MPs from across the political spectrum united for a special social action project inside the House of Commons to help support those experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness this winter.
Labour, Conservative and Liberal Democrat Parliamentarians joined together to pack dry ingredients for warm soups and other meals, which will go to service users at The Passage – a Westminster-based charity that seeks to prevent homelessness and support those in need.
The event was the Parliamentary launch for this year’s Mitzvah Day, the UK’s largest faith-led day of social action. Taking place on Sunday 23 November, thousands of Jews, Muslims, Christians, Hindus and those of all faiths and backgrounds will come together to good deeds and make a real difference to their local communities and society.
This year Mitzvah Day celebrates its 20th anniversary, which a special flagship Big Soup Serve that will see people all over the country follow the MPs’ lead in donating to, making and/or serving warm meals to those who need them most.
The House of Commons event was run in partnership with the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on British Jews, The Jewish Leadership Council and The Board of Deputies of British Jews. The Parliamentarians attending were Anneliese Midgley MP, Charlotte Nichols MP, Christian Wakeford MP, David Pinto-Duschinsky MP, David Simmonds MP, David Williams MP, Emily Darlington MP, Greg Smith MP, Jess Asato MP, Lisa Smart MP, Navendu Mishra MP, Peter Dowd MP, Rachel Blake MP, Sir Edward Leigh MP, Steve Race MP, Steve Yemm MP, Tom Morrison MP and Tulip Siddiq MP.
Anna Church, the Community and Events Fundraising Manager at The Passage, said after the event,”…Thank you so much to Mitzvah Day for inviting us to join you at the Parliament Drop-In. It was a great experience to speak with so many MPs about the vital work we do at The Passage to prevent and end homelessness. We’re also grateful to have returned with a great selection of food donations, which have been put to good use in our Resource Centre to prepare hot meals for people experiencing homelessness
Here is what some of those taking part had to say about the day, the Passage and how we can use Mitzvah Day to build bridges:
Charlotte Nichols MP (Warrington North): “Mitzvah Day is more important now than ever, at this time of difficulties with community cohesion. It is such a brilliant way of bringing together communities around the things we have in common. The Jewish concept of Mitzvah and doing good for other people is something we see reflected in other diverse and different faith traditions. It is those things we can unite around.”
Greg Smith MP (Mid Buckinghamshire): “The focus of this Mitzvah Day event today has been around getting food in the hands of those who need it the most. Who might be hungry or struggling to put food on the table for themselves and their families at the moment. I was delighted to come along and learn more about Mitzvah Day and support the activities of the Passage.”
Tom Morrison MP (Cheadle): “There is a lot of tension and worry in our communities right now, and interfaith work is absolutely the bridge we can use to solve that. There is a really important role that MPs can play in that work. We need to be active participants. We can’t just wait for something else to do it.”
Jess Asato MP (Lowestoft): “I loved learning about Mitzvah Day and particularly its focus on bringing people together, from different faiths and walks of life, through community action. We need this sort of activity more than ever. As people become more divided, we need to find ways of uniting them for the great good of our society.”
Steve Race MP (Exeter): “It was great to see the Board of Deputies, Jewish Leadership Council and Mitzvah Day working with the Passage today and encouraging people to engage with different charities across the country throughout this month and in the future. Getting people together, and face-to-face, is the way we build successful communities.”
Lisa Smart MP (Hazel Grove): “This work isn’t easy, but is essential. We are stronger as a British community when we work together with all the different parts of that community.”
Steve Yemm MP (Mansfield): “I was really delighted to have met the Jewish organisations and to hear about everything going on for Mitzvah Day and how this important social action brings people together across communities.”
Peter Dowd MP (Bootle): “Mitzvah Day is important, as it doesn’t just provide food for those who need it – but also the engagement people have, and combatting loneliness. It is crucial they go together, giving people not just hope but also practical support.”
Rachel Blake MP (Cities of London and Westminster): “Mitzvah Day is a fantastic opportunity for communities to come together across the country, and across constituencies, to celebrate good deeds and everything that is positive about their local area.”
Emily Darlington MP (Milton Keynes Central): “Mitzvah, sometimes known by other names, is in every single religion in the UK. It’s when we see our churches, synagogues, mosques and temples at their best – serving community as their faiths require them to do.”
David Williams MP (Stoke-on-Trent North): “It was really important to be here today and see these organisations come together to show care and compassion for our communities, as we work to build a better society for all of us.”
To register to take part in this year’s Mitzvah Day, please visit here
Pictures by Yakir Zur