. It is vital that our Jewish community feels safe and supported. Now is the time to come together with our Jewish residents to show our support for them.
We recognise that this atrocity was committed by the terrorist group Hamas and not the Palestinian people, who themselves are now suffering as a cause of this. We recognise that Israel has every right to defend itself. We urge all actions by all parties to comply with international law.
We must not let hatred win.
Notes to editors
- Watch the full webcast.
- The motion was agreed unanimously.
- The Lord Bailey of Paddington AM, who proposed the amended substantive motion, is available for interviews.
- As well as investigating issues that matter to Londoners, the London Assembly acts as a check and a balance on the Mayor.
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