Charles Kennedy

The past year has not been without worry for the Jewish community.

In Britain, the Community Security Trust has reported increases in anti-Semitic crimes, including vandalism, violence and - all too often - desecrations of Jewish graves.

Nothing brought this home to me more than the occasion in June when two London synagogues were hit by arson over one weekend.

I share the Jewish community's determination not to be intimidated by such appalling crimes. So I very much hope for better times in the New Year and I wish all your readers well.

Charles Kennedy