' The Attack on Chatham Memorial Synagogue - A Liberal Democrat Response'
image: alan wells
The series of attacks on Chatham Memorial Synagogue, has left the whole community shocked. The Synagogue has been marred by anti-social behaviour over the past three years with recent attacks seeing the front door covered in excrement and the desecration of its cemetery, and now and its CCTV vandalised.
Acts of this kind challenge the values of free, democratic and inclusive societies and has no place in Medway. The Council, formally adopting the IHRA definition of anti-Semitism, demonstrates the Council's commitment to engaging with the experiences of Jewish communities, to support them against the contemporary challenges they face, and sends a clear message that anti-Semitic behaviour will not be tolerated in Medway.
Alan Wells, spokesperson for Medway Liberal Democrats said "Not only as a resident in the High Street, but having campaigned in the area, there is strong community agreement that this type of behaviour will not be tolerated. Acts of this kind challenge the values of free, democratic and inclusive societies and has no place in Medway".
Liberal Democrats are committed in tackling the appalling rise in hate crimes in all its forms and will continue to fight against prejudice and discrimination, to ensure equality and protection for people of all backgrounds and beliefs. We will continue to condemn the attacks on the synagogue, as with any attacks on a religious building.
Kent Police statistics show since 2016, there have been 21 crimes reported from the county's synagogues. The statistics shows last year, 159 crimes occurred at churches; 71 of these were arson and criminal damage. 78 reports of criminal damage and arson at religious buildings were reported to Kent Police last year (KM Online source).
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ENDS