As we approach Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, I want to send my good wishes to members of the Jewish community throughout Hertsmere. Over the past year, I have been privileged to engage with the Jewish community by visiting synagogues, charities and speaking to younger members of the community. I have been deeply impressed by the sense of community and warmth, anchored by values of mutual responsibility, charity and education.

These values are closely aligned with the values that I believe should underpin our society. They are the same values that have inspired me to stand for election as your MP in next year’s General Election.

While engaging with the local Jewish community, I have been left in no doubt that events in the Middle East this past summer have also had a deep impact in the UK. The huge increase in anti-Semitic incidents reported by the Community Security Trust and the police is a matter of grave concern.

Together with other local Labour councillors, I will be working with the police and others to ensure the Jewish community in Hertsmere does not feel vulnerable in any way. Racism and anti-Semitism have no place in our local community.

It is also a matter of concern to me that public debate on the Middle East has led to extreme positions being adopted by those who should know better.

I support a two-state solution to the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians. It is important for those making statements on the situation to be fair and balanced. Key to this is an understanding of the situation Israel finds itself in, empathy with ordinary people in Gaza, and grasp of the nature of Hamas, as a terror group committed to the destruction of Israel.

I am reticent to draw quick political conclusions based upon often unbalanced media reports. No democracy would ignore the kind of sustained rocket attacks and ongoing threat from Hamas that Israel endures. I am completely opposed to calls for boycotts against the state of Israel. As the Chief Rabbi has said, to achieve peace we must build bridges and not boycotts. I hope that this Rosh Hashanah ushers in a period of peace, calm and prosperity both here and in the Middle East. I wish you all a happy, healthy and sweet new year and well over the fast.

L’shana Tova Tikatevu.

Cllr Richard Butler

Lab/Borehamwood Kenilworth ward Hertsmere Borough Council