Three main party leaders back Mitzvah Day (From Harrow Times)

Three main party leaders back Mitzvah Day

4:11pm Friday 11th November 2011 in News By Suruchi Sharma

THE three main party leaders, including Prime Minister David Cameron, have backed a good deeds day this month.

Labour party leader Ed Miliband and Deputy Prime Minster Nick Clegg join the Prime Minister as the latest public figures to support Mitzvah Day.

The day is a Jewish-led initiative which encourages people across the globe to give their time to charity rather than money on Sunday, November 20.

Prime Minister David Cameron said: "National Mitzvah Day is a great example of how faith communities across the country are contributing to furthering social responsibility – giving their time, volunteering, and generosity - everything we want to see in our societies.

“So I give my support to this, the sixth National Mitzvah day, and congratulate all those around the United Kingdom taking part."

Mr Miliband said: “On November 20 Mitzvah day volunteers will show that the age-old Jewish imperative of Tikkun Olam, changing the world for the better, is as powerful today as it ever was.

“Mitzvah Day has become a shining illustration of social action. It does everything that powerful and effective social action should do.

“It unites, it inspires, and it is creative. But above all it is hands on. It is effective and it makes thing happen.”

Deputy Prime Minister and leader of the Liberal Democrats, Nick Clegg said: “The values of Mitzvah Day are exactly the values this Government wants to promote – a sense of responsibility and kindness towards others.

"I wholeheartedly endorse Mitzvah Day, especially the efforts to involve other faith communities, and hope it is an even more successful day than last year.”

Mitzvah Day Founder and Director, Laura Marks said: “We are absolutely thrilled to have the support of the leaders of all three main political parties, as well as London Mayor Boris Johnson and former Prime Minister Tony Blair.

“In the UK there are many small communities who are isolated, typically marginalized, under resourced and suffering as a result.

"Our strategy is to bring something constructive and collective to these communities so that we can strengthen our community as a whole and, at the same time, facilitate more social action and interfaith relationships.”

To learn more about the day and to get involved log on to www.mitzvahday.org.uk