Harlow Council ban drama group Razed Roof from council premises and set to report to police following incident at Holocaust Memorial Service
News / Wed 28th Jan 2026 at 05:00pm
HARLOW Council has detailed the actions they have taken against theatre group Razed Roof following an incident at the Holocaust Memorial service on Sunday afternoon.
In the middle of a performance by inclusive arts group Razed Roof ,a member made a statement about Gaza (full story below).
He said: “In 2023, 70,000 Palestinians in Gaza Strip are indiscriminately killed by the State of Israel.”
There were shouts from the assembled audience and people were clearly upset.
When Rabbi Irit Shillor, of the Harlow Jewish Community, who led the service, returned to the microphone, she said: “I’d just like to note that the last statement is a statement of opinion. It’s not fact”
Now, the leader of Harlow Council, Dan Swords has written to the chair of Razed Roof, and detailed the action they plan to take.
This action includes:
Cllr Swords said: “Please be advised that with immediate effect, Razed Roof is prohibited from accessing or using any council facilities, venues, or assets, on the grounds that the organisation has fundamentally
breached the council’s standards, values, and conditions of use, and can no longer be
trusted to operate safely or appropriately within council-controlled spaces, until such time
that clear assurances can be provided that such concerns are unfounded or have been
resolved.
All council in-kind support to Razed Roof is terminated with immediate effect.
The council will be making formal referrals to the Charity Commission, as the matters
outlined raise serious concerns regarding charitable governance, political activity,
safeguarding, reputational risk, and whether Razed Roof is operating in accordance with its
charitable objectives and legal duties.
The council will be making a referral to the police, in light of references to a proscribed
terrorist organisation, the potential commission of criminal offences, and the need for
appropriate law enforcement assessment.
The council will be raising formal concerns with the relevant statutory authorities regarding
Razed Roof’s management, supervision, and use of disabled participants, particularly
where vulnerable individuals appear to have been placed in situations of foreseeable
distress, controversy, and potential exploitation.
The council has notified all third-party funders for whom it administers grants to Razed Roof
of these matters.
The council will formally notify the Community Security Trust (CST) of the incident and of
the actions taken, considering the nature of the conduct, the distress caused to Jewish
attendees, and CST’s role in monitoring and advising on antisemitism and community
safety.
The council will formally inform the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust of the incident, the
breach of the values and purpose of Holocaust Memorial events, and the steps taken by
the council to ensure that such conduct is not repeated in connection with events of
remembrance.
In conclusion:
The council has a duty to take a firm and unwavering position to ensure that council-supported
events and organisations do not promote hatred, intimidation, or extremist narratives. The conduct
of Razed Roof at this event represents a fundamental breach of that duty and of the trust placed in
organisations supported by the council.
It is a matter of profound regret that the excellent provision of support for vulnerable adults has
been sidelined by these issues.
This decision has been taken following careful consideration and is not subject to negotiation or
appeal.
The letter in full is below.
David Forman
2026-01-28 18:04:00
As a member of the Muslim community in Harlow I can say I am disgusted with the reaction to what (Gaza) should have been included from the start. Far from healing division this sucking up to Israel has widened the gulf between Muslims and Jews.
AB
2026-01-28 18:10:56
The over-reaction, and denial of reality rumbles on.
Is it safe to comment?
2026-01-28 18:36:58
All the amazing work Razed Roof has done over 34 years and the lives they have enriched and it comes to this. A referral to the police! What proscribed organisation was mentioned?
Joshua Gold
2026-01-28 19:03:48
I'm the offending member, please see my statement below: My drama group Razed Roof performed at Harlow Council's Holocaust Memorial Service for Holocaust Remembrance Day. We did two performance pieces for the service, and in the first one, me and two other people read out a series of genocides from recent history. After we finished, our placards connected by string were passed along a sea of seated people while Blowing In The Wind was sung. We called the piece "Threads." The genocides we read out were as follows: Holodomor, Holocaust, Cambodian, Rwandan, Bosnian, Darfur, Rohingya, Xinjiang, Gaza. The one for Gaza read: "2023: 85% of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip experienced mass, forced displacement, with violence, bombing, blockades and starvation." I would like to make crystal clear that the situation would've been different had that not been written in in the first place, as the piece is about genocide in general and how it bolsters the lessons we learn from the Holocaust in particular. However, we did in fact have it written in in the first place, so I followed the script as directed. But while we were in the middle of our final rehearsal in the council chamber, the rabbi literally instructed us to revise it to "claims of 85%." You can Google it for yourself, but not only is the displacement a widely cited, evidence-based institutional estimate from the UN and human rights groups such as B'Tselem and Physicians for Human Rights, but they actually bump that number up to 90%. So I obviously said a cold, hard no to that. The teacher then said she just needed to be able to confirm she told me, but she can fall back on us being an SEN group if I ended up reading it anyway. But then, while I was trying to have my snack break before the service started, she called me in and said the council asked us to omit it altogether and even cut it out with scissors. This sequence of events came across quite clearly to me as an attack on this specific genocide because they can't handle Israel's image being questioned, which in context of an ongoing UN-recognised genocide is disgusting and pathetic. And I was so livid, I spent a good five minutes arguing with the teacher, and I eventually agreed to do it under the impression that we'd keep it omitted. But I quite confidently misled her and did it anyway. Because I couldn't remember what it read, I ended up saying: "2023: 70,000 Palestinians in the Gaza Strip are indiscriminately killed by the State of Israel; up to 90% of the population are internally displaced." Notice that I added "up to" as well in an attempt to placate. My peer took the clipboard off me even though I wasn't reading from it anymore and our cast tried to carry on the piece over me. After we finished, the rabbi said "I'd just like to note that the last statement is a statement of opinion, it's not fact. None of these facts have been verified." So I shouted over her "actually, it is." It is true that approximately 70,000 people have been killed and it is true indiscriminate killing is widespread, but search results consider the framing a generalisation. To me, I simply cannot countenance that it's a generalisation unless you care about numerical absolutes, because it's literally the general trend. When I went to ask the teacher where my coat was, she said she had to apologise to twenty people, everyone was apparently very upset. I'm glad they tried to suppress me like that because it exposes our sheer hypocrisy in chanting never again while being complicit in an ongoing genocide we're still failing to come to terms with. In a previous service, we discussed the stages of genocide and they had much to say about complicity and covering it up, and they are now spitting in the eye of those very words right in the place where they matter most. And if attacks on Israel's image are what people want to get offended/disappointed over, then I simply cannot respect them for that. I'm sorry. More ironic still is that the theme this year was bridging generations, and yet we're taking acknowledgement of an ongoing genocide committed by people who are Jewish to be an attack on the Jewish victims of a previous genocide. Never again means for anyone anywhere, not for Muslims or Jews or Christians. The rabbi can bloody Google the displacement numbers when she gets home and all. She can also try saying that to the Haredi British community, Jewish Voice for Labour and every British Jew who opposes that Israelcentric framework of Holocaust remembrance. I am deeply ashamed of the organisers of the Holocaust Memorial Service for their conduct tonight, and I do not regret my actions one little bit. Even if it's the smallest piece of altruism, I'm grateful for the opportunity to take it.
Kylie
2026-01-28 19:47:27
I am absolutely shocked that one incidence, if thats what it should be called. Is what has thrown all the hard work away of Razed Roof - a very much known and loved group in Harlow by those with disabilities, learning difficulties and all sorts. It is not just a drama club its a valued charity and club that has been running for many years, providing help support and a safe place for disabilities to come together. Razed Roof have worked hard to provide beautiful meaningful pieces and performances over the years, and I know that this group is run by only wonderful people who put their hearts and souls into this club. I am disgraced to read all these posts on Your Harlow and I can only assume that by showing the letter addressed to Razed Roof to the whole community that the council are just trying to show they are doing good, they are failing to mention that they are taking this group of people away from their achievements and all the wonderful things they do while providing support when Harlow council don't seem to care about the less able. Chris Vince has been nothing but positive about Razed Roof until today and should be ashamed to step down as trustee of the group to leave them to struggle in this awful situation. Why should the whole of the group suffer? Today I am disappointed and annoyed at Harlow council for how they have reacted, contacting the police? Reporting the charity? Stopping all the members having something supportive and nice in their lives. Should be ashamed of yourselves. And to all at Razed Roof - I am so sorry you are all facing this due to one sentence made. Thank you for all you do, I have only seen a few productions but they really have brought me to tears from the innocence and beauty. Keep strong. You are all absolutely amazing people and can keep your heads up high.
Elephant in the room
2026-01-28 19:52:38
But James Leppard can say what he likes about Muslims.
James
2026-01-28 20:03:16
A gross response and decision from Dan Swords. Suggesting that people with SEND couldn’t meaningfully change a script, and that the notion is ‘implausible’, is offensive and discriminatory to both Razed Roof members and the special needs community. It shows a clear lack of understanding of the spectrum of need and is disrespectful to the agency of people living with SEND. He should be ashamed.
Seamus
2026-01-28 20:54:22
Joshua "I do not regret my actions one little bit. Even if it's the smallest piece of altruism, I'm grateful for the opportunity to take it". "I was so livid, I spent a good five minutes arguing with the teacher, and I eventually agreed to do it under the impression that we'd keep it omitted. But I quite confidently misled her and did it anyway." which has now cost you and your group greatly. You admit to lying and being deceitful. I hope all of the group are with you on this because future funding and facilities will now be affected. Kylie, it was Razed Roof that brought politics into what was supposed to be a holocaust memorial event. That political activism has now had a political consequence. If you are unhappy with adult consequences to adult choices then perhaps some should stop playing stupid games and then act suprised when they get stupid prizes?
C
2026-01-28 21:31:13
Seamus but Razed Roof as a charity went through the scripts to make sure it was OK to share, it is not them at fault. why should the others suffer when its not their action, to destroy the whole charity rather than the one person be questioned and consequenced. If a child in a classroom makes an inappropriate comment would that then be right to suspend all the children in the class? Not right. And we shouldnt be forgetting here we are talking about life changing circumstances to the SEND members who only find confidence and acceptance of who they are from this group/charity and would suffer greatly not having the support there every week. Chris Vince even said himself after the previous year's Holocaust performances by Razed Roof that they are an important role in the town. We are all obviously going to have different views and thats fine but I know how much of a difference this charity has made. In 34 years of giving performances to Harlow they are now turned against for one action that was not the organisations decision or control and if you look online at their statement they've released you can see how deeply sorry they are for what happened and sound genuinely upset about this situation.
David Forman
2026-01-28 22:11:06
I fully support Joshua Gold for making a stand. The International Association of Genocide Scholars passed a resolution last September declaring that Gaza is a genocide. If the Holocaust Memorial Trust cannot accept what the United Nations and the International Court of Justice say about Gaza, then they are no longer fit for purpose in educating people to prevent further genocides. See BBC article at https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cde3eyzdr63o
CMG
2026-01-28 22:53:28
This is a wholly disproportionate response by Dan Swords, one that conveniently delivers cost savings for the Council while attempting to justify them under the guise of “safety.” Involving the police and imposing blanket consequences on an entire group because of the actions of a single individual is indefensible and fundamentally unjust. Even more troubling is the underlying implication that people with SEND are unable to comprehend or respond appropriately to last-minute changes. This is not only factually wrong but deeply patronising. It exposes a serious lack of understanding of the SEND community and reinforces harmful stereotypes that have no place in public decision-making.
AGG
2026-01-29 00:47:54
What a spineless individual you are Chris Vince. You are supposed to be supportive and make allowances for members of this group. However outspoken some might be. Instead you immediately jump ship when it starts to rock a bit. You are typical of the normal MP's of our time. Over ambitious and looking for publicity that suits you when situations like this arise.
Michael
2026-01-29 05:05:04
I support the decision of the council. The Holocaust memorial day is one of the most sacred days for the Jewish Community. And this act was deliberate and intentionally planned to offend and attack them. If you want to protest the situation in Gaza, go to the Israeli embassy, but targeting the jewish community this way is clear antisemitism. The charity could be doing a great job for communities, but now they have to suffer the consequences of the decision made by its members, they were the ones who wrecked it by playing a political stunt, not the council or the MP. What they did is the equivalent of doing a performance about Islamic fundamentalist terrorism during Ramadan in front of the Muslim community.
To Michael
2026-01-29 07:58:50
Michael, Holocaust Memorial Day is about remembering the 6 million Jews killed in the Holocaust, AND subsequent genocides. It is not only a day to reflect on the Holocaust, but learn from it and so prevent future genocides. Multiple groups including UN panels, Amnesty International, and Human Rights Watch have described the situation in Gaza a genocide; if anyone from any faith or culture feels offended or ‘attacked’ by facts about lives lost, and the displacement of people, that speaks volumes. Further, you say that ‘the charity’ and ‘its members’ made the decision to include this, suggesting you’ve not read the relevant statements or article. An individual made the decision to include the statement against the wishes of Razed Roof’s leadership - get your facts straight before sullying the name of a charity.
Seamus
2026-01-29 10:21:08
To Michael, David and others. You all portray the stereotype of non responsibility. Where someone in a large group carries out an offensive act, this then garnishes a reaction by a larger group and then you all start blaming those behind the reaction whilst completely ignoring the actions of the smaller group who brought such reaction. If your anger should be placed anywhere, it should be with Joshua Gold, it was his actions that led his group to now be in the position they are in. He's no freedom fighter nor are any of you with a tea towel round your necks professing to be western saviours. This was a small and deeply personal event in a town in Essex. I would have respected Joshua had he said, sorry, it's not an event I care for, can I sit this one out? Having seen his facebook account, there is enough there to say this would have been the adult choice. Instead he behaved like a petulant child and cared not for any consequences for the Razed Roof group and it's members. If there is anyone who should be facing questions about their actions, then Joshua Gold should be asked why he didn't care at all about the group he claimed to represent and why he felt he was more important than the members of Razed Roof..
Mark Etkind
2026-01-29 10:50:29
As a son of a Jewish father who spent 5 years in various concentration camps and the Lodz Ghetto, I'd like to congratulate Joshua Gold. In my view, the only meaningful way to commemorate the 6 million victims of the Holocaust - including my father's entire family - is to oppose ALL genocides and to speak out against genocide whenever is happening. By speaking out against the Gaza genocide, Joshua was doing just that. I appreciate it is hard for supporters of Israel, or indeed the UK Government, to accept that Israel - with the full support of the UK Government - has been committing genocide for over two years now. But numerous experts - including several Israeli Holocaust historians - have come to that sobering conclusion. As always there will be Jewish speakers and a large Jewish Bloc at this Saturday's London Gaza march starting at Russell Square at 12pm. Please join us in opposing an ongoing genocide - which is by far the best way to commemorate the victims of all previous genocides.
Julie Taylor
2026-01-29 11:41:37
The Harlow Council Website page for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is mysteriously not working this morning. How strange
Rory
2026-01-29 12:51:10
Would Harlow Council and Chris Vince act the same if the War in Ukraine was mentioned instead of Palestine? You can't decide what genocide you oppose, we have remembrance days for a reason - to remember what happened and to make sure it doesn't happen to future generations. Everyone always talks about being on the right side of history and I think Harlow Council have put themselves on the wrong side with this. Are Harlow Council and Harlow's MP really denying a United Nations investigation that classifies what Israel has done in Gaza as a genocide? Maybe Dan should stick to bulldozing the town and Chris promising a new hospital because understanding the definitions of war crimes are clearly beyond their remit.
Jennifer Steadman
2026-01-29 13:15:21
The Equality Act 2010 states that- In general punishing a whole group for the actions of one disabled person is unlikely to be lawful under the Equality Act 2010 (which replaced the Discrimation Act 1995) Whilst an organisation can take action against an individual for their behaviour, applying a blanket rule or penalty that impacts other disabled people because of one person's actions often constitutes indirect discrimination. Indirect Discrimination: Implementing a blanket policy (e.g., banning a group) that disproportionately disadvantages disabled people is unlawful unless it can be "objectively justified" as a proportionate means of achieving a legitimate aim. I sincerely hope that Harlow Council find their moral compass and fast and realise the devastating consequences that their decision will have on ALL of these youngsters who are the very heart and soul of inclusivity and acceptance in Harlow and as such should be cherished and protected and not punished!
Seamus
2026-01-29 13:29:35
Let me put this to those who seem to have forgotten that this was a local event in an Essex town, Let's try role reversal. Someone has an event in memorium for those who died in Gaza, local dignatories are invited and we can be sure not one of those in that room have even been to the middle east, let alone took part in any killings in Gaza. The event continues with dignity, respect and reflection. Then in an instant one of the invited guest's to speak at the event then says, What about October the 7th where babies were burned, beheaded, women were raped and then killed as were men to the total 1,219 were killed immediatly. Thousands suffered life changing injuries and a whole country changed. Now do you lefties think, (1) fair play to the person for speaking about attrocities against isreali's at a Gazzan memorial service or (2) do you insist that person and group they represented, face consequences? I know the answer already but I wanted to show the hypocrisy of some of you. Was the local holocaust memorial event the right place to bring those comments into? Of course not and to say it was is a bias you have convinced yourself that you do not have but you do. I would hope ANY memorial event would be respected and respectful of those attending. Joshua Gold thought he was more important than EVERYONE in that room, including Razed Roof members. If you disagree with an event of such a delicate nature, then don't go to it. Longer term and after this has simmered down, I hope the sanctions against the group can be reviewed.
Boris
2026-01-29 13:32:40
To me this is a massive over reaction by Harlow. What has happened in Gaza has been horrendous but who should take the blame-Israel for reacting to being attacked or Hamas and and its sponsors for firstly murdering Israelis in cold blood and secondly for not surrendering when they could see what was happening. The truth is that Muslim leaders have a low regard for the lives of their citizens, we see that in so many places most recently in Iran but in so many other Arab, Mediterranean and African countries. The allies, of course, killed thousands of "non-combatants" during WW2, was that any different to what Israel has done. The arguments cannot be settled by a few lines in a journal.
Stuart G
2026-01-29 13:39:52
The right are champions of free speech, until that speech is about something they don't like, and then they're as quick to 'cancel' people as they accuse the left of. Bunch of hypocrites. Joshua was right to include what he did, the council was wrong to try and gag him, and hopefully this will be overturned. After all, we all love free speech and hate cancel culture don't we?
Stuart G
2026-01-29 13:44:13
Also, why the mentions of Chris Vince? This decision was taken by our council not our MP, and I'm not aware of anything from Chris about this yet? Happy to be proven wrong.
Mr George
2026-01-29 13:51:25
To ban people because you don't like what they say is idiotic. And very Trumpian.
Mr George
2026-01-29 13:53:30
Stuart G : https://www.yourharlow.com/2026/01/28/harlow-mp-chris-vince-resigns-as-a-trustee-from-razed-roof/ That's why Vince being mentioned I presume.
Stuart G
2026-01-29 13:59:55
I've now seen Chris Vince's response and I'm very disappointed in him.
X
2026-01-29 14:00:31
Shame on you, Harlow Council - rotten to the core.
Dave
2026-01-29 14:37:14
What crime did they commit?
Stuart G
2026-01-29 14:41:26
Dave - they haven't.
James
2026-01-29 14:43:53
So Dan Swords supports revoking funding for an entire organisation based on the actions and speech of one member. Perhaps he will apply the same logic to Harlow Conservatives based on Cllr Leppard's past conduct, for example?
Me, Harlow
2026-01-29 14:54:45
Lol, as if James! Cllr Leppard got away scot free, despite being hard proof in hand. Tories are rotten to the core - actually, most politicians are.
To Seamus
2026-01-29 14:55:18
Seamus, firstly, that is a weak analogy. Try harder. Had you been there, or attended any Holocaust Memorial Service in the past, you would know that they are delivered not only to commemorate the millions of lives lost in The Holocaust, but also to educate and reflect on the dangers of hatred, racism and the process of genocide in general. Every year, speakers and faith leaders reference other genocides happening, or that have happened, around the world - this has always been welcome. Again, had you attended one, you would know this. The issue here is that Zionists refuse to believe that what is happening in Gaza is a genocide, despite organisations such as Amnesty International and UN panels deeming it so. It is discriminatory to accept mention of other genocides in the world (Yazidi, Darfur, Rwanda etc) at the event, but deny another has ever taken place. It strikes me you aren’t familiar enough with the topic, and haven’t read all statements and accounts available regarding the event, so consider removing your poorly considered comment before you embarrass yourself further.
Seamus
2026-01-29 15:26:43
I have no need to try harder. Was that input respectful at that event? no. Could Joshua Gold have sat that event out if he felt that strongly about it? yes . You do realise when you say stuff like this "the issue here is that Zionists refuse to believe that what is happening in Gaza is a genocide" you do genuinely fall into the category of "Was the local holocaust memorial event the right place to bring those comments into? Of course not and to say it was is a bias you have convinced yourself that you do not have but you do" The whole Isreal/gazza topic was not what the event was for was it. It's people with such blind hatred for jews that ignore Muslim on Muslim such as Iran because for those people, their ears only prick up when they hear the word Israel. It was an event for reflection, remembering and understanding at a small town in Essex. Joshua Gold did as some are doing in these comments, in making it Muslims vs Jews, the total opposite of the memorial events purpose and intention.They should be ashamed
K
2026-01-29 17:25:25
'The council will be making a referral to the police, in light of references to a proscribed terrorist organisation, the potential commission of criminal offences, and the need for appropriate law enforcement assessment' Sorry, did I miss something. At what point did he reference a proscribed terror group? Is Dan swords just showing how disgustingly xenophobic he is that when the people of Gazza are mentioned, he conflates it with the H group? Or is he really clutching at straws and trying to imply that if someone says Israel is indiscriminately killing Palestinians that is referencing the H group because they have made the same accusation. lol
Tim
2026-01-29 17:38:53
Don't comment too often, but dare I suggest time to take a breath everyone (including Chris and Harlow Council) and respectfully, perhaps wind the necks in before you incite someone to self-harm, or destroy 34 years of Razed Roof and the soul of its members (it may be too late..) due to an at best a politically naive comment by one person, and at worst, compounded on by saying it in the wrong forum, but lets not deny the truths therein please!
K
2026-01-29 18:02:59
I thought the memorial's purpose is to remember the horrific genocide committed against the jews and all the genocide's that followed - not protect the reputation of the state of israel. So to say the memorial was not the place to shine light on the Genocide committed against the people of Gaza makes no sense to me, and only raises the question of whether these people want to legitimise the wiping out of the Palestinian by shutting down free speech. For anyone still in denial about whether it is a genocide, please see below - For me at least, the opinion of scholars holds more weight than the opinion of spineless MPs and others who are for punishing Razed roof ' In September 2025, the international Association of Genocide Scholars (IAGS) --- the largest and most prominent global body of academics specializing in genocide --- passed a resolution stating that Israel's policies and actions in Gaza meet the legal definition of genocide under the 1948 UN Genocide Convention. Article 2 of that convention defines genocide as acts "committed with the intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnical, racial or religious group" '
Jennifer Steadman
2026-01-30 08:33:44
Not only is the Harlow Council Diversity Equity & Inclusivity statement page not available, but also the Harlow Council petition page is also down? Some might think theres a conspiracy here.......some might.
Mr George
2026-01-30 12:00:59
And looks like the numbers of deaths is being admitted. https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/israel-gaza-war-death-toll-military-hamas-b2910276.html. Oh dear Harlow Council. This is a very very bad look on you. Time to backtrack and apologise don't you think?
Keith
2026-01-30 17:59:17
Would it be easier to resolve this by all parties that were in attendance to the event,and those councillors,plus the Rabbi,and Joshua and Razed roof,and all those that felt offended at the time to all sit round a big table and resolve this .I am sure compassion and forgiveness would be evident at such a meeting and sensible remedy would be found .
Seamus
2026-01-30 18:43:19
Mr George, that link says the page does not exist ?
Joshua
2026-02-01 15:04:26
@Seamus That context is entirely different. The guy in your scenario is weaponising Oct 7 in a zero-sum way to deflect from the genocide. WE WEREN'T. You clearly believe that it's incompatible to remember Holocaust victims and recognise the ongoing genocide at the same time just because the same race of people are involved. Just look at the HOLOCAUST SURVIVORS who have commented on these very articles in support of me. We had no intention to pit the Holocaust and Gaza against each other. Quite the reverse; they stand together to paint a general picture of genocide. We added seven other examples alongside the Holocaust, so why aren't you questioning them? The Gambia v Myanmar, still pending a decision, so why aren't we dismissing the Rohingya genocide as unverified?
Rooney
2026-02-02 17:19:19
@Joshua Gold - you tell 'em! The way this has been handled from start to finish is disgusting - everybody is against a genocide until it's Israel doing it, and then it's all fine, and "personal opinion".
Joe Westerman
2026-02-06 09:35:26
Hasn't Israel just admitted the figure of 71,000 is right? BBC said so amongst the rest of the British news outlets. The authorities in Gaza were right after all. It's all over the media - does Harlow Council not believe what Israel says? I would have thought it was required. It normally is. Can't see this sticking.
Patricia Budd
2026-02-12 15:30:53
I wasn't at the holocaust memorial service so I'm not commenting on what happened there. I am only writing here to let anyone who is interested know how the decision taken to ban Razed Roof has affected my daughter. She has been a member of Razed Roof for 15 years. In that time she has had access to many, many things that would not be available to her without this charity and a few others in the town. There is very little appropriate, safe social places for her to get to in the town provided by the council. She has Down's syndrome and many related health conditions affecting her mobility and independence. With Razed Roof she has appeared on stage at the Harlow Playhouse every year. She has done workshops in schools and university and learnt to express herself and her feelings to become more confident and happy about her life. She has accessed auditions for tv and stage, been to see ballets and plays. She has attended residential weekends to learn about the arts and artists and to gain an interest in painting. I could go on telling you about the wonderful work she has been able to do with Razed Roof in a very safe and caring environment. I have no worries about her being part of this group. I do however, have a great deal of worry and sadness that she is at the moment unable to attend in the safe space that has been available to her for so many years. Even more important for these young people who cannot just safely make arrangements and go off to meet friends, Razed Roof is essential for living a happy fulfilled life for my daughter and all the young people that attend. Maybe someone should ask them how they feel about Razed Roof.
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44 Comments for Harlow Council ban drama group Razed Roof from council premises and set to report to police following incident at Holocaust Memorial Service: