Councillor Alex Yip, Deputy Leader of the Birmingham Conservative Group, has written to Birmingham City Council’s new Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Education, Cllr Hawwash, seeking clear assurances on support for Jewish pupils, Holocaust education and the Council’s commitment to tackling antisemitism.
The letter comes following public concerns raised by members of Birmingham’s Jewish community regarding statements attributed to Cllr Hawwash in the past. Those concerns have been widely reported in the national media and have also featured in representations made by members of the Jewish community regarding the formation of Birmingham’s new administration.
While Cllr Hawwash has disputed the attribution of those comments, Cllr Yip who was Birmingham’s Shadow Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Education 2017-2022 said it is important that the new Cabinet Member should now provide clear public assurances about his approach to education, safeguarding and community relations.
Cllr Alex Yip said:
“When someone assumes responsibility for the education and wellbeing of Birmingham’s children, it is entirely reasonable for communities to seek reassurance where concerns have been raised.
“Members of Birmingham’s Jewish community have understandably expressed concerns on past comments, and those concerns deserve a serious and respectful response.
“My letter is intended to provide an opportunity for Cllr Hawwash to set out clearly his support for Jewish pupils and families, Holocaust education, and reinforce this City’s new administrations' commitment to tackling antisemitism.
“These should be straightforward assurances for any Cabinet Member responsible for education to provide.”
The letter asks Cllr Hawwash to confirm his support for Birmingham’s Jewish faith school, the continued teaching of the Holocaust in line with the National Curriculum, action to tackle antisemitic bullying and harassment, and the Council’s continued commitment to the internationally recognised definition of antisemitism previously adopted by Birmingham City Council.
Cllr Yip added:
“At a time when antisemitic incidents have risen nationally, and recent and clearly antisemitic attacks targeting London Synagogs in Finchley on the volunteer-led ambulance service run by the Jewish Community ,in Golders Green, and the attacks on a Manchester Synagogue, many Jewish people in Birmingham report feeling increasingly vulnerable."
“Birmingham is a diverse city and has a proud history as a welcoming city. Jewish families should know that their children will be supported, protected and able to learn in an environment free from discrimination and intimidation.
“I hope Cllr Hawwash will take this opportunity to provide that reassurance clearly and unequivocally.”
The Birmingham Conservative Group looks forward to receiving a response to the issues raised in the letter.
