Kenton Synagogue began its new series on Sunday following a summer break by inviting Mike Freer as guest speaker. This was cracking start to the season.
To begin with, Rabbi Black spoke of the terrible atrocities that had befallen the six hostages in Gaza following the news that had broken earlier that day. He then led the audience in Tehillim and concluded with the singing of Hatikvah.
Roy Block Chairman of the ReJEWenate Committee read a message that he had received following his own to Jonathan Dekel-Chen, the father of hostage Sagui whom the Kenton Community has adopted as part of the Board of Deputies initiative.
Mike Freer then addressed the sixty strong audience. He was the Member of Parliament for Finchley and Golders Green from 2010 until his decision to stand down at the General Election on July 4th of this year. This was in fact the late former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher’s seat. Prior to Mike becoming a Member of Parliament he was leader of the London Borough of Barnet Council. He served in government of every Conservative Prime Minister. He was Senior Government Whip, Minister for Exports, Minister for Equalities, Minister for Courts and Legal Services, also having a career in financial services and high street food services. He was a member of the Conservative Friends of Israel, All Party Group on Anti Semitism and the All Party Group for British Jewry.
His theme for his talk was reflections on political intimidation. He gave a startling and disturbing narrative of the difficulties he faced in his constituency which resulted in a number of times fearing for his own life. The intimidation came in different forms including emails, social media and targeting his home and the constituency office which was set alight.
He spoke about his engagement with all religious groups and their attitude to his position as a Member of Parliament for the area. In addition, he spoke on the role of the Police and response to his communication with them.
Following his talk he fielded many questions including the forthcoming Conservative leader of the party election, tightening of the freedom of social media, and his view on the Labour Party and Jeremy Corbyn to name but a few!
Members appreciated the incredibly bravery with which Mike had demonstrated in his work for the Constituency in standing up for his Jewish constituents.
By Rachelle Goldberg
