Boris: ‘Jewish community leads the world in charity’

Boris Johnson this week claimed the Jewish community “leads the world” in charitable giving, writes Justin Cohen.

Boris Johnson with Dreidel Man at Chanukah In The Square last week.

The Mayor of London’s comments came in an interview during last Thursday’s Chanukah celebrations in Trafalgar Square and on the same day that he toured a leading Jewish charity in Hendon.

He told the record 6,000 crowd that he was hopeful for an economic recovery in London and called for a simultaneous “boom in giving”.

Asked what London Jewry could do to help achieve that goal, Johnson told the Jewish News: “Just what they’re doing. The Jewish community traditionally leads the world in its spirit of giving, there’s no question about that. It’s something that’s been so for hundreds of years and it’s a wonderful thing to see it happening in London. Don’t reinvent the wheel, just do more of it.”

The mayor had earlier visited Hendon to take part in  a question and answer session with business figures at The Pillar Hotel and visit The Boys Clubhouse,  which has helped more than 150 youngsters who have been or at risk of being excluded from school or are not in employment.

Johnson played pool with some of the boys during his visit to the charity – which offers careers advice, therapy and mentoring – with local MP Matthew Offord.

“The Clubhouse is fantastic and a classic example of the kind of thing the Jewish community does to look after young people who need help,” he said. “It is a totally wonderful institution and I urge people to support it.” During Chanukah in the Square – organised by the Jewish Leadership Forum and Chabad – Johnson described London Jewry as “the greatest Jewish community” on earth.

Surveying the massive crowds singing and dancing in one of London’s most iconic landmarks, he said: “This is extraordinary. It’s proof of the dynamism, vitality of the Jewish community. It’s a great thing for London. People of other faiths or no faith look at this and they think what a wonderful city it is that it can bring people together and celebrate.”