British Jews to celebrate 350 years in England

By Vanessa Bulkacz
August 27th, 2006

Concerns about safety in the wake of the Israel-Hezbollah war, as well as the recently foiled terror plot in London, are creating a cloud over upcoming celebrations of the 350th anniversary of Jews in Britain.

On Sept. 17, the yearlong celebration of Oliver Cromwell’s decision to readmit Jews to England 350 years ago is scheduled to culminate in a daylong festival in Trafalgar Square, one of London’s most public spots. The festival is being presented by Jewish Culture UK.

The Simcha on the Square festival will feature comedians, cantors, klezmer bands and Sephardi choirs, as well as art exhibitions and traditional Jewish food. Mayor Ken Livingstone will not be included on the program, as he continues to battle legal and personal charges of inappropriate and anti-Semitic remarks. Instead, his deputy will represent the Mayor’s Office of the Greater London Authority, which has contributed nearly $115,000 to the event. (….Full Article)

 
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The Edict of Expulsion of 1290