Dame Esther Rantzen, broadcaster and champion of Assisted Dying Bill, has died aged 86
Dame Esther Rantzen, the broadcaster and campaigner whose last campaign was to promote the Assisted Dying bill, has died aged 86. Her family said her legacy of “compassion and understanding” would live on through Childline, a counselling service for children, and The Silver Line, for lonely elderly people. Childline, launched in 1986, has since supported around six million children in Britain. She became a prominent campaigner for assisted dying after being diagnosed with terminal cancer, speaking publicly about her own experience and urging MPs to change the law. Kim Leadbeater MP, who brought the private members bill to parliament, said Dame Esther had been unfailingly supportive to her and had been angry that the bill had run out of time in the Lords, after peers submitted more than 1,000 amendments. The Jewish News reported tributes from the Association of Jewish Refugees, which said Rantzen “holds a special place in the hearts” of many members, particularly for highlighting the story of Kindertransport survivor Sir Nicholas Winton. This was the famous programme where Sir Nicholas was asked to turn round and face the audience, to find that scores of men and women were standing up to thank him for saving them in the war.
Antisemitic incidents at British universities continues to rise
The Community Security Trust (CST) recorded 178 antisemitic incidents linked to universities in the 2024/25 and 2025/26 academic years, with the number increasing by 14 per cent from one year to the next – from 85 to 93 incidents . Its report “Campus Antisemitism 2024-2026” points out that while the total is below the 272 incidents recorded in 2023/24, the figure remains significantly higher than before the 7 October 2023 Hamas attack on Israel. In the most recent years, 84 per cent of attacks were abusive behaviour, including verbal abuse, graffiti and online comments. Sixty-two per cent contained references to Israel, Gaza or Hamas alongside antisemitic language or targeting. CST recommends that universities consistently enforce consequences for antisemitic behaviour, while preparing for heightened risks at the start of academic years and during periods of conflict involving Israel. It also calls for clearer distinctions between criticism of Israel and antisemitism, stronger policies for staff, societies and online spaces, and accessible reporting systems for Jewish students and staff. Report is here
Memorial event for humanitarian workers killed in line of duty
A humanitarian memorial event in London today will commemorate aid workers killed around the world and call for greater protection of those delivering aid. “Remembranceto Action” will be held at the site of the Memorial in Gunnersbury Park, which was unveiled by Prince William last year. More than 1,000 humanitarians have been killed over the past three years, the highest figures ever recorded and triple the number killed in the previous three years. Gaza has become the deadliest place for aid workers, with at least 596 killed there since October 2023, while humanitarian aid workers also face extreme risks in conflicts such as Sudan and Ukraine. The event will include a commemoration and a policy roundtable focused on strengthening accountability for attacks and assessing the UK government’s progress on commitments to protect humanitarian workers. Humanitarian leaders, UK government representatives and families of those killed will be present. Iftikhar Ahmad Shaheen, CEO of Islamic Relief Worldwide said:“The overwhelming majority of those killed are national staff working in their own countries. They carry the greatest risk while getting the least recognition or support.” More information here.
Vatican leader urges religions to promote peace and reject religious justification for war
Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, the Vatican’s head of diplomatic relations and dealings with civil governments, has told a peace conference in Rome that faith communities could help ease tensions, prevent radicalisation and promote mutual respect. But he warned against using religion as a “banner” to divide people or justify conflict. He described religious freedom as a measure of respect for human rights, while stressing that it must not be treated as a privilege for believers. More here
London’s first purpose built mosque celebrates centenary this weekend
The Fazl Mosque in Southfields, London’s first purpose-built mosque, celebrates its centenary on Saturday, 3 October. Opened in 1926, the mosque is the historical base of the Ahmadiyya Muslim community and has space for around 150 worshippers. It was awarded listed status by Historic England in 2018. The centenary will be marked with the theme “Beacon of Peace – A Century of Integration, Loyalty and Service”. Celebrations will launch a year-long programme in which members aim to provide 10,000 meals for homeless and needy people and contribute 10,000 hours of voluntary service across Britain. A campaign featuring the mosque on 100 London buses will also promote its centenary and message of peace.
