Council holds first ever Antisemitism awareness week

Taking place from 2-6 February, it’s the latest addition to the council’s programme of awareness events, engaging and starting conversations around combatting discrimination and hate.

Teams across the council and partners citywide will be offering training and engagement sessions aimed at deepening understanding of Antisemitism and supporting colleagues to confidently challenge it wherever it appears.

Stop Hate UK will be holding a session focused on understanding and responding to religious hate crime. It will discuss the impact it has on individuals and communities, what support needs there are, and barriers people experience to reporting hate crimes.

A synagogue visit has also been arranged for council staff, offering an opportunity to learn more about Jewish faith, culture and heritage.

Leeds City Council organises or supports several awareness events throughout the year, including weeks focused on anti-Muslim prejudice, misogyny, homophobia, biphobia and transphobia and racism.

Councillor James Lewis, leader of Leeds City Council, said: “We’re pleased to be running our first Antisemitism awareness week for employees and partners. It is a great opportunity to build a stronger understanding of Antisemitism and its impact, which is sadly on the rise, and also learn more about the Jewish faith and culture.

"Our Jewish community in Leeds dates back hundreds of years and we are proud of the huge contribution throughout that time the community has made and continues to make to the city's social, economic and cultural life.

“This is one of many events throughout the year where we encourage those we work with to start conversations and learn more about what discrimination and hate looks like today.”

Susie Gordon, of the Leeds Jewish Representative Council, said: “Antisemitism awareness week gives people across Leeds the chance to learn, listen and talk about what Antisemitism looks like today and its impact on people’s lives. We thank the Board of Deputies for supporting the creation of the week, and Leeds City Council for coordinating a programme of activity, with partner organisations, that fosters understanding and compassion.”

ENDS