In May 2019 René Cassin hosted Never Again? A Jewish response to the Uyghur crisis, where we heard from experts on China and the Uyghurs, a leading Rabbi from our community and a member of the Uyghur diaspora. There was a clear consensus from the audience that we must all take action against the persecution of Uyghurs.
Harrowing to hear testimony about the persecution of Uyghur Muslims in China’s Xinjiang region. Thank you to @Rene_Cassin for highlighting such an important issue – you have our support in providing a Jewish voice for human rights. #UyghurReligiousFreedom pic.twitter.com/lnHG40G3Qy
— Board of Deputies of British Jews (@BoardofDeputies) May 9, 2019
Take Action!
Tell your friends and family about what is happening to the Uyghur community in China. Many people are still unaware of what is happening to Uyghurs in China. It is important that we raise awareness to increase opposition to this. You can download our briefing paper and learn more about it
Protest! Every Tuesday 6-7pm members of the Jewish community protest outside the Chinese Embassy- Cultural Section, 11 West Heath Road, Hampstead NW3 7UX
Write to your MP! It is vital that MPs speak out against the persecution of Uyghurs in China and call on the UK Government to act. You are very welcome to use our template, available here, and do feel free to include your own words on why this issue is important to you.
In an example of local action, and as a result of an idea raised during our event on 9th May, 15 people, including members of the Uyghur and Jewish communities, gathered at Rabbi Alexandra Wright’s house on Monday to have in Iftar after a day of fasting, in solidarity with Uyghurs in China who are prevented from observing Ramadan.
Among the attendees was Mia Hasenson-Gross, René Cassin’s CEO: “I was delighted to take part in the Iftar in solidarity with the Uyghur community – an act designed to remind us, that it is the responsibility of each and every one, to act against the detention of the Uyghur minority in China”.
You can find out more about this event here.
Watch, Listen, Read
Jews Must Speak Up for the Uyghurs in China – Amy Woolfson in Jewish News on why we have a special responsibility to bear witness to what is happening, and to speak up whenever we can.
John Sweeney’s Newsnight investigation into the situation in Xinjiang can be watched here.
Cultural Genocide in Xinjiang – René Cassin volunteer Baruch Solomon on why China’s treatment of Uyghurs makes a mockery of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Mona Siddiqui, Professor of Islamic and Interreligious Studies at the University of Edinburgh, discusses the plight of Uyghurs in China, and why we must speak out, for Radio 4’s Thought for the Day
Bini Guttmann, president of the European Union of Jewish Students, on why Europe’s Jewish students must stand up for the Muslim Uyghurs
