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Hertsmere participates at pivotal Dortmund summit

Last Modified December 01, 2023
 

The Mayor of Hertsmere represented the borough at a pivotal summit in Germany this week, focusing on the key role public bodies can play in tackling antisemitism and fostering cultural diversity. 

Mayor Cllr Chris Myers was joined in Dortmund at the European Mayors’ Summit against Antisemitism by the Leader of Hertsmere Borough Council, Cllr Jeremy Newmark and the Deputy Leader, Cllr Paul Richards.  The summit was hosted by the Lord Mayor of Dortmund, the Honorable Thomas Westphal.  Attendees included mayors and civic leaders from across Europe, the Middle East and beyond.   

Dortmund, known as the ‘city of sports’, was an apt venue for the summit which also focused on enhancing social harmony through cultural and sporting event at a local level. 

Participants heard from a survivor of the 7 October Nova music festival massacre in Israel as well as from former Soviet dissident, Nathan Sharansky, who challenged local authorities to stand steadfast against all forms of hatred. 

Mayor Cllr Chris Myers said: “This conference provided us with a unique opportunity to hear first-hand from delegates from across Europe about the challenges and issues they are dealing with and some of the projects we are all working on.  It also reinforced for me how much excellent work is already going on in Hertsmere to promote community cohesion and encourage participation in cultural and sporting activities at all levels.”

Cllr Jeremy Newmark added: “This was a fascinating and insightful experience, reinforcing for me that boroughs, districts and cities can become the catalyst for connection between minorities.  We came away from the summit with the clear view that mayors and local government must invest in places for local people to meet their neighbours.

“It was a particular privilege to be asked to speak on behalf of Hertsmere at the closing dinner as well as discuss our own community-focused response to recent events in Israel and Gaza in our borough.”

Posted on Friday 1st December 2023
 

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