Sadiq Khan visited Darna restaurant in Golders Green last week as a gesture of support following events in Israel over the weekend.
The Mayor of London spent around two and a half hours at the kosher restaurant, showing solidarity with the area’s Jewish community in the aftermath of Hamas’ attacks on Israeli citizens.
He reportedly cut short his attendance at the Labour Party Conference in Liverpool in order to make an appearance on Tuesday evening.
The restaurant’s shomer (the person who ensures that all of the ingredients are kosher) Mordy Grosberg, 19, said: “It definitely sends a strong message that he stands with us and that we are deeply valued as a community.
“We are obviously very proud that he chose to come here.”
The mayor shared his experiences of the evening with a post on X, in which he said: “Good to spend this evening here in Golders Green – including breaking bread with the Jewish community here at Darna.
“The last few days have been deeply distressing – and my prayers are with everyone who has been affected.
“It’s so important Londoners come together and unite.”
Good to spend this evening here in Golders Green – including breaking bread with the Jewish community here at Darna.
— Sadiq Khan (@SadiqKhan) October 10, 2023
The last few days have been deeply distressing – and my prayers are with everyone who has been affected.
It's so important Londoners come together and unite. pic.twitter.com/teyq0nMj52
Khan dined with Rabbi Josh Levy, Principal Rabbi at Alyth (North West Reform Synagogue) in Temple Fortune and Rabbi Charley Baginsky, formerly Chief Rabbi at Kingston Liberal Synagogue, who is now the Chief Executive Officer for Liberal Judaism UK.
Also present at the dinner were Sophie Lindon, Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime, and Chancellor Sarah Conway.
Golders Green has experienced multiple instances of anti-Jewish vandalism in the last week – kosher restaurant Pita had their windows smashed and cash register stolen early on Monday morning, while a railway bridge over Golders Green Road was graffitied with a “Free Palestine” slogan.
Grosberg added: “The mayor was very supportive.
“He took a strong personal interest in my family members who are currently in Israel, as well as the difficulties that they are currently going through.”
The restaurant is not new to political guests, having previously hosted Home Secretary Suella Braverman.
Image credit: Greater London Authority
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