As we mark National Hate Crime Awareness Week 2023, it has never been more important to recommit to the values of decency, respect, love and peace.

Like people across our country, I have been horrified by the events unfolding in Israel and Palestine. I know that local people, especially those in our Jewish and Muslim communities, have been profoundly – and in some cases directly - affected by the terror attacks and the unfolding humanitarian crisis and are rightly worried about what may come next.

We are determined to keep our community together.

Throughout this crisis we have been working closely with our communities to address concerns and maintain the strong interfaith and bonds of togetherness of which we are so proud.

Working together with our partners and colleagues, notably the police, we are determined to make sure that residents know we are here to support them and help in any way that we can.

Ham & High: Cllr Adam Jogee is proud of Haringey's diversityCllr Adam Jogee is proud of Haringey's diversity (Image: Archant)

Taking place until October 21, 2023, Hate Crime Awareness Week aims to raise awareness and promote the work that local authorities in all parts of the country, key partners and communities are doing to tackle local hate crime issues – a mission that feels as relevant and urgent as ever.

There are a range of events taking place across the borough and they range from question-and-answer drop-in sessions at our local libraries, where local people can ask questions to the council’s hate crime team; to a competition for school pupils; from training to empower community champions to stand up against hate crime in their communities to a community work session.

You can explore the full programme of activities here: haringey.gov.uk/news/haringey-stands-against-hate-national-hate-crime-awareness-week-0.

It is vital that local people help us tackle hate crime and you can do that by reporting any hate crime you encounter. This can be done through the police by calling 999 or in a non-emergency or to make a report of a hate crime that has happened, you can call 101.

Our diversity is our greatest strength. I hope all local people will join us and come together in celebrating the contributions and achievements of our many diverse communities and stand up against the hatred and extremism which seek to divide us.

  • Cllr Adam Jogee is Haringey Council Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Cohesion.