1 00:00:03,220 --> 00:00:05,940 Europe's largest ultra-Orthodox Jewish community 2 00:00:05,940 --> 00:00:08,900 is based in Stamford Hill, north London. 3 00:00:08,900 --> 00:00:11,540 They have lived here since the 1800s, 4 00:00:11,540 --> 00:00:16,100 but with soaring rents as hipsters move in, they need to move out. 5 00:00:16,100 --> 00:00:19,220 We've got very, very difficult housing conditions 6 00:00:19,220 --> 00:00:20,700 for many, many people. 7 00:00:20,700 --> 00:00:22,940 We've got overcrowded families, 8 00:00:22,940 --> 00:00:25,980 eight or nine children living in two bedrooms. 9 00:00:25,980 --> 00:00:30,860 I think in London Zoo the animals get more space than the humans here. 10 00:00:32,300 --> 00:00:35,380 They've chosen the most unexpected place, 11 00:00:35,380 --> 00:00:38,860 Canvey Island on the Thames Estuary in Essex, 12 00:00:38,860 --> 00:00:43,740 one of the five most pro-Brexit wards in Britain. 13 00:00:43,740 --> 00:00:48,300 Canvey Island has been voted the most English place in the UK. 14 00:00:48,300 --> 00:00:51,380 One island and two very different communities. 15 00:00:51,380 --> 00:00:53,780 And there's a lot they don't about each other. 16 00:00:53,780 --> 00:00:56,220 I thought they was Chinese. Chinese! 17 00:00:56,220 --> 00:00:58,660 No, we go to a different shop for that one, babe. 18 00:01:00,100 --> 00:01:03,420 In human nature, there is something that is not sure 19 00:01:03,420 --> 00:01:06,780 about the person who we don't know, 20 00:01:06,780 --> 00:01:12,060 the outsider coming in and taking our space. 21 00:01:12,060 --> 00:01:16,420 Chris, a lifelong Canvey Islander and manager of a rock and roll band, 22 00:01:16,420 --> 00:01:19,220 has a plan to get the two communities to mix. 23 00:01:19,220 --> 00:01:23,860 So what I would like to do is to get 15 people from the Hasidic community 24 00:01:23,860 --> 00:01:28,900 and 15 people from the local Canvey community, and we will eat, 25 00:01:28,900 --> 00:01:33,580 we will drink, we will make music and we will make conversation. 26 00:01:33,580 --> 00:01:36,700 So will the exodus to Canvey work out? 27 00:01:36,700 --> 00:01:40,020 Could there really be a promised land at the end of the A13? 28 00:01:49,540 --> 00:01:54,940 In Stamford Hill, north London, the Friday afternoon rush has started. 29 00:01:54,940 --> 00:01:59,140 Everything has to be done before sundown, the start of the Sabbath - 30 00:01:59,140 --> 00:02:02,260 24 hours of rest and religious observance. 31 00:02:02,260 --> 00:02:07,780 Everyone is on a mission, everybody is on the mission to serve God. 32 00:02:08,820 --> 00:02:11,180 Cars finally get put away, 33 00:02:11,180 --> 00:02:14,420 people get ready for prayer and for the evening meal. 34 00:02:16,500 --> 00:02:19,740 Steve and Naftali are among 30,000 Orthodox Jews 35 00:02:19,740 --> 00:02:22,460 crammed into this district. 36 00:02:22,460 --> 00:02:26,500 Nearly all of them are like Naftali, Hasidic, 37 00:02:26,500 --> 00:02:30,700 also known as Haredi, a form of ultra-Orthodox Judaism 38 00:02:30,700 --> 00:02:33,540 founded in 19th century Eastern Europe. 39 00:02:33,540 --> 00:02:35,580 Dressed in traditional clothing, 40 00:02:35,580 --> 00:02:39,500 they're one of the most insular and close-knit communities in Britain. 41 00:02:39,500 --> 00:02:43,300 Steve and Naftali are friends and neighbours. 42 00:02:43,300 --> 00:02:45,500 You're both Orthodox Jews but what's the difference 43 00:02:45,500 --> 00:02:47,340 between you and Naftali? 44 00:02:48,660 --> 00:02:50,340 I don't wear a hat, 45 00:02:50,340 --> 00:02:55,660 I don't daven, or pray, as often as a Haredi man would, 46 00:02:55,660 --> 00:02:57,180 I don't go to the synagogue as often. 47 00:02:57,180 --> 00:03:00,460 I do keep a kosher home, I do separate milk and meat, 48 00:03:00,460 --> 00:03:03,020 and I do go to the synagogue on the Sabbath, on a Saturday, 49 00:03:03,020 --> 00:03:05,220 which is kind of more mainstream. 50 00:03:05,220 --> 00:03:10,700 He's part of a whole community which is observing the letter of the law. 51 00:03:10,700 --> 00:03:14,180 Stamford Hill has one of the highest birth rates in the UK, 52 00:03:14,180 --> 00:03:15,580 twice the national average. 53 00:03:16,980 --> 00:03:21,260 The common denominator of the Haredi community is that families are big, 54 00:03:21,260 --> 00:03:23,660 so you can have five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, 55 00:03:23,660 --> 00:03:25,500 12, 15 children. 56 00:03:26,820 --> 00:03:28,940 Naftali and his wife Miriam are young 57 00:03:28,940 --> 00:03:31,300 and have four children under five. 58 00:03:31,300 --> 00:03:35,260 They rent a two-bed flat from a local Hasidic landlord. 59 00:03:35,260 --> 00:03:37,260 We've got two main problems here. 60 00:03:37,260 --> 00:03:40,180 First of all, it's the overcrowding. 61 00:03:40,180 --> 00:03:42,820 The second problem is, even if you do have a house, 62 00:03:42,820 --> 00:03:46,620 if you do find a house where you can live, you can't afford to buy. 63 00:03:46,620 --> 00:03:50,140 Even if you work full time, it's unaffordable. 64 00:03:50,140 --> 00:03:53,940 We don't have a playroom so this is their playroom, 65 00:03:53,940 --> 00:03:55,940 or the dining room downstairs. 66 00:03:55,940 --> 00:03:59,420 Or in worst conditions, on the street. 67 00:04:02,100 --> 00:04:04,580 It hasn't been painted, it hasn't been looked after, 68 00:04:04,580 --> 00:04:08,860 it hasn't been given to us in a very good condition at all. 69 00:04:08,860 --> 00:04:11,460 The demands for houses are so, so, so great 70 00:04:11,460 --> 00:04:14,660 that people are taking things in really, really bad condition 71 00:04:14,660 --> 00:04:16,740 which is very, very unfair. 72 00:04:16,740 --> 00:04:19,780 If I'm out, same night, someone will be here. 73 00:04:19,780 --> 00:04:24,180 Naftali studies religion and law and Miriam helps out in a local private 74 00:04:24,180 --> 00:04:26,420 Orthodox school. 75 00:04:26,420 --> 00:04:29,940 The need for the men to pray and study the 613 commandments 76 00:04:29,940 --> 00:04:34,220 of the Torah, the word of God, takes up most of their daily lives. 77 00:04:35,580 --> 00:04:40,260 In Stamford Hill, only 15% of the men are in full-time employment, 78 00:04:40,260 --> 00:04:43,740 with 70% dependent on child and housing benefits. 79 00:04:45,980 --> 00:04:50,060 But now the unaffordable rents in Stamford Hill are driving them out. 80 00:04:50,060 --> 00:04:54,060 We received quite a glossy little pamphlet the other day that said, 81 00:04:54,060 --> 00:04:56,700 "We're going to Canvey Island! 82 00:04:56,700 --> 00:05:00,380 "We're buying houses, we're making schools, join us out there." 83 00:05:00,380 --> 00:05:03,220 It's a sort of wonderland brochure. 84 00:05:03,220 --> 00:05:06,940 "Canvey Island, this is not a dream, it's a fact." 85 00:05:09,940 --> 00:05:11,980 I got a brochure through my letterbox the other day 86 00:05:11,980 --> 00:05:14,820 about Canvey Island, did you get that? Mm-hm. 87 00:05:14,820 --> 00:05:17,020 So, what's the thinking? 88 00:05:17,020 --> 00:05:20,820 I don't know. I don't think they like it in the first place. 89 00:05:20,820 --> 00:05:23,940 And it's also below sea level. 90 00:05:23,940 --> 00:05:25,380 Dangerous waters, no? 91 00:05:25,380 --> 00:05:28,420 I'd go, my wife doesn't want to. Yeah. 92 00:05:30,060 --> 00:05:34,020 Naftali is tempted to join the Hasidic exodus to Canvey. 93 00:05:34,020 --> 00:05:36,300 How serious are you about making a move with your family 94 00:05:36,300 --> 00:05:37,500 to Canvey Island? 95 00:05:37,500 --> 00:05:39,860 If I had an opportunity, I would do it tomorrow. 96 00:05:39,860 --> 00:05:44,020 The actual idea of a front garden space, detached, 97 00:05:44,020 --> 00:05:46,180 we don't see it in this area. That's the dream. 98 00:05:49,540 --> 00:05:52,380 Yeah, I like the idea of living in Canvey myself, actually, 99 00:05:52,380 --> 00:05:55,820 I think it's great. But my wife, my family. 100 00:05:55,820 --> 00:05:58,220 Gabby, she'd put her foot down, I think. 101 00:05:58,220 --> 00:06:01,180 You know, Hackney's become quite trendy for the kind of Jews we are. 102 00:06:01,180 --> 00:06:04,940 Steve understands why his friend Naftali wants to go to Canvey, 103 00:06:04,940 --> 00:06:06,220 but he's worried. 104 00:06:06,220 --> 00:06:07,620 I worry for Naftali. 105 00:06:07,620 --> 00:06:10,300 It's not like he's naive, but... 106 00:06:11,500 --> 00:06:14,140 What... Whether you're Haredi community or whatever, 107 00:06:14,140 --> 00:06:17,460 the fact that you're going into an area where there's a very strong 108 00:06:17,460 --> 00:06:21,540 English identity, Brexit is going on at the moment, 109 00:06:21,540 --> 00:06:24,700 and they're up to their necks in it in Canvey, and they're really on it. 110 00:06:24,700 --> 00:06:26,460 You know, and they're up for it. 111 00:06:30,340 --> 00:06:31,900 Nice to see you. Going to Canvey. 112 00:06:34,260 --> 00:06:37,460 I'm on my way to Canvey with Naftali. 113 00:06:38,940 --> 00:06:41,620 Erm, we just wanted to know the address where we should come 114 00:06:41,620 --> 00:06:43,820 to see the house. Yep. 115 00:06:43,820 --> 00:06:47,860 Woodberry Close, Canvey Island, there we go. 116 00:06:47,860 --> 00:06:50,820 What are you expecting to find in Canvey Island this afternoon? 117 00:06:51,900 --> 00:06:54,540 A better education for my kids, 118 00:06:54,540 --> 00:06:56,940 a change and a place that will make them get used 119 00:06:56,940 --> 00:06:58,420 to a different kind of people. 120 00:07:00,020 --> 00:07:03,860 A new start, a fresh start, loads of opportunities, 121 00:07:03,860 --> 00:07:07,660 and, eventually, to fulfil my dreams. 122 00:07:12,740 --> 00:07:16,500 Canvey Island is in the Thames Estuary in Essex. 123 00:07:16,500 --> 00:07:18,900 It's famous for its oil and gas industry 124 00:07:18,900 --> 00:07:21,540 and has got a two mile wall to protect it from the sea. 125 00:07:22,980 --> 00:07:29,260 With a population of 40,000, 73% voted to leave the EU. 126 00:07:29,260 --> 00:07:33,740 Barry Campagna and his gang are the Canvey Bay Watch group. 127 00:07:33,740 --> 00:07:38,420 When they did the last census, most people who live on Canvey, 128 00:07:38,420 --> 00:07:41,380 instead of putting British, they put English, 129 00:07:41,380 --> 00:07:44,500 but that was nothing to do with National Front 130 00:07:44,500 --> 00:07:46,140 or anything like that. 131 00:07:46,140 --> 00:07:48,700 It's just that they felt that they were English 132 00:07:48,700 --> 00:07:50,100 more than anything else. 133 00:07:50,100 --> 00:07:53,100 The majority of islanders wanted Brexit. Yeah. 134 00:07:54,260 --> 00:07:56,900 We've heard about them moving to Canvey. 135 00:07:56,900 --> 00:07:59,340 Obviously, they've got their own traditions 136 00:07:59,340 --> 00:08:01,580 and their own religion and that lot, 137 00:08:01,580 --> 00:08:05,860 so that will probably stop them mixing as much as what 138 00:08:05,860 --> 00:08:07,580 someone else would. 139 00:08:07,580 --> 00:08:11,020 We've seen their Jewish Times and they call it 140 00:08:11,020 --> 00:08:13,740 Stamford Hill-on-Sea, don't they? 141 00:08:22,300 --> 00:08:25,140 The Hasidic landlords are busy buying houses. 142 00:08:25,140 --> 00:08:27,540 They've just completed on these new builds, 143 00:08:27,540 --> 00:08:29,820 and Naftali is hoping to rent one. 144 00:08:29,820 --> 00:08:32,260 What about the garden? The garden's a good size again. 145 00:08:32,260 --> 00:08:35,100 It's huge. Wow! Man! 146 00:08:35,100 --> 00:08:37,260 This is exactly six... 147 00:08:37,260 --> 00:08:42,220 12 times the size of my entire house. 148 00:08:42,220 --> 00:08:44,420 The garden, I'm not talking about the house. 149 00:08:44,420 --> 00:08:47,940 One... Bedroom three, bedroom four. 150 00:08:47,940 --> 00:08:52,180 I can see the builders here are doing a perfect job. 151 00:08:52,180 --> 00:08:54,020 Wow. 152 00:08:54,020 --> 00:08:56,620 When do you estimate I can come with my luggage? 153 00:08:56,620 --> 00:08:59,660 I think we're looking at the end of July for completion, 154 00:08:59,660 --> 00:09:01,100 so in about six weeks. 155 00:09:01,100 --> 00:09:04,660 Six weeks. So for summer holidays, I can spend my holidays here? 156 00:09:04,660 --> 00:09:06,500 You can bring your bucket and spade, 157 00:09:06,500 --> 00:09:10,140 and you can be on the beach in six weeks' time. Wow. 158 00:09:11,420 --> 00:09:13,860 My wife should better pick up now. 159 00:09:13,860 --> 00:09:17,100 Looks like we've got a house. 160 00:09:17,100 --> 00:09:18,740 I'm going mad over it. 161 00:09:20,780 --> 00:09:23,660 Looking forward... Anyway, talk to you. Bye. 162 00:09:23,660 --> 00:09:26,460 Are we out of here? Now she's angry why she's not here. 163 00:09:31,860 --> 00:09:34,660 A benefactor has bought Castle View School on the island 164 00:09:34,660 --> 00:09:37,060 for the Hasidic pioneers. 165 00:09:37,060 --> 00:09:39,100 At the moment, it's used as a synagogue 166 00:09:39,100 --> 00:09:41,460 and community centre as well. 167 00:09:42,660 --> 00:09:44,580 Steve meets Joel Friedman. 168 00:09:44,580 --> 00:09:47,380 He's one of the first of seven families to move to Canvey. 169 00:09:49,420 --> 00:09:51,500 What are the challenges? 170 00:09:51,500 --> 00:09:54,060 I think the biggest challenge for people is to take the plunge 171 00:09:54,060 --> 00:09:56,740 and move out of the area and that's why there's only seven families. 172 00:09:56,740 --> 00:09:58,300 That was the first phase. 173 00:09:58,300 --> 00:10:00,820 I'm happy to say there are 25 families who are moving out 174 00:10:00,820 --> 00:10:02,860 in the very near future, and that probably means 175 00:10:02,860 --> 00:10:05,100 the third phase will be bigger, you know? 176 00:10:05,100 --> 00:10:07,940 We're aiming for 50, 60 families within a year or so. 177 00:10:09,140 --> 00:10:11,940 The Hasidic community needs its own schools, 178 00:10:11,940 --> 00:10:14,780 kosher shops and synagogues. 179 00:10:14,780 --> 00:10:16,860 Everything has to be in walking distance, 180 00:10:16,860 --> 00:10:19,940 because they can't drive on the Sabbath. What a view! 181 00:10:19,940 --> 00:10:23,180 When you move a community over, you have to have the infrastructure, 182 00:10:23,180 --> 00:10:25,380 the synagogues, the schools, the shops 183 00:10:25,380 --> 00:10:27,420 and everything a community needs. 184 00:10:27,420 --> 00:10:29,460 We've got a little tuck shop here for the school, 185 00:10:29,460 --> 00:10:30,860 but it's very, very basic. 186 00:10:30,860 --> 00:10:33,340 As the community grows, we're hoping to open a shop. 187 00:10:33,340 --> 00:10:36,980 We've got fresh meat and fish on a weekly order basis, 188 00:10:36,980 --> 00:10:39,100 so that's not a problem, it gets delivered here. 189 00:10:39,100 --> 00:10:40,740 It gets delivered here from Stamford Hill? 190 00:10:40,740 --> 00:10:43,260 It gets delivered here. So everyone makes an order together 191 00:10:43,260 --> 00:10:45,900 and they then bring it round. 192 00:10:45,900 --> 00:10:48,580 I think there's a certain level of optimism there. 193 00:10:48,580 --> 00:10:51,020 What's inside the school at the moment is very little, 194 00:10:51,020 --> 00:10:53,260 and they've got a long way to go to build this community. 195 00:10:54,460 --> 00:10:59,740 But, you know, it feels like going back to the shtetl. 196 00:10:59,740 --> 00:11:03,660 It feels almost like 18th, 19th century Poland, 197 00:11:03,660 --> 00:11:07,660 and these little core villages with a little synagogue 198 00:11:07,660 --> 00:11:12,300 and a little shop, and the tinker, the tailor, the candlestick maker, 199 00:11:12,300 --> 00:11:14,460 that kind of old Jewish model. 200 00:11:14,460 --> 00:11:16,540 And in some ways, it sort of feels like that, 201 00:11:16,540 --> 00:11:17,740 it resonates in that way. 202 00:11:21,180 --> 00:11:24,140 Where's my keys? Around your neck. 203 00:11:24,140 --> 00:11:26,860 Oh, I'll get rid of those! 204 00:11:26,860 --> 00:11:31,620 Mrs Ita Symons is chief executive of a big Jewish housing association, 205 00:11:31,620 --> 00:11:34,940 and runs this old people's home in Stamford Hill. 206 00:11:34,940 --> 00:11:38,700 She knows the problems of trying to relocate the Hasidic community. 207 00:11:39,740 --> 00:11:44,820 There were different groups in the community trying different projects, 208 00:11:44,820 --> 00:11:48,900 Milton Keynes and other places, where we tried to move, 209 00:11:48,900 --> 00:11:51,500 and the communities there were... 210 00:11:51,500 --> 00:11:54,180 Oh, they went absolutely ballistic! 211 00:11:54,180 --> 00:11:58,220 They didn't hide their animosity and fear and hatred. 212 00:11:58,220 --> 00:12:00,140 And, God, it was terrible. 213 00:12:01,900 --> 00:12:05,500 Then I was invited to go and see Canvey Island I thought, 214 00:12:05,500 --> 00:12:07,780 "Oh, no, not that one!" 215 00:12:07,780 --> 00:12:11,660 I mean, I lived most of my life in London, in north London, 216 00:12:11,660 --> 00:12:14,180 and I've always heard of Canvey Island. 217 00:12:14,180 --> 00:12:18,100 We saw it as a mountaintop full of sewers 218 00:12:18,100 --> 00:12:20,980 and rubbish, and I don't know what. 219 00:12:20,980 --> 00:12:23,700 Anyway, I saw the site and I saw this, 220 00:12:23,700 --> 00:12:26,340 and I went back quite impressed. 221 00:12:26,340 --> 00:12:29,300 And we're in the midst of exchanging and completing 222 00:12:29,300 --> 00:12:31,540 on some beautiful houses. 223 00:12:33,980 --> 00:12:37,260 The Hasidic Jews have a history of having to move. 224 00:12:37,260 --> 00:12:41,100 They trace their ancestry to 19th-century Eastern Europe, 225 00:12:41,100 --> 00:12:44,100 and first moved to Stamford Hill in the late 1800s. 226 00:12:45,380 --> 00:12:48,260 The biggest wave came over during the Second World War 227 00:12:48,260 --> 00:12:51,060 as refugees and survivors of the Holocaust. 228 00:12:51,060 --> 00:12:54,260 This beautiful lady came from Auschwitz. 229 00:12:54,260 --> 00:12:56,940 And look, she's still smiling. 230 00:12:56,940 --> 00:12:59,660 Over 90. Over 90 and smiling. 231 00:12:59,660 --> 00:13:01,300 She's got three beautiful daughters... 232 00:13:01,300 --> 00:13:03,420 How many daughters, three? Three. 233 00:13:12,500 --> 00:13:14,220 I've got so many pictures. 234 00:13:14,220 --> 00:13:17,260 Miriam and Naftali's families came from central Europe, 235 00:13:17,260 --> 00:13:18,620 fleeing the Holocaust. 236 00:13:18,620 --> 00:13:21,580 From my father's side, Hungary. 237 00:13:21,580 --> 00:13:26,300 Although I don't like goulash, the most famous Hungarian food! 238 00:13:26,300 --> 00:13:30,620 My father's side, my father's father, he's from Vienna. 239 00:13:30,620 --> 00:13:34,900 And he was on the Kindertransport at aged 11 years and he came... 240 00:13:34,900 --> 00:13:37,980 They brought him to London and that's where he remained. 241 00:13:37,980 --> 00:13:41,980 And he was a young boy, and he found papers, he read them, 242 00:13:41,980 --> 00:13:44,580 and he even knew the dates when his parents were killed. 243 00:13:44,580 --> 00:13:48,420 That's how, you know, he still keeps today to that date how... 244 00:13:48,420 --> 00:13:50,700 What they did. He knows almost everything. 245 00:13:50,700 --> 00:13:53,860 At the end of the day, they are the heroes. 246 00:13:53,860 --> 00:13:57,020 We wouldn't be able to survive, not 50% of what they survived. 247 00:13:58,660 --> 00:14:00,620 They are real, real heroes. 248 00:14:00,620 --> 00:14:02,100 # Hallelu 249 00:14:02,100 --> 00:14:04,180 # Hallelujah 250 00:14:05,340 --> 00:14:09,260 # Hallelujah 251 00:14:10,460 --> 00:14:14,860 # Hallelujah... # 252 00:14:14,860 --> 00:14:17,580 Every Sunday, the Canvey church is full. 253 00:14:17,580 --> 00:14:20,740 The island is over 70% white and Christian. 254 00:14:22,380 --> 00:14:24,420 Reverend Tudor is their leader 255 00:14:24,420 --> 00:14:27,740 and wants his congregation to welcome the new arrivals. 256 00:14:27,740 --> 00:14:31,180 And they are searching for a better understanding of God, 257 00:14:31,180 --> 00:14:35,620 and they do it by separating themselves from the world. 258 00:14:36,820 --> 00:14:39,780 By focusing on their Scriptures, 259 00:14:39,780 --> 00:14:42,380 the stories of their ancestors, 260 00:14:42,380 --> 00:14:47,220 the rules and regulations that were passed down through the ages. 261 00:14:47,220 --> 00:14:50,620 They focus on what to wear, 262 00:14:50,620 --> 00:14:56,260 what days to work, and the children are allowed mobile phones... 263 00:14:57,820 --> 00:15:00,300 ..but, you teenagers, you're going to be shocked by this. 264 00:15:00,300 --> 00:15:01,980 Ready? 265 00:15:01,980 --> 00:15:05,500 They have the internet taken out. 266 00:15:05,500 --> 00:15:08,140 "What's the point of that, then?" I hear you cry! 267 00:15:08,140 --> 00:15:10,620 "What, they make calls with it?" Yes! 268 00:15:15,900 --> 00:15:20,340 I came to England from Barbados 42 years ago now, 269 00:15:20,340 --> 00:15:23,780 and I've been in Canvey Island for the last nearly 20. 270 00:15:23,780 --> 00:15:27,140 And the similarities are amazing, 271 00:15:27,140 --> 00:15:29,660 the attitude to life. 272 00:15:31,300 --> 00:15:34,940 If you want to be superior, you can be superior by yourself. 273 00:15:34,940 --> 00:15:38,380 If you want to meet me halfway, I will meet you the other half, 274 00:15:38,380 --> 00:15:39,860 and I grew up with that. 275 00:15:39,860 --> 00:15:42,860 And we also have palm trees, two, in Canvey Island. 276 00:15:44,020 --> 00:15:47,500 We commend those who died at this time in former years. 277 00:15:49,180 --> 00:15:50,780 Rose Norman. 278 00:15:52,460 --> 00:15:54,060 Jack Fenwick. 279 00:15:55,580 --> 00:15:57,220 And Private William Stokes. 280 00:15:59,140 --> 00:16:02,140 May they rest in peace and rise in glory. 281 00:16:07,460 --> 00:16:09,380 After losing his son Jack, 282 00:16:09,380 --> 00:16:12,300 Chris Fenwick knows the importance of community and family. 283 00:16:13,740 --> 00:16:17,580 The work that David does in the church, 284 00:16:17,580 --> 00:16:21,300 irrespective of whether you're a believer or nonbeliever, 285 00:16:21,300 --> 00:16:26,140 I still want to be part of it, right, of David's church. 286 00:16:26,140 --> 00:16:27,860 I am part of the community, 287 00:16:27,860 --> 00:16:30,380 because it represents the island that I come from. 288 00:16:32,220 --> 00:16:34,780 And may the body of Christ keep you. 289 00:16:35,900 --> 00:16:37,340 We have become friends. 290 00:16:37,340 --> 00:16:40,780 He's a very, very special guy. 291 00:16:40,780 --> 00:16:44,980 And, yeah, I go and see him and he was very, very good to me 292 00:16:44,980 --> 00:16:47,260 when I lost my son and... 293 00:16:49,180 --> 00:16:53,580 ..he was there, that's the main thing. 294 00:16:53,580 --> 00:16:57,340 What helps you if you go anywhere in this world, is for people to say, 295 00:16:57,340 --> 00:16:59,660 "Welcome. Is there anything I can do for you?" 296 00:16:59,660 --> 00:17:02,500 It makes you feel better, right? It just does. 297 00:17:02,500 --> 00:17:05,100 # She does it right 298 00:17:05,100 --> 00:17:06,900 # She does it right. # 299 00:17:06,900 --> 00:17:08,740 Canvey Island's most famous export 300 00:17:08,740 --> 00:17:13,260 is the 1970s British pub rock band Dr Feelgood. 301 00:17:15,300 --> 00:17:18,100 Chris has been their manager for over 40 years 302 00:17:18,100 --> 00:17:19,780 and has travelled the world. 303 00:17:19,780 --> 00:17:23,780 He wants to bring the two unlikely communities together. 304 00:17:23,780 --> 00:17:28,860 Standing on the steps of where my album sleeve 305 00:17:28,860 --> 00:17:35,260 was shot 44 years ago was two Orthodox Jewish gentleman. 306 00:17:35,260 --> 00:17:38,380 This I felt was a little bit strange. 307 00:17:38,380 --> 00:17:40,100 So I went, said to the lads, 308 00:17:40,100 --> 00:17:43,100 "Good afternoon. What brings you to Canvey Island?" 309 00:17:44,380 --> 00:17:48,220 They introduced themselves, Abraham and Abraham, and I'm Chris. 310 00:17:48,220 --> 00:17:51,220 "And we're thinking of moving here from Stamford Hill, London." 311 00:17:52,420 --> 00:17:55,740 Abraham, good afternoon, Chris Fenwick from The Oysterfleet. 312 00:17:55,740 --> 00:17:57,580 How are you doing? Are you well? 313 00:17:57,580 --> 00:18:00,180 Tonight, there's a Dr Feelgood concert. 314 00:18:00,180 --> 00:18:01,620 As a friendly gesture, 315 00:18:01,620 --> 00:18:05,900 Chris invites the two Abrahams and their Hasidic friends. 316 00:18:07,700 --> 00:18:09,540 # Leave a late show 317 00:18:09,540 --> 00:18:10,900 # Still feel alive 318 00:18:10,900 --> 00:18:14,380 # I need a place to go round about five 319 00:18:14,380 --> 00:18:17,020 # Down to the doctor's 320 00:18:17,020 --> 00:18:19,980 # I head down to the doctor's. # 321 00:18:19,980 --> 00:18:22,940 For the Hasidics, the lyrics to the Feelgood songs 322 00:18:22,940 --> 00:18:26,300 about booze and girls are religiously inappropriate. 323 00:18:26,300 --> 00:18:30,260 The Feelgood fans have come in from all over Europe, 324 00:18:30,260 --> 00:18:33,900 and the Hasids families that have moved here, 325 00:18:33,900 --> 00:18:36,380 I have invited them tonight. 326 00:18:36,380 --> 00:18:38,180 Whether they're going to be able to stomach 327 00:18:38,180 --> 00:18:41,140 a night of rock and roll or not, is a little unclear. 328 00:18:41,140 --> 00:18:44,860 Eventually, I think they will, right, but maybe not tonight. 329 00:18:44,860 --> 00:18:46,260 But it all takes time. 330 00:18:46,260 --> 00:18:50,140 From little acorns, great oak trees do grow. 331 00:18:55,060 --> 00:18:57,380 Chris is not giving up. 332 00:18:57,380 --> 00:19:00,220 He invites Barry, soon to become Mayor of Canvey, 333 00:19:00,220 --> 00:19:02,220 to talk about what they can do. 334 00:19:02,220 --> 00:19:05,260 Yeah, I know... I know that obviously both communities 335 00:19:05,260 --> 00:19:08,060 have got to get used to each other and all that lot, 336 00:19:08,060 --> 00:19:11,380 but how much will their religion allow them 337 00:19:11,380 --> 00:19:13,700 to be part of the community? 338 00:19:13,700 --> 00:19:16,580 Because there's obviously certain things they can't do 339 00:19:16,580 --> 00:19:18,900 on certain days and things like that. 340 00:19:18,900 --> 00:19:22,260 In a way, I think that they choose to distance themselves. Yeah. 341 00:19:22,260 --> 00:19:25,500 They are used to being looked at, right... Oh, yeah, yeah. 342 00:19:25,500 --> 00:19:29,580 ..all of their lives, because as they go out 343 00:19:29,580 --> 00:19:33,420 not away from their community, they stand out. 344 00:19:35,620 --> 00:19:39,420 They decide on a plan of action to help the two communities mix. 345 00:19:40,980 --> 00:19:42,980 First off, a guided tour of the island, 346 00:19:42,980 --> 00:19:46,420 and then in a couple of weeks, a welcome meal. 347 00:19:46,420 --> 00:19:49,300 By talking to them and conversing, 348 00:19:49,300 --> 00:19:52,340 they're going to see where they're going and where they're going... 349 00:19:52,340 --> 00:19:54,100 They're going to see where they're going. 350 00:19:54,100 --> 00:19:56,100 They're meeting us, we're meeting them. Yeah. 351 00:19:56,100 --> 00:19:59,180 It can only help them and the rest of us. Yeah, I think so. 352 00:19:59,180 --> 00:20:01,380 Because the more they feel at home, 353 00:20:01,380 --> 00:20:03,860 the more comfortable they're going to be, right? 354 00:20:03,860 --> 00:20:07,180 And, no, I'm looking forward to it. 355 00:20:07,180 --> 00:20:09,900 I think it's going to be an historic occasion. 356 00:20:09,900 --> 00:20:13,220 This historic occasion is a tall order. 357 00:20:13,220 --> 00:20:15,300 The rabbis have to give their permission, 358 00:20:15,300 --> 00:20:17,660 women aren't allowed to mix with men, 359 00:20:17,660 --> 00:20:20,940 and there are lots of strict dietary rules that must be abided by. 360 00:20:23,060 --> 00:20:27,300 It's the beginning of summer, and with 25 new families arriving, 361 00:20:27,300 --> 00:20:29,340 the Hasids are being spotted around the town. 362 00:20:34,100 --> 00:20:37,740 Retired gas fitter Biff is a hardened Brexiteer. 363 00:20:37,740 --> 00:20:40,460 As you can see, we've got the English flag flying over there, 364 00:20:40,460 --> 00:20:43,140 so they'll know where they're living. 365 00:20:43,140 --> 00:20:46,380 Funnily enough, it's right outside the back of the school, look. 366 00:20:46,380 --> 00:20:48,980 He helps run Canvey Island Rugby Club, 367 00:20:48,980 --> 00:20:51,020 and is curious about his new neighbours. 368 00:20:53,700 --> 00:20:57,140 No, I know they're tribal, you can tell that by... 369 00:20:57,140 --> 00:21:00,740 They keep themselves to themselves and they wear funny clothes, 370 00:21:00,740 --> 00:21:02,580 I've got to be honest. 371 00:21:02,580 --> 00:21:04,620 You'd think you was at a fancy dress, 372 00:21:04,620 --> 00:21:06,060 if you went to one of their parties. 373 00:21:06,060 --> 00:21:08,180 Yeah, I've got no problem with them. 374 00:21:08,180 --> 00:21:11,140 At the moment, let's be honest about it, at the moment. 375 00:21:11,140 --> 00:21:14,620 I don't know what... I know they bought the school. 376 00:21:14,620 --> 00:21:17,660 And I know that, apparently, they've been knocking on doors, 377 00:21:17,660 --> 00:21:21,100 offering over the price. 378 00:21:21,100 --> 00:21:23,300 I should imagine they're like any other race, 379 00:21:23,300 --> 00:21:27,500 as long as they don't do me any damage, or my people, 380 00:21:27,500 --> 00:21:30,420 then I've got no problem. 381 00:21:30,420 --> 00:21:33,660 Chris starts putting his plan into action. 382 00:21:33,660 --> 00:21:35,780 The rabbis have given him permission 383 00:21:35,780 --> 00:21:39,220 to take some of the growing school community on a sightseeing walk. 384 00:21:40,620 --> 00:21:42,660 Hopefully, they'll turn up this time. 385 00:21:42,660 --> 00:21:46,780 Message from Joel, right, "Slightly behind schedule." 386 00:21:48,740 --> 00:21:52,580 OK. Could be the start of an interesting day. 387 00:22:06,580 --> 00:22:08,980 I think we're in business. 388 00:22:08,980 --> 00:22:11,540 People carriers. 389 00:22:11,540 --> 00:22:13,460 At least something's happening. 390 00:22:14,740 --> 00:22:18,380 Hasidic boys and girls are educated separately, and today, 391 00:22:18,380 --> 00:22:20,940 only the boys turn up. 392 00:22:20,940 --> 00:22:23,660 Good afternoon, my friend. Just a quick word. 393 00:22:23,660 --> 00:22:26,180 Joel is worried that Chris doesn't really understand 394 00:22:26,180 --> 00:22:28,780 the religious rules, and will lead the boys astray. 395 00:22:28,780 --> 00:22:30,380 So subject matters... Yes. 396 00:22:30,380 --> 00:22:32,980 Stay away from anything, um, not very traditional. 397 00:22:32,980 --> 00:22:34,420 So stay away... 398 00:22:34,420 --> 00:22:36,860 Just not much about the pub or... No. 399 00:22:36,860 --> 00:22:39,180 My speech is going to go there, right, 400 00:22:39,180 --> 00:22:41,060 so I'm getting them away from the pub. 401 00:22:41,060 --> 00:22:42,980 Just think Victorian and then you're... 402 00:22:42,980 --> 00:22:47,220 Right, OK, we're going to give you, right, a good treat today. 403 00:22:47,220 --> 00:22:49,740 You can see the sea, yes? ALL: Yes! 404 00:22:49,740 --> 00:22:52,660 You can see the road, yes? ALL: Yes! 405 00:22:52,660 --> 00:22:56,940 Tell me which is higher. 406 00:22:56,940 --> 00:22:58,300 The water? The water. 407 00:22:58,300 --> 00:23:01,660 Right. You're dead right, top of the class. 408 00:23:01,660 --> 00:23:04,260 But there's always the risk on Canvey, 409 00:23:04,260 --> 00:23:07,740 everyone says, about flooding, the water. Yes. 410 00:23:07,740 --> 00:23:10,980 It's impossible for the water to come over the sea wall, 411 00:23:10,980 --> 00:23:14,860 so tell all your mums and dads, they're safe. 412 00:23:14,860 --> 00:23:18,500 Right, follow me, and we're going to walk over the sea wall. 413 00:23:21,700 --> 00:23:24,620 This is where there's petrol, 414 00:23:24,620 --> 00:23:29,060 diesel, and aviation fuel for the aeroplanes, right? 415 00:23:29,060 --> 00:23:32,500 They look a bit funny with their big hats. 416 00:23:32,500 --> 00:23:34,300 I thought they was Chinese. Chinese! 417 00:23:34,300 --> 00:23:37,300 No, we go to a different shop for that one, babe. 418 00:23:38,780 --> 00:23:40,740 Orthodox Jews, are they? Orthodox Jews. 419 00:23:40,740 --> 00:23:43,860 Yeah, ultra... Yeah, ultra-Orthodox Jews. 420 00:23:43,860 --> 00:23:46,740 Do you not learn about different religions at school, at your school? 421 00:23:46,740 --> 00:23:50,260 No. Do you not learn about more religions than just your religion? 422 00:23:50,260 --> 00:23:54,220 No. Sometimes we're learning about Africans. Not a lot. 423 00:23:54,220 --> 00:23:57,460 Did you not learn about the Germans? 424 00:23:57,460 --> 00:23:59,700 They wasn't very friendly. No. 425 00:23:59,700 --> 00:24:01,620 Years and years ago they didn't like each other. 426 00:24:01,620 --> 00:24:03,380 The Germans were horrible to the Jews. 427 00:24:03,380 --> 00:24:04,820 Well, not that they didn't like them, 428 00:24:04,820 --> 00:24:07,460 the Germans were horrible to the Jews, that's right. Not nice. 429 00:24:07,460 --> 00:24:10,340 It's a shame that religion only ever hurts people. 430 00:24:10,340 --> 00:24:11,940 That's right, it does. 431 00:24:13,020 --> 00:24:15,780 Chris knows he has to think Victorian. 432 00:24:15,780 --> 00:24:19,020 But he's not sure he can mention the war. 433 00:24:19,020 --> 00:24:23,260 That plaque... Yeah? ..is about a Second World War bomber. 434 00:24:23,260 --> 00:24:26,260 Right. Is it OK to mention? 435 00:24:26,260 --> 00:24:28,740 Yes, sure. That's all right? OK, I just wanted to... 436 00:24:28,740 --> 00:24:29,940 Mention the Germans. 437 00:24:29,940 --> 00:24:31,540 Well, yeah, I wanted to clear that 438 00:24:31,540 --> 00:24:35,260 because I wanted to understand what's what. OK. 439 00:24:37,340 --> 00:24:40,140 You can see in the Second World War, the German planes 440 00:24:40,140 --> 00:24:41,580 used to come up the river. 441 00:24:41,580 --> 00:24:44,260 This is how they worked out where London was. 442 00:24:44,260 --> 00:24:48,700 So in this area, there's lots of parts of different 443 00:24:48,700 --> 00:24:54,380 aircraft and a lot of guys who were German pilots... 444 00:24:55,980 --> 00:24:57,420 ..they died here. 445 00:24:57,420 --> 00:25:00,900 Or they were picked up and they were taken ashore as prisoners of war. 446 00:25:00,900 --> 00:25:02,380 Yes. Right? 447 00:25:02,380 --> 00:25:06,340 So this whole area is full of different parts 448 00:25:06,340 --> 00:25:09,140 of aeroplanes that have... 449 00:25:09,140 --> 00:25:13,060 Now, too? Yeah, yeah. It's found all the time. 450 00:25:13,060 --> 00:25:17,180 So we're going to have a five-minute drink here, right, 451 00:25:17,180 --> 00:25:19,660 and then we're going to be 20 minutes to where the bus is. 452 00:25:19,660 --> 00:25:23,020 They're lovely kids, they really are. 453 00:25:23,020 --> 00:25:26,780 I own the hotel on Canvey, have you seen it, The Oysterfleet? 454 00:25:35,420 --> 00:25:39,300 Now it's time for Chris's next plan, the big meal. 455 00:25:39,300 --> 00:25:42,660 He needs to know the strict religious rules for the occasion, 456 00:25:42,660 --> 00:25:44,500 or the Hasidics won't turn up. 457 00:25:46,380 --> 00:25:49,260 The rabbis have suggested Steve act as a go-between. 458 00:25:50,740 --> 00:25:52,900 Have you had any contact with any of the ladies? 459 00:25:52,900 --> 00:25:55,100 No, but I'm terrified to meet them, actually. 460 00:25:55,100 --> 00:25:58,580 I am looking forward to the day but I'm terrified. 461 00:25:58,580 --> 00:26:01,420 And I don't know whether to go and shake hands with them... Oh. 462 00:26:01,420 --> 00:26:04,460 ..or how to greet them, and I've got to take advice on all of this. 463 00:26:04,460 --> 00:26:06,420 I'd say it's a no handshake situation. 464 00:26:06,420 --> 00:26:08,980 I'm understanding it's a no handshake situation. 465 00:26:08,980 --> 00:26:11,780 Are we going to mix this, are we? 466 00:26:11,780 --> 00:26:13,780 Yeah, but men and women separate. 467 00:26:13,780 --> 00:26:16,060 Yeah, no, I understand that. 468 00:26:16,060 --> 00:26:18,300 It can be a girls' end and a boys' end. Absolutely. 469 00:26:18,300 --> 00:26:22,940 So the bottom line is, it's got to be glatt kosher, 470 00:26:22,940 --> 00:26:26,140 it's not just kosher, it's got to be super kosher for these guys. 471 00:26:26,140 --> 00:26:27,580 Right. 472 00:26:29,980 --> 00:26:32,380 Chris is inviting local residents to the meal. 473 00:26:33,500 --> 00:26:36,300 Gary and Sharon are neighbours of the Hasidics on Canvey. 474 00:26:37,780 --> 00:26:40,380 I'd like to know why they've moved on to the island, 475 00:26:40,380 --> 00:26:42,620 what's brought them to the island. 476 00:26:42,620 --> 00:26:44,820 I want to know what their daily routine is. 477 00:26:44,820 --> 00:26:46,180 Yeah, I would like to know that 478 00:26:46,180 --> 00:26:47,900 because I'd be able to tell them mine, 479 00:26:47,900 --> 00:26:49,820 so I'd see if they were on par with mine! 480 00:26:49,820 --> 00:26:53,220 Do they go to work? I don't know. Do they go to work or...? 481 00:26:53,220 --> 00:26:55,860 Do they pray all day? 482 00:26:55,860 --> 00:26:58,500 I don't know. You know, it would just be nice 483 00:26:58,500 --> 00:27:00,660 just to find out exactly what they do. 484 00:27:03,380 --> 00:27:06,220 So they need to be trusting the Canvey people 485 00:27:06,220 --> 00:27:09,620 and I think coming out a little bit more and understanding us 486 00:27:09,620 --> 00:27:11,060 so we can understand them. 487 00:27:15,620 --> 00:27:18,620 To encourage more people to move to Canvey, 488 00:27:18,620 --> 00:27:20,820 the community have bought a house for the families 489 00:27:20,820 --> 00:27:22,820 to try out the island for the weekend. 490 00:27:24,500 --> 00:27:26,980 The Shavuot, a Jewish holiday to celebrate 491 00:27:26,980 --> 00:27:29,060 the giving of the commandments. 492 00:27:30,340 --> 00:27:32,620 Rachel and her sister Miriam are getting ready 493 00:27:32,620 --> 00:27:36,700 for a picnic on the beach with their extended family. 494 00:27:36,700 --> 00:27:39,940 They're very positive about it, the residents here. 495 00:27:39,940 --> 00:27:42,580 They really dream of it building up a little bit, you know? 496 00:27:42,580 --> 00:27:44,940 We had a garden party yesterday, they were really nice, 497 00:27:44,940 --> 00:27:46,940 and they looked more like Kew Gardens to me. 498 00:27:46,940 --> 00:27:48,820 It was something special. 499 00:27:53,300 --> 00:27:57,060 BOTH: I love Canvey Island! 500 00:27:59,220 --> 00:28:02,340 THEY LAUGH 501 00:28:02,340 --> 00:28:04,500 Wow! Are you joining us for Shavuot? 502 00:28:06,140 --> 00:28:10,620 This is a sister of ours and her family coming down from London. 503 00:28:10,620 --> 00:28:12,660 They love surprising us. 504 00:28:19,140 --> 00:28:21,900 Do you think it's strange that everyone's stripped off 505 00:28:21,900 --> 00:28:24,180 on the beach? 506 00:28:24,180 --> 00:28:25,420 Sort of, yeah. 507 00:28:26,940 --> 00:28:29,020 We just keep modest. 508 00:28:30,780 --> 00:28:32,860 You're doing it together. 509 00:28:32,860 --> 00:28:34,660 You all look very different. 510 00:28:34,660 --> 00:28:38,860 Are you worried about any prejudice from the Canvey community? 511 00:28:38,860 --> 00:28:41,660 That is... Because of the Jewish history, 512 00:28:41,660 --> 00:28:43,580 that's always in the back of the mind of people, 513 00:28:43,580 --> 00:28:46,540 that's always something that we are ready for, 514 00:28:46,540 --> 00:28:48,940 going out, holidays or this and that. 515 00:28:48,940 --> 00:28:51,220 And there's things that we do face. 516 00:28:51,220 --> 00:28:54,740 We come to a new area, people see us for the first time, Jewish people, 517 00:28:54,740 --> 00:28:57,180 we expect they will ask questions and some will ask questions 518 00:28:57,180 --> 00:29:00,500 in a nice way and some will rather shout something derogatory. 519 00:29:04,180 --> 00:29:06,620 Barry and John from the Canvey Bay Watch group 520 00:29:06,620 --> 00:29:08,860 help monitor the seafront. 521 00:29:10,500 --> 00:29:14,500 Good to see them congregating with all of us. 522 00:29:16,020 --> 00:29:19,460 They seem to have walked right up the other end of the beach 523 00:29:19,460 --> 00:29:21,460 to be on their own. 524 00:29:21,460 --> 00:29:23,540 Whether that's just because they wanted to sit up this 525 00:29:23,540 --> 00:29:25,580 end or not, we don't know. 526 00:29:25,580 --> 00:29:29,860 But, I mean, all the others are down there. So... 527 00:29:29,860 --> 00:29:32,300 If I was going to a beach, I'd want to be out of the way, 528 00:29:32,300 --> 00:29:34,380 I wouldn't want to be around everybody, 529 00:29:34,380 --> 00:29:37,140 so I don't see that as a problem for Jewish people. 530 00:29:37,140 --> 00:29:39,380 I'm not saying that, I'm just saying that they couldn't 531 00:29:39,380 --> 00:29:42,100 have got much further down the beach, 532 00:29:42,100 --> 00:29:44,540 if they wanted to be on the beach, could they? 533 00:29:44,540 --> 00:29:47,780 They couldn't have got much further down there. 534 00:29:47,780 --> 00:29:50,500 I mean, there's nothing stopping them... 535 00:29:50,500 --> 00:29:54,860 Between the last person and there is probably half of the beach. 536 00:29:54,860 --> 00:29:57,180 I don't know, Barry, to me, does it matter? 537 00:29:57,180 --> 00:29:58,700 I mean... 538 00:29:58,700 --> 00:30:04,340 I'm not saying I want them to totally integrate with each other, 539 00:30:04,340 --> 00:30:09,300 I'm just saying that I think they won't be able to integrate as much, 540 00:30:09,300 --> 00:30:13,180 because of the rules of their religion, you know? 541 00:30:18,260 --> 00:30:21,620 The community now own 30 houses on the island. 542 00:30:21,620 --> 00:30:24,260 Naftali and Miriam's dream house is ready. 543 00:30:24,260 --> 00:30:28,060 It's probably going to take time to settle down. 544 00:30:28,060 --> 00:30:33,340 It takes time to sink in that the kids can actually run round carefree 545 00:30:33,340 --> 00:30:37,260 and to actually to have the sun and come out together with it, 546 00:30:37,260 --> 00:30:41,300 and play and refresh ourselves, and it's absolutely lovely. 547 00:30:44,980 --> 00:30:47,420 What are your dreams in life? 548 00:30:47,420 --> 00:30:51,580 To be the very best mother that I am capable of. 549 00:30:52,860 --> 00:30:54,300 Mummy! 550 00:30:57,100 --> 00:30:59,740 I love flying. 551 00:30:59,740 --> 00:31:02,220 I love to play the cello. 552 00:31:02,220 --> 00:31:04,260 I love martial arts. 553 00:31:04,260 --> 00:31:06,100 Expensive, but love, yes. 554 00:31:06,100 --> 00:31:09,500 Doing taekwondo in Stamford Hill, I hope to continue here. 555 00:31:10,900 --> 00:31:12,620 I'm quite an adventurous person. 556 00:31:12,620 --> 00:31:17,220 I'll take anything that brings in life 557 00:31:17,220 --> 00:31:19,700 and anything that brings colour into our life. 558 00:31:23,780 --> 00:31:25,380 Careful. 559 00:31:32,260 --> 00:31:35,180 Preparations for the meal are under way. 560 00:31:35,180 --> 00:31:38,380 The rabbis have told Chris the meal has to be strictly kosher. 561 00:31:39,580 --> 00:31:43,420 Israel, a Hasidic chef, cooks the food according to Jewish law. 562 00:31:44,660 --> 00:31:48,940 Cooking for tonight I make haddock, breaded, 563 00:31:48,940 --> 00:31:51,180 and after it'll be chips. 564 00:31:53,180 --> 00:31:55,660 Everything must be kosher. 565 00:31:55,660 --> 00:31:59,220 The kitchen has special areas for meat and dairy. 566 00:31:59,220 --> 00:32:01,460 Fish have to have fins and scales, 567 00:32:01,460 --> 00:32:04,380 and even the gas used to cook can only be switched on 568 00:32:04,380 --> 00:32:06,220 by a kosher chef. 569 00:32:14,620 --> 00:32:17,940 It's the evening of the big meal. 570 00:32:17,940 --> 00:32:20,100 Chris, we've got a few sort of nibbles, 571 00:32:20,100 --> 00:32:22,860 we'll put those out on the table. Yeah, put everything on the table. 572 00:32:22,860 --> 00:32:26,740 Reverend David Tudor, Danielle, Barry and Biff are all here. 573 00:32:26,740 --> 00:32:30,580 And even Rebecca Harris, Conservative MP for Canvey turns up. 574 00:32:32,660 --> 00:32:34,900 But the Hasidics have still not arrived. 575 00:32:38,340 --> 00:32:42,380 I know what I'm going to get this lot for Christmas, watches. 576 00:32:45,500 --> 00:32:47,060 It is touch-and-go right now. 577 00:32:47,060 --> 00:32:48,500 I mean, we've been waiting here an hour. 578 00:32:48,500 --> 00:32:50,620 Everyone's getting a bit uncomfortable. 579 00:32:50,620 --> 00:32:53,580 You know, the band's warmed up, everybody's ready to go, 580 00:32:53,580 --> 00:32:55,500 and the star turn's not rocked up yet. 581 00:32:55,500 --> 00:32:59,020 So, for all the talk of integration and hands across the water, 582 00:32:59,020 --> 00:33:01,620 actually, when it comes to the crunch, and we're going to try 583 00:33:01,620 --> 00:33:03,740 and get people together, you know what, 584 00:33:03,740 --> 00:33:06,540 they may not do it, because this could be where they think, 585 00:33:06,540 --> 00:33:09,140 "Well, do we really need to sit down with... 586 00:33:10,420 --> 00:33:12,220 "..Canvey?" 587 00:33:14,700 --> 00:33:18,380 An hour and a quarter late, they finally turn up. 588 00:33:18,380 --> 00:33:21,580 Listening to non-Jewish music, watching TV, 589 00:33:21,580 --> 00:33:26,500 there's this whole idea of contamination, corruption, 590 00:33:26,500 --> 00:33:32,380 being infected with something which is alien to their clear-headed path, 591 00:33:32,380 --> 00:33:35,980 which is a holy and respectful path. 592 00:33:35,980 --> 00:33:38,660 In the absence of a wall between the men and the women, 593 00:33:38,660 --> 00:33:41,700 the food table is creating a makeshift barrier. 594 00:33:41,700 --> 00:33:44,300 Gents on this side, ladies on this side. 595 00:33:44,300 --> 00:33:46,660 You're on that side. I know. 596 00:33:46,660 --> 00:33:49,820 My husband's the local councillor, Barry Campagna. 597 00:33:49,820 --> 00:33:51,420 You'll see his face in the paper. 598 00:33:51,420 --> 00:33:53,460 I have to look at it every day! 599 00:33:53,460 --> 00:33:54,860 With introductions over, 600 00:33:54,860 --> 00:33:57,700 it's time to find out if Chris's choice of entertainment 601 00:33:57,700 --> 00:33:59,780 will go down well. 602 00:33:59,780 --> 00:34:04,020 My band started out from here in 1974. 603 00:34:04,020 --> 00:34:05,580 And we're very lucky tonight, 604 00:34:05,580 --> 00:34:08,060 we've have the guitarist of Dr Feelgood. 605 00:34:08,060 --> 00:34:10,540 Steve is going to play three songs for us. 606 00:34:10,540 --> 00:34:12,900 APPLAUSE Thank you. 607 00:34:19,460 --> 00:34:22,500 # White boy in town 608 00:34:22,500 --> 00:34:25,100 # Big black, blue sound 609 00:34:25,100 --> 00:34:27,340 # Nightclub, I paid in 610 00:34:27,340 --> 00:34:30,060 # I got a stamp on my skin 611 00:34:30,060 --> 00:34:35,500 # Black man rhythm with a white boy beat 612 00:34:35,500 --> 00:34:37,740 # They got him on milk and alcohol 613 00:34:39,860 --> 00:34:43,460 # They got him on milk and alcohol. # 614 00:34:43,460 --> 00:34:45,700 It's the first time many of the Canveyites 615 00:34:45,700 --> 00:34:48,500 are trying kosher food and wine. 616 00:34:48,500 --> 00:34:51,980 What are these? Which ones? These. 617 00:34:51,980 --> 00:34:54,620 Those are spring rolls. Yes. 618 00:34:54,620 --> 00:34:56,860 These are fish. What do they have in the spring rolls? 619 00:34:56,860 --> 00:34:58,460 They've got some cabbage in them 620 00:34:58,460 --> 00:35:01,340 and they've been fried in a kind of pastry, as you can see. 621 00:35:01,340 --> 00:35:04,460 Oh, I just need a little piece, I can't be doing with fish. 622 00:35:04,460 --> 00:35:08,620 That's Israeli... Israeli wine, Chardonnay, Sauvignon blanc. 623 00:35:08,620 --> 00:35:10,940 It's very nice. I don't think it tastes much different 624 00:35:10,940 --> 00:35:13,700 to our white wine. It's lovely. 625 00:35:13,700 --> 00:35:16,540 It's got a lovely body. 626 00:35:16,540 --> 00:35:18,980 So far, so good. It's very nice. 627 00:35:20,860 --> 00:35:22,220 Oh... 628 00:35:22,220 --> 00:35:26,180 The Reverend David Tudor would like to say something. 629 00:35:26,180 --> 00:35:29,140 Whatever our religion, whatever our tradition, 630 00:35:29,140 --> 00:35:33,420 what we have in common is our humanity. 631 00:35:33,420 --> 00:35:38,260 And although the books that we call holy have many differences, 632 00:35:38,260 --> 00:35:41,140 the one thing in common that our books have 633 00:35:41,140 --> 00:35:44,620 is the welcome of the stranger. 634 00:35:44,620 --> 00:35:47,220 And so, in a sense, we're all strangers, 635 00:35:47,220 --> 00:35:50,420 we're all travelling through this earth, 636 00:35:50,420 --> 00:35:53,900 and in a sense, we all belong, and we're the same family. 637 00:35:54,940 --> 00:35:59,100 So may the God of Abraham bless us this night. 638 00:36:00,220 --> 00:36:02,300 Thank you. 639 00:36:09,540 --> 00:36:13,460 Gary has an important question for the chef Israel. 640 00:36:13,460 --> 00:36:15,860 All of my family and all of my friends 641 00:36:15,860 --> 00:36:19,380 and the people downstairs who I was drinking with before I come up here, 642 00:36:19,380 --> 00:36:25,420 can't wait till you open a shop selling bagels. 643 00:36:25,420 --> 00:36:29,340 So when are you going to do it? We'll see, OK. 644 00:36:29,340 --> 00:36:31,140 Top man. We all love it. OK. 645 00:36:31,140 --> 00:36:35,260 He's going to open a bagel shop and he's going to be the cook. 646 00:36:35,260 --> 00:36:38,620 And I'll be the first one in there, brother. 647 00:36:38,620 --> 00:36:40,860 On the island we've got a place called The Paddocks, 648 00:36:40,860 --> 00:36:42,940 so is that somewhere where you'd take your children? 649 00:36:42,940 --> 00:36:44,300 There's, like, a sandpit. 650 00:36:44,300 --> 00:36:47,580 We'd only consider it if it's going to be girls only or boys only. OK. 651 00:36:47,580 --> 00:36:50,220 Even our weddings are separated. 652 00:36:50,220 --> 00:36:53,860 Women can't be seen usually by the men, so we'd usually have a wall. 653 00:36:53,860 --> 00:36:56,100 Yeah, even this wouldn't really be allowed. 654 00:36:56,100 --> 00:36:58,820 Actually, though, when we have, like, a party, 655 00:36:58,820 --> 00:37:01,580 all the women go one place and all the men go the other. 656 00:37:01,580 --> 00:37:04,180 Yeah, but they actually separate them off, I like it. 657 00:37:04,180 --> 00:37:05,940 I know... 658 00:37:07,420 --> 00:37:10,580 I'm going to have a party this year, men and women - 659 00:37:10,580 --> 00:37:13,100 a wall down the middle of the garden. 660 00:37:13,100 --> 00:37:16,340 Well, we can come to that if you do that. OK. 661 00:37:16,340 --> 00:37:18,060 Hi, everybody. 662 00:37:18,060 --> 00:37:21,700 I'd like to give my thanks to all of you here. 663 00:37:21,700 --> 00:37:27,980 I have never experienced a non-Jewish community so welcoming, 664 00:37:27,980 --> 00:37:33,460 so open-hearted and so friendly to us Jewish people. 665 00:37:33,460 --> 00:37:34,860 APPLAUSE 666 00:37:34,860 --> 00:37:37,540 I hope... Stop, I haven't finished. 667 00:37:37,540 --> 00:37:42,180 I hope that we will not let you down. 668 00:37:42,180 --> 00:37:45,140 We will live side by side, 669 00:37:45,140 --> 00:37:49,020 and although we've got our own very strict rules and regulations, 670 00:37:49,020 --> 00:37:51,700 which you will think we're mad, and we are, 671 00:37:51,700 --> 00:37:55,620 but don't worry about that. We are. But your tolerance... 672 00:37:55,620 --> 00:37:57,820 And, you know, we let you do what you want 673 00:37:57,820 --> 00:37:59,460 and we do our own lifestyle. 674 00:37:59,460 --> 00:38:03,980 But I just want to tell you, together we will make Canvey Island 675 00:38:03,980 --> 00:38:06,980 a great, great place in the world. 676 00:38:06,980 --> 00:38:09,100 APPLAUSE 677 00:38:10,580 --> 00:38:12,620 The meal is a success. 678 00:38:12,620 --> 00:38:14,660 The women are exchanging numbers... 679 00:38:14,660 --> 00:38:16,540 0797... 680 00:38:16,540 --> 00:38:19,460 ..and the men are getting to know each other. 681 00:38:19,460 --> 00:38:22,100 We welcome you on the island. I'm very touched. 682 00:38:22,100 --> 00:38:23,740 So I want a man hug. 683 00:38:23,740 --> 00:38:26,580 I am not used to this so you have to teach me. I'll teach you. 684 00:38:26,580 --> 00:38:30,220 Like that, that's it. Group hug! A squeeze. 685 00:38:30,220 --> 00:38:34,060 And he keeps on looking after us all the time. 686 00:38:34,060 --> 00:38:37,340 That's my job, I'm the fixer. Thank you very much. 687 00:38:37,340 --> 00:38:40,300 But Steve thinks there's still a way to go. 688 00:38:40,300 --> 00:38:43,980 I mean, I think their religion is always going to be an obstacle 689 00:38:43,980 --> 00:38:46,460 to fully integrating. 690 00:38:46,460 --> 00:38:47,900 I hear the priest and I say, 691 00:38:47,900 --> 00:38:50,820 "Yeah, sure, we should meet you halfway." 692 00:38:50,820 --> 00:38:53,500 But I think for these guys, even meeting halfway 693 00:38:53,500 --> 00:38:54,860 is going to be tough. 694 00:38:54,860 --> 00:38:57,260 The Hasidic community is here to stay, 695 00:38:57,260 --> 00:39:00,020 but the strict Orthodox laws of the Torah 696 00:39:00,020 --> 00:39:02,740 always make it difficult for them to fully assimilate 697 00:39:02,740 --> 00:39:04,020 with other communities. 698 00:39:06,700 --> 00:39:09,500 The one thing with Canvey people is they won't take no for an answer. 699 00:39:09,500 --> 00:39:11,500 And, no, I was very pleased with tonight. 700 00:39:11,500 --> 00:39:12,780 Well done you. I appreciate it. 701 00:39:12,780 --> 00:39:15,780 No, well done you, and well done everyone that was involved. Yeah. 702 00:39:15,780 --> 00:39:18,500 It's not an easy thing to pull together. 703 00:39:18,500 --> 00:39:21,500 So well done to you, Steve. Aw, well done, mate! 704 00:39:23,460 --> 00:39:26,380 Anyway. Well done, sir. Mazeltov. 705 00:39:26,380 --> 00:39:28,300 We don't do mazeltov. 706 00:39:28,300 --> 00:39:30,900 Mazeltov means when you have a baby - you say mazel tov. 707 00:39:30,900 --> 00:39:33,340 There isn't a word. There's l'chaim. 708 00:39:33,340 --> 00:39:35,180 What is l'chaim? "To life". 709 00:39:35,180 --> 00:39:39,180 To life. Actually, I'll take that. L'chaim. L'chaim. L'chaim.