Standing up to bullying of those who called out genocide
JVL Introduction
Harlow Council banned the drama group Razed Roof from council premises, terminated all in-kind support to it and and sent a report to the police following what the local paper Your Harlow called an “incident” at a local Holocaust Memorial Day Service.
The alleged crime? To mention Gaza among the many holocausts and genocides remembered on the day.
Local Jewish activists did not take this lying down and canvassed wider support, resulting in a powerful letter which was sent to the leader of the Council.
It was published in full in the local press and is reposted below.
RK
PS: Razed Roof is an inclusive performing arts group for people with, and without, learning difficulties and disabilities, based at the Harlow Playhouse. “We believe that the performing arts provide opportunities to improve the quality of life for everyone involved.”
PPS: on 16th March we added three more Jewish groups to the list of those who had signed the letter
This article was originally published by Your Harlow on Sun 8 Mar 2026. Read the original here.
Open letter to Councillor Dan Swords, Harlow Council from Jewish Groups
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A brilliant letter. I am aghast at what the impact of the Council’s actions must be on members of Razed Roof, how it must make them feel. Quite apart from the practical implications of being banned and defunded, the psychological impact must be huge. Solidarity with all involved.
I hope JVL will publish further developments.
What a Brilliant letter to a councillor who is explicitly targeting a group who are helping Disabled People.
By cancelling their right to council facilities and third party funding. That groups like that rely on to keep doing what they do for Disabled People. As someone with an adult daughter with severe learning difficulties and Autism. I know at first hand how hard those groups work to make sure those children experience a happy and enjoyable life. And how immportant the Coucil facilities are to them Along with the third party Funding that they rely on to keep going. People like that Councillor and Rabi should remember that during the 2nd World War. Gay People and Disabled people were also part of what happened during the Holocaust. And as It said Never Again. It Meant NEVER AGAIN by Anyone.
The Genoside of WW2. Should always be remembered. And taught in schools and other places.In order to make young people and older people as well are aware of the Holocaust Were Six Million Innocent. Jewish Men Women and Children. Along with Innocent Men Women and Children from other Ethnic Backgrounds. Including those Innocent Gay and Disabled People. Who all lost their lives at the Brutal Hands of the Nazis .
The Genoside Convention of the 12th of December 1948 When it was Created. And Completed on the 9th of January 1951. Clearly States the Deffinitions of Genoside and also the Deffinition of Participating in Genoside.
If that Councillor and the Rabi took the time to read it.They would know what constitutes a Genoside. And what that Group who who work hard to make the lives of Disabled Children as Happy and eventful as possible.Were remembering all the Victims of Genoside on a Holocaust Rememberence event. And were not doing anything wrong Thank God for the JVL and other Groups like them who speak out against the likes of that Councillor Reminding him of his Duties to everyone. they represent. With their voices of Wisdom. It’s just a pity more people Including the Labour Party asked them for advise instead of those groups that say they represent all Jewish People.. Which they don’t .
A wonderful letter! I hope it’ll make Cllr Swords reflect honestly on his behaviour, apologise for it and take the necessary remedial action. I’m glad you point out there’ll be consequences if he doesn’t.
This was indeed vindictive nastiness emanating from a zionist perspective and masquerading as an overused weaponisation of so-called antisemitism.