Alan Craig

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 CPA candidate Alan Craig said.

Why should Jewish Londoners vote for you?
Whether as London Mayor or on the London Assembly, I will demonstrate real solidarity with Jewish Londoners. But first of all, my aim is to serve all Londoners, regardless of background, by working for a better capital that embraces all. Unlike other candidates, I've seen life from both sides. I have run a major group of companies employing thousands. But challenged by my new Christian faith and the teaching of the Old Testament, I left behind my Porsche and fast-living lifestyle to fight for justice for London's forgotten in the East End. For two decades I've been serving the community of Canning Town. I have seen that the Jewish community is a dynamic and vibrant community that's had a positive impact upon London. Through some wonderful social and cultural programmes, thecommunity has helped build a better and more caring London. As Mayor I will fight to ensure the community is protected and that Jewish life is celebrated in the capital. I will fight for Jewish interests and campaign on these issues. 

What experience do you have or working with Jewish Londoners (eitherpersonally or professionally)?
Sadly, Newham - where I am Leader of the Opposition on the Council, no longer has the Jewish community it once had - just some important Jewish cemeteries. So professionally, I rarely meet Jewish Londoners.  

What do you understand about Jewish life and culture and the contribution Jews have made to London life?
Historically and currently Jewish life has made a wonderful impacton London. As a Christian I have the Jewish people to thank for giving me the word of God and for the foundation of my faith. I am impressed with the hard work ethic and the Jewish commitment to society and family life that have helped make London the best capital in the world.  

If elected mayor what would you do to help promote Jewish culture in London?
I would get behind existing Jewish cultural festivals and ensure the GLA has a Jewish Awareness Week that promotes London's Jewish community. It is so important that all our faith groups understand the contemporary and historical impact the community has had on London life. Every community can lean from the richness of Jewish culture. 

What will you do to help facilitate better relations between ethnic and religious groups in London?
All ethnic and religious faith groups need to understand the values of toleration, mutual respect and understanding of each other.

But I would back these sentiments with action - giving no GLA platform or support to individuals or groups who foster hatred of Jews or who call for the overthrow of Israel. More positively, education forums and faith-based community action programmes can help build relations and end misunderstandings and mistrust.

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?
It is an extremely complex and difficult issue. Not only is Israel the only Jewish state in the world, it is also the only stable democracy in the region. Israel has a right to live in peace with secure borders, free from terrorism. The Palestinians need to takeresponsibility for their own actions and recognise Israel's right to exist. They must end their education of hate and incitement to violence. If this can happen, then hopefully peace can be achieved.  

There are calls by some to ban the practice of ritual slaughter ofanimals used for food.
This practice is paramount to both the Jewishand 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?
It should not be banned as long as the best welfare is catered for animals. 

What steps will you take to ensure that the rising tide of anti-Semitism is curbed?
Anti-Semitism is a sick disease that has no place in London society, but it is made worse by some politicians. Ken Livingstone's anti-semitic statements should have led to him stepping down from public office. Bile and invective against Israel also fosters hatred. I would fight anti-semitism by making sure hatred doesn't win. So, I would foster business relationships between London and Israel andrepudiate campaigns to boycott Israeli goods or disinvest from Israel. Faith groups in London teaching hatred of Jews would be investigated and prosecuted.       

Name some Jewish people you admire and respect and tell us why?
Yitzak Rabin because he was a true leader for peace and attempted to end the end decades of war in the Middle East and was killed for his beliefs. 

What is your favourite Jewish food and why?
It would have to be the Israeli Falafel because its tasty and it's a healthy snack.