Hello Everyone,
This past week, I know that so many in our borough have watched the unfolding humanitarian crisis facing Palestinian people in Gaza with heartbreak, hopelessness and profound concern; alongside being horrified at news of the vengeful acts perpetrated by the terrorist group Hamas against the people of Israel.
I know that many in our borough, including those with relatives and family members in Israel and Gaza, are scared about what is about to happen as the Israel and Hamas war reaches what feels like an apocalyptic point.
The United Nations has appealed for all efforts to be undertaken to avert the humanitarian catastrophe facing some 1.1 million Palestinians in Gaza right now alongside the immediate release of Israeli hostages held in Gaza. It has urged all parties to save and protect civilian lives and allow aid access to Gaza because food, water, electricity and medicines will save Palestinian lives. Obligations under international law, including the protections provided for civilians under International Human Rights law and International Humanitarian law must prevail.
As should compassion and an unrelenting focus on ending this war towards peaceful resolution; and the promise of the two-state solution where Israel and Palestine coexist as neighbours and friends. I stand unequivocal in condemning the atrocities perpetrated by Hamas against Israel and its people, which like all states around the world has the right to defend itself; and innocent Palestinian civilians should not be held accountable for those heinous crimes.
As the international community redoubles its efforts to avert the unfolding catastrophe, there will be many in our borough who want to support the humanitarian efforts underway. The British Red Cross has launched an appeal, and please donate if you are able. They were already on the ground in Israel and Gaza when the violence broke out and have been supporting emergency humanitarian efforts on both sides.
People will also want to protest, and the right to protest is the cornerstone of our democracy but not at the expense of promoting hate. In Newham, we will continue to stand resolute in the face of antisemitism and Islamophobia harming our people and our community. I urge everyone to report any hate crimes to the police, as we work with them to ensure the safety of all our residents during these worrying times.
If you experience or witness antisemitism, you can also report to the Community Security Trust which has a dedicated team to help and provide victim support confidentially; and Tell Mama UK which provides confidential advice and support to anyone facing anti-Muslim hate and prejudice.
Our strength is the diversity of our people and our community bonds. In partnership with faith leaders and community organisations, we will strengthen our resolve to deepen understanding and respect. In the coming weeks, I will be meeting faith leaders and communities so we can come together to talk about the fears and concerns being felt by everyone at this time.
Before I sign off, I wanted to let you know that next Saturday, 21 October, marks the start of ‘The Big Vote’ for our People Powered Places programme, which invites local people and groups to submit ideas to improve their local neighbourhoods.
Over the past several months, loads of residents from across our borough have been involved in the largest participatory budgeting spent project in the UK; and in the past two years, we’ve supported 157 community projects as part of our ambition to become a beacon of participatory democracy anywhere!
Across our eight Newham neighbourhoods, residents have the opportunity to access grants totalling £200,000 for each area by submitting project ideas that will improve the places they live; and residents have the opportunity to vote for the projects they like the most.
So come and join us in person at Stratford Library next Saturday to submit your vote - or you can submit your vote online (find out more here). Hurry, as voting closes on 12 November 2023.
Until next week, stay safe and take care.
Best wishes,
Mayor Rokhsana Fiaz OBE
Follow what I am up to via Twitter: @rokhsanafiaz
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