London, England - PM Tony Blair: I Am Proud to Be a Friend of the Jewish People

London, England - At a conference of European rabbis which is held every two years, and is also served to mark the return of Jews to the British Isles 350 years ago, Prime minister of the United Kingdom, Tony Blair, spoke with the rabbinical delegates in his 10 Downing Street office, confessing pride in his friendship for the Jewish people.

The European chief rabbis thanked Blair for his support in matters of concern to the Jewish community, including in the fight against anti-Semitism, against the attempt to outlaw kosher slaughter in the UK, and in favor of expanded Jewish education. Blair said in response that he very much admires Jewish education and the moral life espoused by Judaism. He further said that Jewish life has within it the potential to contribute to the moral and family values of England and all of Europe.