Muslim anger at Haringey's 'ban' on Jewish voters

I write in response to your front page story (Election date stops Jews voting, H&H Broasdway September 18) and wish to vent my displeasure at Haringey Council's misguided announcement to hold a bi-election for the Alexandra ward during a significant Jewish festival, Yom Kippur.

The timing of the election is obviously inappropriate, coming as it does during an important Jewish commemorative event.

Such a move is to be regarded as a snub to all Jewish people and their respective beliefs. The council's decision was absolutely inexcusable and inexplicable.

Haringey's Jewish communities contribute enormously to our civic life, and therefore should not be excluded from participating in local democratic processes. The exclusion of Haringey's Jewish communities sends out the complete opposite message of promoting understanding, tolerance and good community cohesion.

Instead we should be reaching out to all sections of Haringey's diverse Jewish communities. I fail to truly understand how we could promote these invaluable ideals, whilst completely ignoring festivals normally associated with the Jewish faith.

There are many Jewish people who would have wanted to vote, but now cannot due to the insensitive decision taken by Haringey Council.

I am privileged to come from a family that has strong connections to the Jewish community, and frequently participate in interfaith dialogue with leaders of the Jewish community.

Thus, I am familiar with the impressive contribution that the latter have made to Haringey as loyal and productive members of this particular community.

As a local Muslim resident, I should like to conclude by saying that if Haringey Council decides to go ahead with their decision to hold a bi-election during Yom Kippur; I intend to tear up my voting slip and abstain from participating as a show of solidarity.

Mashfiqul Alam

Bounds Green, N11