A delegation of the Union of Orthodox Hebrew Congregationƒ
met with the Home Secretary the Right Hon. Jack Straw to
appraise him of the growing size and activities of the
chareidi community in the U.K.
The delegation included Councilor Joe Lobenstein M.B.E.,
Vice President of the Union and chairman of its External
Affairs Committee, and two leading Executive members, Rabbi
Abraham Pinter, Principal of the Yesodei Hatorah School, and
Mr. Winston Held.
The Home Secretary who was accompanied by senior civil
servants welcomed the opportunity to review a wide range of
concerns to the Jewish Community in general, and the
Orthodox section in particular.
The delegation was gratified to note the Minister's
knowledge of the Jewish Community and particularly his
immediate willingness to ensure that the Union will, in the
future, be consulted at the earliest possible stage when
Jewish interests are concerned.
Among the issues discussed was race relations, communal
security, matters arising from medical advance, post
mortems, the disadvantages of double British Summer Time and
the forthcoming Holocaust Day.
"We are a growing community and feel more and more we should
stand on our own feet, and should see government ministers
from time to time," said Mr. Lobenstein.
