Winston McKenzie

As London goes to the ballot box on May 1 to vote for a new Mayor for the capital, SomethingJewish invited all the candidates to respond to a series of questions on where they stand on general as well as specific issues. Find out what independent candidate Winston McKenzie said.

Why should Jewish Londoners vote for you?
I have the ability to unite Londoners.  The distance between various races is evident.  If we are able to operate as a community, then we shall become richer for our diversity, as a Nation.  I have been brought up with religious and moral values, and admire the Jewish race for their unity and commitment.  For it is these values that bring about success and stability within a community
 
What experience do you have of working with Jewish Londoners (either personally or professionally)?
I once sold hand-woven rugs from a warehouse in North London where my Boss was Jewish.  I owned a Letting Business and worked very closely with various members of the Jewish community with regards to lettings, buying and selling properties.  I was impressed with their money management.
 
What do you understand about Jewish life and culture and the contribution Jews have made to London life?
The contribution made by the Jewish community, particularly since the Second World War, should be heralded in schools and universities, but is pretty much a taboo subject.  However, because we live in an un-democratic society I do not feel justice will ever be done.  The oppression and persecution of the Jewish race over the years is evident.  To this day, in spite of their vast wealth, there are many social and commercial issues that must be addressed.  I dread to think how the financial market in the City would flourish, were it not for the vast wealth and business acumen of the Jewish community.
 
If elected Mayor, what would you do to help promote Jewish culture in London?
I would introduce a “Month of Jewish culture and history”.  I am sure the community of London would benefit vastly from knowing a little more about Jewish heritage.
 
Jewish children are loosing their roots.  Many have been tainted by the lack lustre ways of people in the West.  Society has a lot to answer for.  I will redress the balance within the community of London.
 
What will you do to help facilitate better relations between ethnic and religious groups in London?
This question must be put out to open debate to reach a consensus.  i.e., Some members of the community are opposed to synagogues and mosques.  These opinions are formed through fear of the un-known.  This is why I pledge to be a hands-on Mayor.  A man committed to pulling the divided communities together.  If we can engage in dialogue and education, then we shall gain peaceful submission to many schemes.  Dr. Martin Luther King, God rest his soul, together with Ghandi, pursued the course of dialogue, which is lacking today.  People strike first, and ask questions later.  When will they ever learn?  The Iraq war is a typical example of ignorance and short-sighted leaders.
 
What is your position on the conflict in the Middle East between Israelis and Palestinians, and how do you think the situation can be resolved?
These are ancient Biblical lands, and I am sure The Almighty must look down upon his children in sheer grief, and to some extent, dismay and sadness.  Quite frankly, this is a typical example of the previous question where both sides are unable to enter into peaceful dialogue. 
 
The problem lies, not with the citizens of Israel, neither with the citizens of Palestine.  The problem is with leaders on both sides of the divide who choose to put bravado before common sense.  Those who train their children to be ‘dogs of war’ have much to answer for.  They will not rest in peace. 
 
I am certain both Israel and Palestine will be cursed for many years if between them they cannot initiate mutual understanding and peace. 
 
I will not take sides, as one often does in a conflict of this nature.  Let God be the judge.
 
There are calls by some to ban the practice of ritual slaughter of animals used for food.  This practice is paramount to both the Jewish and Muslim faiths.  What is your position on ritual slaughter of animals for food, and do you support those who think it should be banned, or those who do not want it banned?
I support the ritual slaughter of animals for food as this type of action is strictly set aside for religious ceremonies.  I am vehemently against torture of any calibre, whether it be human or animal.  Throughout the Bible there are comprehensible examples of religious ceremonies where the lamb is slaughtered to atone for ones sins, and the guidelines are strictly laid down as to how to carry out these practices.
 
What steps will you take to ensure that the rising tide of anti-Semitism is curbed?
I would lobby the government with my powers of persuasion to enforce specific laws outlawing such vile actions by certain members of the community.  Obviously I would need the backing of the community to initiate and enforce the appropriate laws, which already exist.  It is the lack of desire by the ethnic community, who have no voice, as to why these Laws are not being enforced.  Time and again a situation arises which will target one particular ethnic group.  We all need protection from our enemies.
 
Name some Jewish people you admire and respect, and tell us why?
Jesus Christ was a Jew.  I admire and respect him.
Vidal Sasoon, as I trained for 5 years as a hairdresser in Brixton.  During that time I became fascinated with his work.
Barbra Streisland, Joan Rivers, Paul Simon and Marc Bolan.  They are all great people and are the cornerstones of society.
 
What is your favourite Jewish food, and why?
All I know is that Jews are famous for their oh so generous portions, of fabulous cakes in particular.