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Letter: The way to a riot-free city

Sigmund Sternberg
Friday 15 December 1995 00:02 GMT
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From Sir Sigmund Sternberg

Sir: Nicholas Timmins has written a perceptive analysis ("London: the new melting pot of Europe", 13 December) of the report on the growing ethnic minorities in the capital produced by the London Research Centre and based on the 1991 census.

He suggests that London has adapted "remarkably well" and goes on to say that "only briefly has there been anything in London that could fairly be called race riots". By grim coincidence, the Independent this morning has as its main front-page headline "Riot flares on streets of Brixton", accompanied by a colour picture with the caption "Night of destruction".

The truth is that there is more xenophobia, racism and intolerance than we care to admit and that we are still a long way away from the unity in diversity which it is so important to create.

Herman Ouseley, chairman of the Commission for Racial Equality, is right to emphasise the social, cultural and economic aspects. There is also a religious dimension; it has been said that there must be understanding between the faiths before there can be understanding between the nations.

The International Council of Christians and Jews, which operates in 26 countries, including Britain, conducts important educational work as part of the interfaith dialogue. It is a task that will need to be intensified if London is indeed to become a new type of city in Europe with the various groupings fully integrated and living together in peace and harmony.

Yours faithfully,

Sigmund Sternberg

Chairman

International Council of

Christians and Jews

London, NW5

14 December

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