James Duddridge Member of Parliament for Rochford and Southend East joined the Southend and Westcliff Hebrew Congregation on Sunday 3rd September 2017 to welcome the Israeli Ambassador to the United Kingdom, Mark Regev.
The Israeli Ambassador visited The Southend and Westcliff Hebrew Congregation on Sunday 3rd September and spent the afternoon with the Congregation and visitors including James Duddridge, Member of Parliament for Rochford and Southend East.
The Southend and Westcliff Hebrew Congregation was formed in 1906 and is a friendly modern orthodox Shul (Synagogue). The Congregation is a close knit community with a youth club and runs activities and charity events for all ages.
Community groups such as The Southend and Westcliff Hebrew Congregation allow for people from different economic and social backgrounds to come together as one, sharing values and a sense of belonging. The Congregation welcomes in visitors from outside of the Jewish community, they contribute to Southend and support the town and local charities. Having a good relationship with the wider town allows the Jewish community to prosper in Southend.
James said
"It was a pleasure to attend the community event on Sunday to welcome Ambassador Mark Regev to Southend. The Southend and Westcliff Hebrew Congregation have many events and do a lot for the local community and it is great that the Congregation could meet the Israeli Ambassador.
It is great that The Southend and Westcliff Hebrew Congregation welcome in anyone who is interested in what they do. The Congregation was very welcoming and I always enjoy learning about community groups which benefit the residents of Southend."
Roy Barnes, Vice President of the Southend and Westcliff Hebrew Congregation said:
"On Sunday 3rd September, Southend and Westcliff Hebrew Congregation, had the pleasure in welcoming His Excellency The Israeli Ambassador to the UK. Mr Mark Regev.
The Ambassador addressed the congregation, which included amongst the honoured guests, Mr.James Duddridge M.P.
The Ambassador referred to the special relationship between Israel and the United Kingdom, and made special reference to the Balfour Declaration.
After a brief question and answer session, the Ambassador together with approx 70 members of the congregation had a delightful tea.
We were delighted that James Duddridge M.P. attended this historic occasion within our community."