• WE are writing to set out the work Camden Council is doing to support our community as the conflict in the Middle East continues.

It is important we acknowledge the huge pain caused in our community by watching the horrendous images that we have seen in Israel and Gaza.

The attacks and hostage taking by Hamas on Israel on 7th October 2023 were horrific and we utterly condemn them.

The war in Gaza that has followed has led to a devastating loss of life and a humanitarian crisis.

The scale of destruction and unimaginable loss in Gaza is of grave concern to all of us.

The Israeli government must urgently ensure an increase in the level of humanitarian aid getting into Gaza.

We are deeply alarmed at reports that Israel is preparing a major military operation in Rafah.

An Israeli offensive there would have catastrophic humanitarian consequences as over a million displaced Palestinians shelter there with nowhere to go.

We need to see the fighting end immediately, a sustainable ceasefire with civilians protected, a return of the hostages and a lasting peace agreement with the establishment of a Palestinian state alongside Israel.

As local councillors our job is to deliver for residents locally.

We are proud to be Jewish and Muslim leaders standing alongside councillors from all faiths and none to say we stand together for unity in Camden.

We have been organising meetings with Muslim and Jewish leaders about the impact here and heard from both communities deep concern about rising anti-Semitism and Islamophobia.

We have made a clear commitment to stand shoulder to shoulder with all communities to promote cohesion and tackle hate crime in the borough.

We have launched our Safe and Strong, Together campaign and we have facilitated meetings with the police and put in place community safety support for mosques and synagogues.

In Camden, it is our pledge to work to bring our community together, to foster connection
even when there is difference and to approach this work with humanity and love.

Report hate crime by calling the police on 101 (or if you are in immediate danger, 999), reporting online at report-it.org.uk or to one of Camden’s community partners at www.Camden.gov.uk/hate-crime – these include the Community Security Trust (for anti-Semitic incidents) on 0800 032 3263 and Tell Mama (for Islamophobic incidents) on 0800 456 1226.

CLLR GEORGIA GOULD
Leader of Camden Council

CLLR NADIA SHAH
Cabinet Member for Voluntary Sector, Equalities & Cohesion