The Chief Minister Alfred Cannan MHK has met with representatives of the Commonwealth Jewish Council.
President of the Council, Lord Mendelsohn, led a delegation to the Island which included Trustee Howard Rosen CBE and Chief Executive Arieh Miller.
The Council, established in 1982 and formally recognised as an accredited Commonwealth organisation in 2018, exists to help Jewish communities throughout the Commonwealth to enhance their lives, safety and respect.
The Chief Minister said:
'I was pleased to welcome Lord Mendelsohn and colleagues for a helpful, engaging and productive discussion. I was able to explain more about the Isle of Man and, in turn, to learn in greater detail about the important work of the Commonwealth Jewish Council.'
During discussions, the Council highlighted the Isle of Man’s record as a safe, stable and welcoming community, as well as the Island’s economic reputation – particularly its agility, competitiveness and strong regulatory standards. Lord Mendelsohn stressed the important role the Island plays as part of the wider British family, including the broader economic benefits the Island generates.
The Council also conveyed its deep appreciation for the Isle of Man Government’s adoption earlier this year of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s working definition of antisemitism, which was undertaken with the hope of fostering greater inclusivity and community cohesion.
The Chief Minister concluded:
'The Isle of Man enjoys strong social cohesion and resilience, with a strong community spirit and a democratic tradition built around consensus. These are attributes of which our Island community is rightly proud and protective, and it is pleasing to see these strengths recognised and spoken of beyond our shores.
“In these strained times, we must rededicate ourselves to continuing to champion the values we hold dear. This is how we strengthen communities and build on our record of inclusivity, tolerance, fairness and respect for all.'
