Northern Ireland

NI Protocol threatens Jewish community in Belfast

Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis was among those who met Brandon Lewis. Picture by Stefan Rousseau/PA Wire
Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis was among those who met Brandon Lewis. Picture by Stefan Rousseau/PA Wire Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis was among those who met Brandon Lewis. Picture by Stefan Rousseau/PA Wire

DISRUPTION caused by the Northern Ireland Protocol could mark the ending of "Jewish life in Belfast", it has been warned.

Jewish representatives in the city told Secretary of State Brandon Lewis that action was needed to avoid a "collapse" of their community.

They claim that the supply of kosher foods, which complies with dietary guidelines set by traditional Jewish law, could be impacted by the protocol.

Under the terms of the protocol, Northern Ireland continues to follow EU trade rules, but with increased checks on some goods moving into the north from Great Britain, there are fears it will impact the supply of kosher food.

The Belfast Telegraph yesterday reported that Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis, Rev David Kale and Michael Black of the Belfast Jewish community and Marie van der Zyl, President of the Jewish Board of Deputies met with Mr Lewis on Tuesday.

They said they urged the British government to take action to avoid the protocol "potentially ending Jewish life in Belfast".

"The Belfast Jewish community is a great community with a rich history, but also an older and vulnerable one," said Marie van der Zyl.

"We thank the minister for his time and urge the UK and the EU to generate a creative solution which means that Jews can continue to practise their faith in Northern Ireland."