Jewish community told to take down a religious prayer kept by their front doors
Luke Hanrahan
Former Reporter, ITV News London
Members of the Jewish community in Stamford Hill have been told to take down a religious prayer, known as a mezuzah, or be charged for their removal.
Residents of Cedarwood Court got letters from the property managing agent saying hanging objects outside their homes were against the terms of their leases.
A mezuzah is a parchment inscribed with religious texts and attached in a case to the doorpost of a Jewish house as a sign of faith. An expression of identity that's been unhindered, until now.
Asher Faig is one of the Jewish residents who received the letter:
For Ivana Bartloetti, another resident, the letter is an attack on her block and also on London's reputation as a place that promotes freedom of expression and cultural diversity.
The property management agent, Warwick estates has said that mezuzah are against policy for health and safety reasons. For London's Jewish population, being prevented from having a mezuzah outside their front door would be reason enough to move home. Some say, this is a case of discrimination.>Within the mezuzah, written on the scroll, is a very clear message: "That one should write this on the doorposts and on the gates of one's home." >Rabbi Herschel Gluck is a Rabbi in Stamford Hill, "It's denying a basic religious freedom which Jews have held precious for the millennia.">Since we raised the issue with Warwick Estates, the company has retracted its letter.
Hackney Council says it has now raised the matter with the agent, to help prevent this from happening again.