Misplaced Pages

#126873

98-691: The Community Security Trust grew out of the Community Security Organisation, which became independent of the Board of Deputies of British Jews in 1986. It was registered as a charity in 1994 and has a mission to provide safety, security, and advice to the Jewish community in the UK. The CST's mission statement says, "To work at all times for the physical protection of British Jews." The CST began recording antisemitic incidents in 1984. The group's founding chairman

196-506: A diminished responsibility argument. At another hearing the following month, Mair—again appearing by video link—refused to enter a plea; the judge entered not-guilty pleas on his behalf. Mair's trial began at the Old Bailey on 14 November 2016. He made no attempt to defend himself. Witnesses testified that during the attack, Mair had cried out "This is for Britain", "keep Britain independent", and "Britain first". On 23 November 2016,

294-491: A neo-Nazi terrorist group in the UK. The Guardian reported that CST's analysis discovered posts on Telegram which "...celebrat[ed] Thomas Mair and David Copeland , and other far-right terrorists." In early 2021, the CST reported the website BitChute to Ofcom for content it considered antisemitic, hateful, and extremist. The CST has scrutinized other platforms such as Facebook and Twitter for antisemitic content. The charity

392-479: A Labour politician and partner in Portland Communications  – a public relations firm accused of playing an instrumental role in an attempt to force the resignation of Jeremy Corbyn  – received an alleged death threat telling him he should "prepare to be coxed". Commenting on the incident, and other threats MPs had received, Ruth Price, Cox's parliamentary assistant, urged people to "move away from

490-466: A bail hearing on 20 June, the judge remanded Mair in custody until a hearing to be held "under terrorism-related protocols ". At the next hearing on 23 June, the judge said the case would be handled as part of "the terrorism case management list", on which cases related to terrorism as defined by the Terrorism Act 2000 are placed. At a September 2016 hearing, Mair's counsel said they would not advance

588-542: A few MPs chose to do so, however. Following the sitting of Parliament, MPs and others attended a memorial service at nearby St Margaret's Church . On 20 June a petition was created calling for Bernard Carter-Kenny, who had intervened in the attack, to be awarded the George Cross . He was awarded the George Medal in the 2017 Birthday Honours . Carter-Kenny died of cancer on 14 August 2017. In July 2016, organisers of

686-669: A group of Sephardic Jews , the board presents itself as a forum for the views of most organisations within the British Jewish community, liaising with the British government on that basis. Notably, while Lord Rothschild was President of the Board of Deputies, the Balfour Declaration was addressed to him and eventually led to the creation of a Jewish state in Palestine. It is affiliated to

784-656: A mark of respect. David Cameron cancelled a planned rally in Gibraltar supporting British EU membership. Campaigning resumed on Sunday 19 June. Polling officials in the Yorkshire and Humber region halted the counting of referendum ballots on the evening of 23 June to observe a minute's silence. The referendum resulted in a vote in favour of the United Kingdom leaving the European Union. The 2017 general election campaign

882-589: A meeting of the Board on 21 September 2014. In December 2015, the new leadership of the Board distanced itself from the MCB over the latter's alleged links to the Islamist Muslim Brotherhood . In 2018, over five hundred British Jews signed a letter from Yachad saying that the Board had "deeply misrepresented" their views after the board criticised Hamas for "repeated violent attempts at mass invasion" but did not call for Israeli restraint or acknowledge that

980-669: A murder by a radical Islamist." The focus the Mail gave to the conspiracy theory that Mair "may have murdered MP Jo Cox because he feared losing his home of 40 years to an immigrant family" led to the paper being accused by Jane Matrinson in The Guardian of normalising anti-immigrant prejudice, which she saw as a factor in Cox's murder. It has been noted that the views held by Mair - including anti-immigrant and anti-refugee sentiment - are part of mainstream British political discourse. By describing

1078-695: A new opinion poll under the headline: "Tragic Jo's Death Sparks Poll Surge" despite only 192 of the 2,046 answers ComRes received being after the murder and that ComRes stating, "the figures should be treated with a degree of caution given the sample size". At a speech to the London School of Economics in September 2016, Martin Schulz , the President of the European Parliament , said the "nasty" referendum debate

SECTION 10

#1732854866127

1176-476: A number of articles appeared in the British weekly newspaper The Jewish Chronicle that questioned the work and functioning of the CST. Gilbert Kahn , of Kean University in the US, took the view that British Jewry did not need a CST because British Jews paid taxes to the state for their physical protection and could therefore depend on the police. On 15 April, the newspaper's columnist Geoffrey Alderman argued against

1274-526: A poll was tasteless. Banks rejected the suggestion, saying, "We were hoping to see what the effect of the event was. That is an interesting point of view, whether it would shift public opinion ... I don't see it as very controversial." Likewise, Gary Jones of the Mirror pressurised political editor Nigel Nelson to write a front-page Mirror story on "the Jo effect", saying her death had swung support to Remain in

1372-836: A rise in race-hate crime. Only two British newspapers did not feature a picture of Cox on their front pages as her murderer was arrested: the Financial Times , which focused on the first autumn statement from the Chancellor of the Exchequer , Philip Hammond ; and the Daily Mail . The Mail was criticised for its focus on Mair's mental health and thoughts of matricide instead of his extremist political motivations. Owen Jones tweeted , "The coverage of Michael Adebowale – one of Lee Rigby's killers – did not focus on his history of mental illness. It focused on his ideology." In its print edition,

1470-436: A weekend of events titled "The Great Get Together"; events included picnics, street parties and concerts. The Great Get Together was also supported by former British Prime Ministers John Major , Tony Blair , Gordon Brown , and David Cameron , all of whom who recorded a joint video paying tribute to Cox and urging people to celebrate her life. The video was aired as part of Channel 4 's late-night talk show The Last Leg on

1568-451: A zest for life that would exhaust most people. She would have wanted two things above all else to happen now, one that our precious children are bathed in love and two, that we all unite to fight against the hatred that killed her. Hate doesn't have a creed, race or religion, it is poisonous. Jo would have no regrets about her life, she lived every day of it to the full. The statement was described by Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn as "one of

1666-501: Is a truly appalling attack on a serving MP working hard to serve her community. This horrific act is an attack on democracy and the British freedoms that Jo Cox worked so diligently and passionately to defend." Rosena Allin-Khan , who won the Tooting by-election for Labour, used her victory speech to pay tribute to Cox, saying, "Jo's death reminds us that our democracy is precious but fragile. We must never forget to cherish it." One day after

1764-493: Is as follows: 18th century 19th century 20th century 21st century Thomas Mair (alleged assassin) On 16 June 2016, Jo Cox , a British Labour Party politician and Member of Parliament (MP) for Batley and Spen , died after being shot and stabbed multiple times in Birstall, West Yorkshire . In November 2016, 53-year-old Thomas Alexander Mair was found guilty of her murder and other offences connected to

1862-737: Is the British businessman Gerald Ronson , and its deputy chairman is Lloyd Dorfman . The chief executive of the CST is Mark Gardner, who was previously the Director of Communications. Dave Rich is the Director of Policy at CST. The CST has four offices, over 90 employees and a network of several thousand volunteers from all parts of the Jewish community, who work closely with the police, including for joint patrols, advisory, and training. The CST provides security advice and training for Jewish schools, synagogues and communal organisations and gives assistance to those bodies that are affected by antisemitism . The CST also assists and supports individual members of

1960-660: Is the UK member of the European Jewish Congress. Its offices are co-located with the United Jewish Israel Appeal in Kentish Town . In January 2019, the Jewish Leadership Council reiterated its call for a "unified communal structure" with the Board of Deputies. A previous merger proposal was rejected in 2015 after deputies felt that they would be relegated to second-rate status. In response to

2058-517: The Jewish Chronicle reported that the former chief executive of the CST, Richard Benson , (who had stepped down from the position in 2013) was one of the highest paid charity leaders within the British Jewish community, earning £170,000-£190,000 per annum. The charity had an annual turnover of £7.34 million (making it one of the larger UK Jewish charities) and 63 employees. Beginning in 2015,

SECTION 20

#1732854866127

2156-623: The Foreign Affairs Select Committee . In 2020, the charity released a report on rising antisemitic incidents in universities named Campus Antisemitism in Britain 2018–2020 . It provided advice to universities on how to respond to reports of antisemitism. The report was debated in the House of Lords in January 2021. In 2023, the CST recorded 4,103 antisemitic incidents in the United Kingdom,

2254-406: The Mail placed its coverage of Mair's conviction on page 30, which prompted LBC radio presenter James O'Brien to accuse the paper of double standards, saying the Mail "has chosen to put the murder by a neo-Nazi of a serving British MP ... on page 30. I don't really understand why. Unless a murder by a neo-Nazi is less offensive to the sensibilities of the editor of this newspaper than

2352-461: The Muslim Council of Britain (MCB) condemning antisemitism and Islamophobia. The statement with its slogan 'to export peace rather than import conflict' proved controversial among some on the conservative wing of the Jewish community but was supported by others on the progressive wing and by groups in inter faith circles. The principle of such a statement was approved by a majority of over 75% at

2450-525: The National Police Chiefs' Council said police forces had been asked to remind MPs to be vigilant about their personal safety; it said, "Officers will offer further guidance and advice where an MP requests it on a case-by-case basis depending on any specific threat or risk". The party whips ' offices urged MPs to discuss security measures with their local police forces. In July 2016, Kevin McKeever,

2548-806: The PLO , Spain, Sweden and the United States. In July 2016, the Italian Parliament established the Cox Committee, a cross-party committee on intolerance, xenophobia, racism, and hate crime, naming it in honour of Cox. In August, her nomination of the Syrian Civil Defence for the 2016 Nobel Peace Prize was accepted by the Nobel Committee . Earlier that year, Cox had written to the Committee praising

2646-667: The Scottish Parliament and Executive , other communities, and other statutory and official bodies. The intention when it was established was for it to stand in the same relationship to the Scottish Government as the Board of Deputies of British Jews does to the UK Government. Consequently, the council is autonomous in matters devolved by the Scotland Act , such as justice, health and welfare, and community relations, whilst

2744-566: The Standards Board for England , calling on Livingstone to apologise. Livingstone responded by stating "there is no law against 'unnecessary insensitivity' or even 'offensiveness' to journalists harassing you as you try to go home" and that he had a "25-year running battle" with the paper's owners. In 2014, at the height of the Israeli military operation in Gaza , the Board issued a joint statement with

2842-632: The World Jewish Congress and the European Jewish Congress . The current president is Phil Rosenberg . The Board of Deputies of British Jews was established in London in 1760. Seven deputies were appointed by the elders of the Sephardi congregation of Spanish and Portuguese Jews to form a standing committee (Portuguese: deputados ) founded to pay homage to George III on his accession to

2940-656: The neo-fascist National Front , the United States-based neo-Nazi organisation National Vanguard (the successor to the defunct National Alliance ) and the English Defence League ; he had attended far-right gatherings and purchased publications from the National Vanguard and other outlets, to some of which he had sent letters and expressed support for South African apartheid . In his home were found Nazi regalia, far-right books, and information on

3038-468: The Aliens Act 1905. However, by the 1930s, the Board's position had shifted to a more assimilationist position in order to improve the perception of Jews among the non-Jewish British population, including adopting a position of non-Zionism . In 1933, Neville Laski was elected as the Board's President, and called for Jews to give "overriding consideration of duty and loyalty" to the United Kingdom. However,

Community Security Trust - Misplaced Pages Continue

3136-618: The Board clashed with the new Israeli ambassador to the UK, Tzipi Hotovely , and some members of the community over the Board's continued commitment to Palestinian statehood as part of a two-state solution to the Israel/Palestine conflict. After Scottish devolution in 1999, the Scottish Council of Jewish Communities was formed to give the Jewish Community of Scotland a single democratically accountable voice in dealings with

3234-471: The Board of Deputies speaks for all Britain's Jews on reserved matters such as foreign affairs and equality legislation. The most historically notable and longest-serving past president was the Victorian-era banker Moses Montefiore , who in the 19th century travelled widely to assist Jewish communities in foreign countries, faced by persecution at the time. A complete list of presidents and interim positions

3332-417: The CST on the grounds that its leadership and funding were neither transparent nor accountable. Alderman returned to the subject on 10 June, when he speculated that his doubts about the CST and its work were more widely shared. In July 2015, Alderman devoted his column to the retirement of the CST's Director of Security, Carol Laser. Alderman speculated on the reason for her retirement and questioned whether it

3430-548: The CST recorded 1,805 incidents of antisemitic abuse, 697 of which were online. The group considered it likely that Gaza-Israel tensions and turmoil within the UK's Labour Party contributed in part to an increase in such incidents. During the COVID-19 pandemic , the CST reported in 2020 that it had recorded a drop in physical assaults on Jewish people in the UK, but had noted an increase in online abuse, including antisemitic conspiracy theories accusing Jewish people of engineering

3528-731: The IDF may have acted disproportionately in killing scores of Palestinians. Liberal Judaism said that "the Board's credibility as the voice of British Jewry depends wholly on its willingness to listen to, hear from and reflect the values of all sections of the community". In July 2018, the Board suspended Roslyn Pine, deputy for Finchley United Synagogue , for six years, following comments she made which were described as Islamophobic , and for admitting to holding anti-Arab views. Writing in The Jewish Chronicle in November 2018 about antisemitism in

3626-539: The Jewish community such as charities and youth groups. Most Haredi synagogues have chosen not to affiliate, although in 2021 the Board received its first Haredi deputy since the 1970s, from a synagogue in Stamford Hill . In 2012, it was noted that nearly two-thirds of the deputies were over 60 years of age. However, in the 21st century, the organisation has seen an influx of younger deputies, including two vice-presidents in their early thirties and Phil Rosenberg, who at

3724-502: The Jewish community who have been affected by antisemitism and antisemitic incidents. It advises and represents the Jewish community on matters of antisemitism, terrorism and security and works with police, government and international bodies. All this work is provided at no charge. In 2012, the CST provided the model for a new anti-Islamophobia project, Tell MAMA (run by interfaith organisation Faith Matters), with which it now works closely. The CST has recorded antisemitic incidents in

3822-650: The Jo Cox Women in Leadership Programme, a mentoring scheme facilitated by the Labour Women's Network and designed to help women into leadership roles. In November 2016, MPs and musicians collaborated on a version of The Rolling Stones song " You Can't Always Get What You Want " for release as a charity single in Cox's memory and to raise funds for the launch of the Jo Cox Foundation. Artists who took part in

3920-473: The Labour Party , Marie van der Zyl said, "Over the summer, we showed how we could keep this issue of antisemitism on the front pages day after day, week after week, exacting a severe political and reputational cost for continued failure." In 2019, following Jeremy Corbyn 's decision to resign as leader of the Labour Party, the Board asked candidates for the leadership to sign up to ten pledges in order to "end

4018-529: The Labour Party and Labour family – and indeed the whole country – will be in shock at the horrific murder of Jo Cox today" and paid tribute to a "wonderful woman". A vigil attended by senior Labour Party politicians, including Corbyn, was held in Parliament Square . First Minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon described the news as "utterly shocking and tragic news, which has left everyone stunned". Chief Minister of Gibraltar Fabian Picardo stated, "This

Community Security Trust - Misplaced Pages Continue

4116-547: The Nazis. A police official described Mair as a "loner in the truest sense of the word   ... who never held down a job, never had a girlfriend [and] never [had] any friends". The Guardian said that he "appears to have fantasised about killing a 'collaborator' for more than 17 years, drawing inspiration from David Copeland ". The evening before killing Cox, Mair visited a treatment centre in Birstall seeking help for depression; he

4214-556: The UK government provided £3 million to the CST in October 2023, for a total of £18 million in funding for 2023. The additional funding provided additional security to more than 480 Jewish community institutions, including nearly 200 schools and more than 250 synagogues. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced in February 2024 a new £72 million security package to fund the CST through 2028, inclusive of £18 million in funding for 2024-25. In 2011,

4312-479: The UK government's Home Office has provided 'The Jewish Community Protective Security Grant' for the security of synagogues, schools and other Jewish centres, with the CST as the Grant Recipient. Home Secretary Sajid Javid pledged to increase funding, bringing the total amount allocated from 2015 to 2019 to £65.2 million. In 2020, the grant was renewed, and the CST received £14 million in funding for protecting

4410-400: The UK since 1984 and publishes an annual Antisemitic Incidents Report. The CST also published Terrorist Incidents against Jewish Communities and Israeli Citizens Abroad 1968-2010 , a definitive report of terrorist attacks against Jewish communities around the world. In 2003, the charity worked with the Board of Deputies of British Jews to submit a report concerning Iran and antisemitism to

4508-490: The age of 38 was elected to succeed van der Zyl as president from 1 June 2024. It serves as the principal reference point for government, the media and wider society. All matters tending to impact on the life of Jews in Britain fall within the Board's remit, including an active interfaith programme. It is the British affiliate of the World Jewish Congress, the world-wide umbrella organisation of Jewish communities and

4606-611: The annual Tolpuddle Martyrs' Festival , an event in Dorset celebrating the efforts of a group of agricultural workers to form a trade union, dedicated that year's event to Cox's memory. In August, cyclists took part in the Jo Cox Way, a five-day, 260-mile cycle ride from West Yorkshire to Westminster to raise money for charities Cox supported. The event raised £1,500. At its 2016 party conference held in Liverpool in September, Labour launched

4704-539: The antisemitism crisis". The pledges included a resolution of outstanding disciplinary cases, lifetime membership bans for some individuals, an independent disciplinary process, full and unconditional adoption of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) Working Definition of Antisemitism , and engagement with the mainstream Jewish community. Most of the candidates for leader or deputy leader signed up unconditionally. In 2020,

4802-576: The attack, Corbyn and Prime Minister David Cameron visited Birstall, where they joined locals to lay floral tributes to Cox. Cameron said: The most profound thing that has happened is that two children have lost their mother, a loving husband has lost a loving wife, and parliament has lost one of its most passionate and brilliant campaigners, someone who epitomised the fact that politics is about serving others. Veteran Labour politician Neil Kinnock , whose wife Glenys had supported Cox's candidacy and whose son Stephen shared an office with her, described

4900-427: The audience in a rendition of " We Shall Overcome " and was joined on stage by women wearing suffragette ribbons. Parliament was recalled on Monday 20 June to allow MPs to pay tribute to Cox. In a break from convention (under which MPs sit grouped together by party ), MPs considered whether to sit together on a non-party basis for the memorial sitting, a suggestion made by Conservative MP Jason McCartney . Only

4998-602: The baseless, nasty and intimidating abuse MPs currently face". Cox's murder was also explicitly referenced in the social media posts of a man who was jailed for four months in April 2017 for making death threats towards the then-MP for Eastbourne Caroline Ansell of the Conservative party. Two months after the death of Cox, at least 25 MPs received identical death threats, including the Labour MP Chris Bryant . Bryant said

SECTION 50

#1732854866127

5096-421: The case exceptionally serious; accordingly the judge imposed a whole life term , meaning Mair will never be eligible for parole. As confirmed by the Crown Prosecution Service , Mair's conviction for a crime amounting to a terrorism offence also means he is officially classed as a terrorist by the United Kingdom. Cox's funeral was held in her constituency on 15 July and thousands of people paid their respects as

5194-575: The construction of bombs. He had searched the internet for information about the British National Party , South African apartheid, the Ku Klux Klan , prominent Jewish people , matricide , white supremacy / nationalism , Nazism / Nazi Party , SS / Waffen SS , Israel , mass shootings , serial killers , Frazier Glenn Miller Jr. , William Hague , Ian Gow (another assassinated MP), and Norwegian far-right terrorist Anders Behring Breivik (about whose case he collected newspaper clippings). He also owned Nazi iconography and books and films related to

5292-470: The cortège passed. Cox's husband Brendan issued a statement on 16 June, the day of her death, which said: Today is the beginning of a new chapter in our lives. More difficult, more painful, less joyful, less full of love. I and Jo's friends and family are going to work every moment of our lives to love and nurture our kids and to fight against the hate that killed Jo. Jo believed in a better world and she fought for it every day of her life with an energy, and

5390-659: The country's Foreign Affairs Minister, to give his backing on behalf of Canada. A street, formerly Rue Pierre Étienne Flandin after Pierre Étienne Flandin , in Avallon , a town in the Yonne département of France, was renamed Rue Jo Cox in May 2017. In a statement to the BBC following the conviction of Mair, Cox's widower Brendan said he felt only pity for Mair and expressed hope "that Jo's death will have meaning" in persuading people "that we hold more in common than that which divides us". In The Times , David Aaronovitch asked why "some people – all of them pro-Brexit as it happens" were "so keen to dismiss

5488-408: The death, Union Flags on British public buildings, including the Palace of Westminster , Buckingham Palace , and 10 Downing Street , were flown at half mast . It was announced that the Queen would write a private letter of condolence to Cox's widower. The counting of votes in the Tooting by-election held on the day Cox died, was halted for a two-minute silence . Corbyn stated, "The whole of

5586-453: The elderly, and the Syrian volunteer search-and-rescue group White Helmets . The fund raised over £500,000 in one day, and £1 million had been raised by 20 June. Significant donations to the Jo Cox Fund included an award of £375,000 that was raised from fines resulting from the Libor banking scandal . Proceeds from a cover version of the 1979 Bette Midler song " The Rose ", recorded and released by Batley Community Choir, also benefited

5684-404: The eve of the first anniversary of her death. On 24 June 2017, a coat of arms designed by Cox's children was unveiled by them at the House of Commons, where MPs killed in office are remembered by heraldic shields . Rock group U2 paid tribute to Cox during the UK leg of their 2017 Joshua Tree Tour ; lead vocalist Bono , who had worked with her on the Make Poverty History campaign, dedicated

5782-420: The family's grief in a BBC television interview. Writing for the Financial Times , Sarah Brown , who worked with Cox on a campaign to reduce the number of deaths in pregnancy and childbirth , said, "Jo's life testified to her view that tolerance is not enough. We must tackle the causes of prejudice and discrimination, teach ourselves how to treat others equally and do far more to help those most in need." Cox

5880-446: The first (and accurate) reports of Mair's words?", claiming such people "resisted because deep down they feared that aspects of the language or direction of the Brexit campaign they legitimately supported had emboldened extremism. While they themselves were in no way permissive of the act, might they in some way have been permissive of the motive? Or even of the mood?". In his article, Aaronovitch cited official Home Office figures showing

5978-411: The first murder of a politician in the United Kingdom during an attack since county councillor Andrew Pennington was killed in 2000. Jo Cox was elected to represent the parliamentary constituency Batley and Spen at the 2015 general election , having spent several years working for the international humanitarian charity Oxfam . She was married and had two young children. On 16 June 2016, Cox

SECTION 60

#1732854866127

6076-463: The first serious assault since Stephen Timms was stabbed by Roshonara Choudhry in an attempted assassination in 2010. Another example of an attack on an MP while carrying out constituency duties was the attack on Nigel Jones in 2000, resulting in the death of his assistant, local councillor Andrew Pennington . Many MPs went ahead with planned constituency surgeries scheduled on the day after Cox's death with increased security. A spokeswoman for

6174-485: The fund. Friends organised "More in Common – Celebrating the life of Jo Cox", a public event in her remembrance held in Trafalgar Square , London, on 22 June – the date of her 42nd birthday. The event saw Cox's family transported on a memorial boat laden with floral tributes along the River Thames to Westminster , where crowds listened to speakers including Brendan Cox, Malala Yousafzai , Bono , Bill Nighy and Gillian Anderson . Similar events took place around

6272-448: The highest ever reported in a calendar year, and an increase of 147% compared to 2022. The figures spiked after the 2023 Hamas-led attack on Israel . In the first half of 2024, 1.978 antisemitic incidents were reported: this number represents a slight reduction from the October 2023 spike but nevertheless remains a significantly high figure. The CST has been active in monitoring and attempting to combat extremist activity online. In 2019,

6370-464: The international Labour movement ". In the Canadian House of Commons, NDP MP Nathan Cullen , who had known Cox for several years, described her in an emotional tribute as "a dedicated Labour MP and a long advocate of human rights in Britain and around the world". Numerous other tributes were paid to Cox, including those by public figures in Australia, Canada, Czech Republic, Finland, France, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, New Zealand,

6468-458: The jury took about 90 minutes to convict Mair of Cox's murder, grievous bodily harm against Bernard Carter-Kenny, possession of a firearm with intent, and possession of a dagger. The same day, Mair was sentenced to life imprisonment; the judge said he had no doubt Mair murdered Cox to advance political, racial, and ideological causes of violent white supremacism and exclusive nationalism most associated with Nazism and its modern forms. This made

6566-431: The killing in an act of terrorism. The judge concluded that Mair wanted to advance white supremacy and exclusive nationalism most associated with Nazism and its modern forms. He was sentenced to life imprisonment with a whole life order . The incident was the first killing of a sitting British MP since the death of Conservative MP Ian Gow , who was assassinated by the Provisional Irish Republican Army in 1990, and

6664-525: The later call, Marie van der Zyl said that "the representative body that speaks for the community must have the legitimacy and accountability that comes from being broad based, democratic and elected." Deputies have in the past noted that, while board honorary officers are accountable to deputies, who themselves are accountable to their constituencies, the Jewish Leadership Council had no such governance structure. However, in March 2020, van de Zyl called in The Jewish Chronicle for "a more permanent unity" between

6762-416: The most moving statements I've ever heard from somebody so recently bereaved". In a later interview, broadcast by the BBC on 21 June, Brendan Cox said of his wife: She was a politician and she had very strong political views and I believe she was killed because of those views ... I think she died because of them and she would want to stand up for those in death as much as she did in life. Following

6860-400: The murder in the context of Nazism, the judge separated the sentiments from modern political discourse , giving a "free pass" to contemporary extremist groups, public figures and press whose rhetoric were likely to have influenced Mair. Cox's death was the first killing of a sitting British MP since Eastbourne MP Ian Gow was killed by the Provisional Irish Republican Army in 1990, and

6958-418: The organisations. The issues which the board states it addresses are: In 2003, the Board, on its website, reproduced an extract from a US State Department report that suggested that the aid organisation Palestinian Relief and Development Fund (Interpal) was helping to fund terrorist organisations. Interpal threatened to sue for libel , whereupon the Board retracted and apologised for its comments. In

7056-425: The pandemic as a "hoax" or spreading COVID-19, among other antisemitic content. The charity had also said that it noticed far-right commentators online discussing spreading COVID-19 to synagogues. The CST has released reports detailing content it considers harmful on certain alt-tech platforms such as Parler , BitChute , and Gab . The CST stated that the website BitChute was hosting videos from National Action ,

7154-505: The recording include Ricky Wilson of Kaiser Chiefs , Steve Harley , KT Tunstall , and David Gray . Sir Mick Jagger and Keith Richards subsequently announced they would be waiving their royalties from sales of the single. BBC Two aired the documentary Jo Cox: Death of An MP on 13 June 2017 to coincide with the first anniversary of her murder. Also in June 2017, to mark the first anniversary of Cox's death, her family and friends promoted

7252-547: The same year the Jewish Leadership Council , which says it "brings together the major British Jewish organisations to work for the good of the British Jewish community", was founded. In 2005, after the Mayor of London , Ken Livingstone , compared a Jewish Evening Standard reporter, Oliver Finegold, to a concentration camp guard, the Board, along with the Commission for Racial Equality , filed an ultimately unsuccessful complaint to

7350-520: The seat, UKIP member Waqas Ali Khan announced on 6 August he would stand as an independent. In the days after Cox's death, Arron Banks , founder of the Leave.EU campaign for Britain's withdrawal from the European Union, conducted private polling to determine whether the incident would affect the referendum's outcome. After disclosing the matter to LBC radio presenter Iain Dale , he was challenged as to whether such

7448-519: The security of the Jewish community and its institutions. As of 2020, the CST had 1,500 volunteers. As of 2020, the CST, led by new chief executive Mark Gardner, had 92 staff members, one of whom was paid at a similar rate of £170,000-£179,000 per annum, according to the charity regulator, the Charity Commission for England and Wales . Amidst a rise in antisemitism during the Israel–Hamas war ,

7546-635: The song " Ultraviolet (Light My Way) " to her memory. Senior politicians around the world paid tribute to Cox and expressed shock at her death. United States President Barack Obama telephoned Cox's husband to offer condolences on behalf of the American people, and invited the family to meet him at the White House . The meeting took place in September after Brendan Cox attended a refugee summit in New York. Former U.S. Representative Gabby Giffords of Arizona, who

7644-702: The stances of the Board once again had shifted in 1939 with the election as President of Selig Brodetsky , who was described by the Jewish Telegraphic Agency as the "foremost Zionist in Great Britain". As of 2024 the Board has continued to hold a Zionist position. The board is led by Phil Rosenberg . The chief executive is Michael Wegier, the former chief executive of the UJIA . He succeeded Gillian Merron , who represented Labour as Member of Parliament (MP) for Lincoln from 1997 to 2010. From 2009 to 2010, she

7742-632: The threats were "particularly disturbing ... [in] that a lot of these threats are to women. I think women MPs, gay MPs, ethnic minority MPs get the brunt of it." At the time of Cox's death, MPs wishing to make additional security arrangements were required to apply to the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (IPSA), the watchdog overseeing their expenses. On 20 July, the House of Commons Estimates Committee voted to strip IPSA of this responsibility amid concerns over

7840-529: The throne. The Ashkenazi Jewish congregation then followed suit, establishing a public affairs committee to address urgent political matters and safeguard the interests of British Jews in the British Isles and the colonies. The two bodies began to meet and united in the 1810s. The joint organization was named the London Committee of Deputies of British Jews. In the mid-19th century, the organisation

7938-481: The time being been exhausted, but the investigation will be revisited if further information comes to light." On 18 June 2016, asked to confirm his name in Westminster Magistrates' Court , Mair said, "My name is death to traitors, freedom for Britain." His lawyers said there was no indication of how he would plead. Mair was remanded in custody and the magistrate suggested he be seen by a psychiatrist. At

8036-498: The time-frame of the process. MPs were offered training sessions in Krav Maga , a form of unarmed combat that combines judo, jujitsu , boxing , and street fighting . The Yorkshire Post reported that the first session, held in early August, was attended by two MPs and eighteen assistants. Cox's murder took place a week before the 2016 European Union membership referendum . The rival official campaigns suspended their activities as

8134-410: The weapon used, which remains a mystery. The lack of communication on Mair's phone was described by Detective Chief Inspector Nick Wallen, who led the investigation into Mair, as not indicating someone who was "immersed in criminality". A West Yorkshire Police spokeswoman said: "A lengthy investigation was carried out to try and establish how Thomas Mair acquired this firearm. All lines of enquiry have for

8232-477: The work of the civilian voluntary emergency rescue organisation known as the White Helmets, and nominating them for the prize. The nomination gained the support of twenty of her fellow MPs and about twelve high-profile personalities including George Clooney , Daniel Craig , Chris Martin and Michael Palin . The nomination was also supported by members of Canada's New Democratic Party , who urged Stéphane Dion ,

8330-497: The world, including Batley and Spen, Auckland, Paris, Washington D.C., and Buenos Aires. On 20 June, Oxfam announced it would release Stand As One – Live at Glastonbury 2016 , an album of live performances from the 2016 Glastonbury Festival , in memory of Cox. Proceeds from the album, released on 11 July, went towards helping the charity's work with refugees. Musicians and festivalgoers at Glastonbury, held later that week, also paid tribute to Cox; at one concert Billy Bragg led

8428-634: Was Minister of State with responsibility for Public Health at the Department of Health . In 2020, she left her position at the Board when she was appointed a life peer , representing the Labour Party in the House of Lords . Michael Wegier leads a team of professional staff including Director of Public Affairs, Daniel Sugarman (formerly a journalist at The Jewish Chronicle ) . Its membership comprises deputies elected by affiliated individual synagogues, confederations of synagogues, and other organisations within

8526-435: Was a contributing factor in Cox's death. The comments were swiftly criticised by some of Cox's colleagues, including leading Eurosceptic Conservative politician Jacob Rees-Mogg , who described them as "trivialising" her death. Cox's killing has been likened to that of Swedish politician Anna Lindh in 2003. Lindh was stabbed to death shortly before Sweden's referendum on joining the euro , which she supported. Campaigning

8624-590: Was also stabbed when coming to Cox's aid; he was subsequently awarded the George Medal for his bravery. Another witness followed Mair and identified him to police. Mair was arrested about a mile from the murder scene unarmed by police constables Craig Nicholls and Jonathan Wright, who were later awarded the Queen's Gallantry Medal . The perpetrator was Thomas Alexander Mair, a 53-year-old unemployed gardener born in Scotland. Mair had mental health problems, though he

8722-449: Was among the groups that worked with TikTok to develop a Holocaust education initiative launched in early 2021. After the storming of the Capitol in the United States in January 2021, the CST warned that calls for similar events to take place in the United Kingdom, including a proposed storming of Parliament or Downing Street , were appearing in far-right spaces online. In May 2014,

8820-638: Was chosen as Labour's candidate on 23 September, and elected to the seat on 20 October. Nine other candidates contested the seat. They included three candidates who stated their intention to stand before the election was confirmed. On 20 June, Jack Buckby, a former member of the British National Party announced he would be a candidate in the by-election for Liberty GB . On 18 July, the English Democrats announced that their deputy chair, Therese Hirst, would also stand. Although UKIP did not contest

8918-534: Was declared sane in the moment of the crime. He believed individuals of liberal and left-wing political viewpoints, and the mainstream media , were the cause of the world's problems. Writers at The Guardian suggested that he targeted Cox, a "passionate defender" of the European Union and immigration, because he saw her as "one of 'the collaborators' [and] a traitor" to white people . Mair had links to British and American far-right political groups including

9016-542: Was headed by Sir Moses Montefiore , the Sephardi lay leader of British Jewry, and Nathan Adler , the Ashkenazi Chief Rabbi. The current name was adopted in 1913. In the course of its history, some of the major disputes were between Sephardi and Ashkenazi leaders and between religious and lay leaders. The Board became more prominent in British society in the early twentieth century due to its support of refugees, notably leading an ultimately failed campaign against

9114-423: Was on her way to meet constituents at a routine surgery in Birstall, West Yorkshire , when Thomas Mair shot her twice in the head and once in the chest with a modified .22 hunting rifle then stabbed her fifteen times outside a library on Market Street. Cox died of her injuries shortly after being admitted to Leeds General Infirmary . She was 41 years old. The retired mines rescuer Bernard Carter-Kenny, 77,

9212-404: Was remembered at church services held on Sunday 19 June, including one held at St Peter's Church, Birstall , where Rev. Paul Knight described her as a "fervent advocate for the poor and the oppressed". On 17 June, friends of Cox established a fund in her memory. Proceeds were to be split between three non-profit groups; anti-extremist group Hope not Hate , Royal Voluntary Service that benefits

9310-609: Was seriously injured in a shooting in 2011 , stated she was "absolutely sickened to hear of the assassination of Jo Cox. She was young, courageous, and hardworking. A rising star, mother, and wife." Several European leaders expressed their shock at the news, among them German Chancellor Angela Merkel , who described the attack as "terrible" and called for a moderation of language to counter radicalisation and to foster respect. Overseas politicians who knew Cox personally included New Zealand Labour MP Phil Twyford , who said, "Jo will be sorely missed by her family, her friends, UK politics and

9408-512: Was suspended for an hour on 21 May 2017, as politicians held a truce in memory of Cox ahead of the vote. Following Cox's murder, the Conservative Party, Liberal Democrats , UK Independence Party (UKIP), and the Green Party announced they would not contest the ensuing by-election in her constituency as a mark of respect; Brendan Cox also ruled out standing for the seat. Tracy Brabin

9506-435: Was told to return the next day for an appointment. Mair's health was not part of the defence case in the trial. After his arrest, he was examined by a psychiatrist who found no evidence that Mair's mental health was so impaired that he could not be held responsible for his conduct. In October 2020, a press report stated that West Yorkshire Police 's Homicide and Major Enquiries Team continued to investigate how he acquired

9604-490: Was wise that she had agreed to have her identity revealed, considering that the nature of her work would have made enemies. Board of Deputies of British Jews The Board of Deputies of British Jews , commonly referred to as the Board of Deputies , is the largest and second oldest Jewish communal organisation in the United Kingdom, after the Initiation Society which was founded in 1745. Established in 1760 by

#126873