A sad, unintended consequence of anti-Semitism

Darren Bergman, MP

Of late the threat of terrorism and anti-Semitism has escalated to such an extent that on a recent trip to London it was no problem being admitted through border control, Houses of Parliament and Buckingham Palace, but try attending synagogue on a High Holy Day!

I understand why we have to be so strict and cautious and I respect and appreciate the efforts of everyone in protecting the Jewish people while they pray on the holiest day of the year. 

I wrote to Jewish institutions and Members of Parliament (in Britain) to request both meetings and an opportunity to attend synagogue. I received only two out of 10 replies. The one asked for further information as well as a security reference and the other replied by the time I had already returned from my trip.

I got the sense that it was more a hassle than convenient to accommodate foreign Jews. Again, I do not believe that there was any ill-intent in ignoring me; I just believe that it was the easier and safer option.  

I just find it awfully sad that an unintended consequence of the scourge in anti-Semitism has been the rights of Jews being denied an opportunity to stop in and pray. I understand from a Jewish perspective why the red tape is necessary, but I will never appreciate how far we have come from the days in which a travelling Jew would find solace in his own house of prayer to the present day where it’s easier to enter a country or a palace.

Cape Town