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In a Passover message, British premier recognizes fight against anti-Semitism

“For millennia, the descendants of those Moses led to freedom have continued to face hatred, discrimination and violence. It’s a situation that continues to this day, including, I’m sad to say, here in Britain,” said British Prime Minister Theresa May.

Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Theresa May. Credit: U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Jette Carr/Department of Defense.
Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Theresa May. Credit: U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Jette Carr/Department of Defense.

LONDON—In a message to the Jewish community on the occasion of Passover, British Prime Minister Theresa May spoke of anti-Semitism in the United Kingdom.

“Of course, the Exodus from Egypt did not mark the end of anti-Semitic persecution. For millennia, the descendants of those Moses led to freedom have continued to face hatred, discrimination and violence. It’s a situation that continues to this day, including, I’m sad to say, here in Britain,” she noted.

“It’s something I have consistently taken action to tackle,” she added, “both through investing in security to protect our Jewish communities and through education, with the creation of a National Holocaust Memorial to remind us all where hatred can lead if left unchecked.”

“The story of Passover teaches us that, while wrong may triumph for a time, the arc of history always bends to the righteous. So at this special time of year, let us all pledge to stand up and make our voices heard in the face of anti-Semitism. After all, as Elie Wiesel said, ‘Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented,’ ” May concluded before wishing the community “a very happy and peaceful Pesach—chag kasher v’sameach!

Last week, some 2,000 people rallied at Parliament Square in London to protest anti-Semitism within the Labour Party.

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