Issues

Social Action

The Jewish community has a vibrant social action and social justice sector. It is proud of organisations as diverse as World Jewish Relief, Tzedek, René Cassin, the Jewish Council for Racial Equality (JCORE), and volunteering charities such as the Jewish Volunteering Network (JVN).

The Jewish community engages in an annual day of focused communal social action under the banner of Mitzvah Day, working with local authorities across the capital to support local causes. Political backing for these initiatives elevates their profile, helping volunteer recruitment and increasing impact. Volunteers require the investment of training, managing and being properly resourced. Any additional funding into the field of volunteering is extremely worthwhile, because it has a clear ‘multiplier effect’. We urge for there to be greater GLA support given to charities to help them fully utilise their volunteer bases.

Through the Eco Synagogue project, the Board of Deputies is encouraging synagogues to adopt best environmental practice and carry out eco-friendly renovations, as the community wrestles with the challenge of climate change.

We’re asking London’s politicians to make the following pledges:

Pledge 1:

Support faith-based social action projects by supporting food banks and homeless shelters, including by taking part in Mitzvah Day.

Pledge 3:

Engage London’s faith communities, including the Eco Synagogue project, in initiatives to tackle climate change.

Pledge 2:

Support charities to improve and develop volunteering to achieve their goals.