Jewish Resettlement Commemorated [video 1min]

The 350th anniversary of the resettlement of Jews in England is being marked by a ceremony in London. Leaders from the Jewish community and other faiths, and the prime minister, gathered at Bevis Marks Synagogue. They commemorated the time, in 1656, when Oliver Cromwell allowed Jews to return to England after they were banished by Edward I in 1290. Board of Deputies of British Jews president Henry Grunwald said it was a time to appreciate Jewish achievements. Mr Grunwald said: "This is an opportunity for us to look back on what we have achieved while we have been here, and also to show just what it is possible to do as an immigrant community, which is to integrate fully into the life of this country without losing our distinctive identity." Tony Blair said it was "impossible" to imagine a modern Britain without the Jewish community and praised their "courage and resolution" in a speech delivered at the end of the hour-long thanksgiving service.