Sian Berry

As London goes to the ballot box on May 1 to vote for a new Mayor for the capital, SomethingJewish asked all the candidates where they stand on general as well as specific issues. Find out what Green Party candidate Sian Berry said.

Why should Jewish Londoners vote for you?
Jewish Londoners should vote for me as Mayor of London for the same reasons as any Londoner – because I will make their lives easier and more affordable as well as greener, with policies such as free insulation available to everyone, lower fares and a living wage. I particularly recognise the invaluable cultural and economic contribution that the Jewish community has made over many centuries in London, and continues to offer now to our vibrant and diverse capital city.

How have you worked with Jewish Londoners (either personally or professionally)?
I have many Jewish friends, and the Green Party has a high percentage of Jewish members, some of whom hold prominent positions within the organisation. I have also met with the London Jewish Forum and look forward to working with them in the future to make sure the needs of Jewish Londoners are supported by London’s government. It is a pleasure to celebrate our city and our Party’s diversity, as we work together towards a common humanitarian goal.

What do you understand about Jewish life and culture and the contribution Jews have made to London life?
I understand that Jewish life is very family orientated with a desire for high moral and educational standards and I have often seen the community celebrate its ancient cultural traditions that, coupled with its work ethic, has made a strong contribution to the fabric of the society of London for many years. I want to see Jewish cultural events supported fully in the future by the Mayor’s office.

If elected mayor what would you do to help promote Jewish culture in London?
The Green Party is a strong proponent of the idea that diversity enriches all societies. In view of this one of the initiatives that I will be pushing for is a Museum of Immigration. It would be set up in order to highlight the cultural contributions that all the diverse ethnic migrant communities have brought to London over the centuries. This would be of enormous benefit for the promotion and better understanding of the Jewish culture, which greatly contributes to London life.

What will you do to help facilitate better relations between ethnic and religious groups in London?
Education is the key to better understanding and this is essential for better relations. We therefore encourage, and will continue to encourage, the leaders of all faiths to call upon their congregants to be more tolerant of the differences between religions and celebrate the many common grounds that they share.

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?
The Green Party is, like the majority of Israelis and Palestinians, united in a desire for peaceful solution to the complex set of conflicts in the region. We recognise that in any political or diplomatic endeavour, there will be disagreement about specific means, but the end — peace — is undisputed. We support the decision of the Green Party’s conference to choose economic sanctions, a peaceful measure with a record of success internationally. This is a measure of last resort which is supported by both Palestinian and Israeli pro-peace groups.

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?
The practice of the ritual slaughter of animals by Jews & Muslims dates back thousands of years. It was the most advanced and humane method of its time. Now, however, there are far more advanced, humane and less traumatic methods available today, although often standards are not upheld in these new methods. We must all continue to monitor and review our animal slaughter practices and, if necessary, update our practices. In order to illustrate that we are a truly civilised society, we must display the highest regard for the welfare of all animals.

What steps will you take to ensure that the rising tide of anti-Semitism is curbed?
We do not tolerate any form of racism. By that token, we will have no truck with the likes of the BNP and we seek to expose any individuals or groups who entertain their neo-Nazi attitudes and beliefs. Nevertheless, it is ignorance that feeds the breeding ground for such thought (or lack of it) and which makes violence and hatred so attractive. A good society should embrace and educate all of its members to understand the benefits of diversity within their communities and not allow them to become disillusioned and disenfranchised.

Name some Jewish people you admire and respect and tell us why?
Our sadly missed Green Party Principal speaker, Mike Woodin, was such an inspiration to so many of us in the Green movement and showed so much courage in his battle with cancer. There are many other examples, but I also have huge respect for Bob Dylan, who has written so poetically from the viewpoint of a Jew, and stood up for the values I share in a unique way.

What is your favourite Jewish food and why?
There are so many Jewish delicacices available in North London, but the best hummous I ever tasted was brought back from Israel by a friend from their holidays. I haven’t found anything to match that since.