The Passfield Hall Committee has reached a “ground-breaking milestone” after successfully securing the introduction of Halal and Kosher food in the LSE’s catered halls of residence. From this Monday onwards, LSE Catering will provide Halal and Kosher food in all catered halls of residence and on the main campus.
The issue of Halal food was once again an important issue at this year’s Passfield Hall Committee elections, after past attempts to introduce it had failed. At the time of the elections, students were told “quite bluntly that it had never been provided, and never would be,” said Joel Rosen, President of the Passfield Hall Committee.
Since the beginning of the academic year, the Committee has campaigned in partnership with the Students’ Union, the Jewish Society and the Israel Society for increased diversity in LSE catering.
Liz Thomas, Head of LSE Catering, said that: “meals will now conform to the requirement of Halal, Kedassia and Kashrut licensing authorities. They will come sealed and double wrapped to avoid contamination.”
In Passfield Hall alone, thirty Muslim students were affected by the limited catering options on offer.
Kosher and Halal food has to follow strict Jewish/Islamic dietary requirements. In the case of Kosher food, it is not allowed to include pork, rabbit, eagle, owl, and any shellfish, insect or reptile. Meat and dairy products should not be made or consumed together.
Rosen, was pleased by this milestone in the Committee’s campaigning history. “Passfield is a vibrant and diverse community and we will continue to fight for the rights of minorities,” he said.
Rosen added: “Our committee will continue to fight for the rights of minorities in our community, and we will always stand fast in ensuring the welfare of all our colleagues.”
Lukas Slothuus, the Students’ Union’s Community and Environment Officer, said: “I’m extremely pleased to see that after years of efforts, LSE has acknowledged the importance of religious dietary rules for Muslim and Jewish students on campus and in catered halls. A huge thanks is due especially to Joel Rosen and everyone else involved, particularly those at Passfield Hall, for putting in so much work to make this happen.”
“It is essential that minority groups on campus feel included and welcome at LSE. Providing Halal and Kosher food forms part of this. Equality and Diversity is a central part of what the Union does, and I hope this victory will be a stepping stone to more wins this term,” Slothuus added.
“The LSESU Israel Society would like to thank Joel Rosen for his hard work on this issue. Many of our society members are very appreciative,” said Aimee Riese, from the Students’ Union’s Israel Society.
Residents have also commented on the issue, Saad Sohail, resident at Passfield,commented ‘I think that is a real sign of cultural integrity at LSE. LSE has a diverse student body and the availability of Halal food points out that equality policies have finally been implemented.’ In addition ‘This makes me feel a lot more valued and will definitely help improve my LSE experience! I would like to thank the administration and the students who pushed this idea through.’ Omar Malik said ‘Its brilliant to finally have the option of a halal dish at dinner. The food was confirmed halal by an authentic source and was of good quality. I’d like to thank members of the Passfield hall committee and LSE catering for providing the service.’
Related posts:
- Frustration over delayed works at Rosebery
- Taps turned off again at bars in LSE halls
- Bankside security guard assaulted in promoter fracas
- Community and Welfare Officer reinstates Your Hall, Your Call
- UGM motion calls for return of course packs