Freedom of Speech is Central for Tribe Yom Kippur Debates
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Thursday 17th September 2015

Teenagers and university students across more than 20 local communities are getting ready to take part in one of the many Tribe Yom Kippur Debates taking place next week.

The Yom Kippur Debate has been piloted at South Hampstead United Synagogue over the last 3 years with resounding success. This year the programme has gone national and will take place in over 20 communities in London, Manchester and Scotland. It is one of many initiatives from Tribe to attract young people to get involved in their local communities.

Each community will be hosting a debate on the principle and parameters of Freedom of Speech, during which participants will consider questions such as:
-    Is it the role of the government to stop hate speech?
-    How “free” is speech?
-    Do we REALLY support freedom of speech?

Tribe has developed a package for community leaders which includes a promotional clip which can be viewed at https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=EzLdVQyAJCA

US communities running the project include Hampstead Garden Suburb, Belmont, Hadley Wood, Highgate, Radlett, Brondesbury Park, Finchley, Barnet, Cockfosters and N Southgate, South Hampstead, St John's Wood, Hendon, Borehamwood & Elstree, Mill Hill, Golders Green, Stanmore &  Canons Park, Chigwell & Hainault, Redbridge and Woodside Park.

In anticipation of the debates, Rabbi Eli Levin of Tribe and South Hampstead US said: “I believe that this is a powerful opportunity to gather together the great minds and opinions of youth and students who fill our shuls on Yom Kippur so that we can discuss contemporary issues within the framework of our Jewish community."

David Collins, Director for Young People and Young Families for The US added: “This is one of many dynamic programmes that Tribe is providing as a resource to encourage higher involvement of teenagers in their local communities.”