We are currently renewing and refreshing our work with Barnet Citizens.
As you know, we count ourselves part of an alliance of six institutions in the borough who work together for positive change.
While we are currently not in our building, we know it will be there for us when we are allowed to be there safely – and what a moment to rejoice it will be.
Meanwhile our neighbours, the Markaz (Muslim community centre) in Golders Green have suffered Islamophobic hate throughout their journey to their own holy building, The council took 150 days to validate their application (when their own policy states a maximum of 10 days) and they received over 1000 emails against their application. The council webpage publishing these had to be blocked because of the racist hatred.
We robustly support their campaign along with other local synagogues, and take action with them in this next step on their journey.
V’asu li mikdash v’shachanti b’tocham, “Let them make me a sanctuary that I may dwell among them” These are the gifts . . . and this is how you shall make it. “Exactly as I show you . . . ken ta-asu, so shall you make it” (Exodus 25:8-9).
This week’s Torah portion, T’rumah, details the building of a Holy space – and its specification of each item needed. But notably it isn’t just the wealthy who offer gifts ‘trumah’ to make the building – everyone must add *something*, and that way a true community space is built.
It is our turn to join our neighbours, to stand with them as they fight for their community space.
Join us on Wednesday 24th Feb at 8pm to meet the Markaz leaders and lawyers supporting their campaign.
If you are interested in this campaign, or the other campaigns we’re working on – supporting a faster and better mental health provision for teens in Barnet, and working towards the London Mayoral Assembly – please do sign up to our two fabulous training opportunities below.
I believe it’s vital FPS has leaders for these..
Shabbat Shalom from both of us this week,
Rebecca and Zoe
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