Welsh Conservatives 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

I was very recently in Cardiff, where I heard first-hand of the unprecedented rise in antisemitism facing the local Jewish community from members of the Cardiff United Synagogue. I was truly shocked and appalled at the experiences I heard. Very sadly we know this is a very similar experience right now across modern Britain which is staggering to know. One member spoke movingly of her fears, asking whether, like her ancestors during the Second World War, she had also left it too late to leave the country. This is absolutely appalling - and we must all call out and push to stamp out antisemitism in all its forms. Racism and religious hate in any form, has no place in society and it is incumbent upon each and every one of us to stand up and challenge it whenever we witness it. Cardiff's vibrant Jewish community has been right at the heart of city life for more than two centuries and rightly continues to make a lasting impact and their is great pride in the city and being part of the local community. One member, Stephen Hamilton, also told me of his memories of the Aberfan disaster, when, aged just 12 at the time, from the car he witnessed his GP father assisting in the rescue efforts, while his great-uncle served as the coroner. Thank you for your incredibly warm hospitality, Rabbi Rose, Lisa Gerson, Ray Lawrence and Stephen Hamilton for sharing your concerns and stories from other members. This was one of the most striking visits I have experienced. I will never forget the sadness and deep worries. I do very much look forward to seeing you again soon and hopefully in much better days. I truly appreciated the opportunity to hear from you all about what daily life is now really like and how we can and must all help and support you all.