What has been the political impact of Jewish migration to Golders Green?

Local politics involves making decisions about issues like law and order, social services, housing and education.
Local politicians involves divide up resources according to their priorities: what should they be spent on? Who should benefit?

Jewish charities and other organizations have established themselves successfully in the Golders Green area.

1. Charities and community centres offer day and residential care for all kinds of disabled and elderly as well as for deprived families and single parents.

One example is the Jewish Association for the Mentally ill at JAMI House on Golders Green Road, which describes itself as

'…. the only Jewish charity concerned exclusively with serious mental illness and the devastating impact it has on the lives of sufferers, their families and all who care for them. JAMI provides guidance, advice and information ……'

2. The Community Security Trust (CST) is an organisation which handles anti-semitic incidents and the threat of terrorism. It is ‘a registered charity whose work is funded solely by donations from the Jewish community’.

In the 1930’s British fascists were opposed by Jewish movements and many other groups. The CST grew out of these Jewish movements. Today, volunteers are trained by the Police.

On the Jewish holy days extra security is provided by the Police and CST volunteers. This is because Jewish buildings and events might be the target for attacks.

The CST works very closely with the Police to protect people walking to synagogue on the Sabbath and holy days. In areas like Golders Green there are joint patrols with the police.

Recent events in the Middle East have been related to increased attacks and racist incidents on Jews in Britain. Unfortunately the number of incidents occurring in the UK has risen steeply recently.

The CST also works with the Police within the wider community to promote interfaith groups and in helping to create good community relations. Interfaith forums in which the CST participates are held in Barnet, Hertfordshire, Edmonton and Enfield.

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