Robert Foster, the Ulster Unionist Party’s North Belfast candidate in the forthcoming Assembly election, has condemned threats made against the local Jewish community.
Mr Foster said:
“I wish to condemn in the strongest possible terms, the disgraceful threat made against the local Jewish community.
“The Chairman of the Belfast Jewish Community, said that a Facebook message it received contained a racist image and that it was reviewing security as a result.
“Any such threats must be taken seriously bearing in mind the terror attacks which have taken place in Europe, often targeting the Jewish community. Furthermore, thirteen Jewish graves were damaged in an attack at the City Cemetery in August, and I believe it is vital that public representatives should speak out in condemnation of all these type of incidents.
“This is a community which has a long and proud history in Northern Ireland and especially in the city of Belfast. It has been prominent in the cultural, political and business life of the city, providing Lord Mayors and leading industrialists. Indeed one President of Israel – Chaim Herzog – was born in Belfast in 1918.
“I believe we must recognise the very positive role the Jewish community has played and still plays in Northern Ireland and provide support at times like this.”