0:00:02 > 0:00:05Europe's largest ultra-Orthodox Jewish community
0:00:05 > 0:00:08is based in Stamford Hill, north London.
0:00:08 > 0:00:11They have lived here since the 1800s,
0:00:11 > 0:00:15but with soaring rents as hipsters move in, they need to move out.
0:00:15 > 0:00:18We've got very, very difficult housing conditions
0:00:18 > 0:00:20for many, many people.
0:00:20 > 0:00:22We've got overcrowded families,
0:00:22 > 0:00:25eight or nine children living in two bedrooms.
0:00:25 > 0:00:30I think in London Zoo the animals get more space than the humans here.
0:00:31 > 0:00:34They've chosen the most unexpected place,
0:00:34 > 0:00:38Canvey Island on the Thames Estuary in Essex,
0:00:38 > 0:00:43one of the five most pro-Brexit wards in Britain.
0:00:43 > 0:00:47Canvey Island has been voted the most English place in the UK.
0:00:47 > 0:00:50One island and two very different communities.
0:00:50 > 0:00:53And there's a lot they don't about each other.
0:00:53 > 0:00:55- I thought they was Chinese.- Chinese!
0:00:55 > 0:00:58No, we go to a different shop for that one, babe.
0:00:59 > 0:01:02In human nature, there is something that is not sure
0:01:02 > 0:01:06about the person who we don't know,
0:01:06 > 0:01:11the outsider coming in and taking our space.
0:01:11 > 0:01:16Chris, a lifelong Canvey Islander and manager of a rock and roll band,
0:01:16 > 0:01:18has a plan to get the two communities to mix.
0:01:18 > 0:01:23So what I would like to do is to get 15 people from the Hasidic community
0:01:23 > 0:01:28and 15 people from the local Canvey community, and we will eat,
0:01:28 > 0:01:33we will drink, we will make music and we will make conversation.
0:01:33 > 0:01:36So will the exodus to Canvey work out?
0:01:36 > 0:01:39Could there really be a promised land at the end of the A13?
0:01:49 > 0:01:54In Stamford Hill, north London, the Friday afternoon rush has started.
0:01:54 > 0:01:58Everything has to be done before sundown, the start of the Sabbath -
0:01:58 > 0:02:0124 hours of rest and religious observance.
0:02:01 > 0:02:07Everyone is on a mission, everybody is on the mission to serve God.
0:02:08 > 0:02:10Cars finally get put away,
0:02:10 > 0:02:14people get ready for prayer and for the evening meal.
0:02:16 > 0:02:19Steve and Naftali are among 30,000 Orthodox Jews
0:02:19 > 0:02:21crammed into this district.
0:02:21 > 0:02:25Nearly all of them are like Naftali, Hasidic,
0:02:25 > 0:02:30also known as Haredi, a form of ultra-Orthodox Judaism
0:02:30 > 0:02:33founded in 19th century Eastern Europe.
0:02:33 > 0:02:35Dressed in traditional clothing,
0:02:35 > 0:02:39they're one of the most insular and close-knit communities in Britain.
0:02:39 > 0:02:42Steve and Naftali are friends and neighbours.
0:02:42 > 0:02:45You're both Orthodox Jews but what's the difference
0:02:45 > 0:02:46between you and Naftali?
0:02:48 > 0:02:49I don't wear a hat,
0:02:49 > 0:02:55I don't daven, or pray, as often as a Haredi man would,
0:02:55 > 0:02:56I don't go to the synagogue as often.
0:02:56 > 0:03:00I do keep a kosher home, I do separate milk and meat,
0:03:00 > 0:03:02and I do go to the synagogue on the Sabbath, on a Saturday,
0:03:02 > 0:03:04which is kind of more mainstream.
0:03:04 > 0:03:10He's part of a whole community which is observing the letter of the law.
0:03:10 > 0:03:13Stamford Hill has one of the highest birth rates in the UK,
0:03:13 > 0:03:15twice the national average.
0:03:16 > 0:03:20The common denominator of the Haredi community is that families are big,
0:03:20 > 0:03:23so you can have five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten,
0:03:23 > 0:03:2512, 15 children.
0:03:26 > 0:03:28Naftali and his wife Miriam are young
0:03:28 > 0:03:30and have four children under five.
0:03:30 > 0:03:34They rent a two-bed flat from a local Hasidic landlord.
0:03:34 > 0:03:36We've got two main problems here.
0:03:36 > 0:03:39First of all, it's the overcrowding.
0:03:39 > 0:03:42The second problem is, even if you do have a house,
0:03:42 > 0:03:46if you do find a house where you can live, you can't afford to buy.
0:03:46 > 0:03:49Even if you work full time, it's unaffordable.
0:03:49 > 0:03:53We don't have a playroom so this is their playroom,
0:03:53 > 0:03:55or the dining room downstairs.
0:03:55 > 0:03:59Or in worst conditions, on the street.
0:04:01 > 0:04:04It hasn't been painted, it hasn't been looked after,
0:04:04 > 0:04:08it hasn't been given to us in a very good condition at all.
0:04:08 > 0:04:10The demands for houses are so, so, so great
0:04:10 > 0:04:14that people are taking things in really, really bad condition
0:04:14 > 0:04:16which is very, very unfair.
0:04:16 > 0:04:19If I'm out, same night, someone will be here.
0:04:19 > 0:04:23Naftali studies religion and law and Miriam helps out in a local private
0:04:23 > 0:04:25Orthodox school.
0:04:25 > 0:04:29The need for the men to pray and study the 613 commandments
0:04:29 > 0:04:33of the Torah, the word of God, takes up most of their daily lives.
0:04:35 > 0:04:39In Stamford Hill, only 15% of the men are in full-time employment,
0:04:39 > 0:04:43with 70% dependent on child and housing benefits.
0:04:45 > 0:04:49But now the unaffordable rents in Stamford Hill are driving them out.
0:04:49 > 0:04:53We received quite a glossy little pamphlet the other day that said,
0:04:53 > 0:04:56"We're going to Canvey Island!
0:04:56 > 0:04:59"We're buying houses, we're making schools, join us out there."
0:04:59 > 0:05:02It's a sort of wonderland brochure.
0:05:02 > 0:05:06"Canvey Island, this is not a dream, it's a fact."
0:05:09 > 0:05:11I got a brochure through my letterbox the other day
0:05:11 > 0:05:14- about Canvey Island, did you get that?- Mm-hm.
0:05:14 > 0:05:16So, what's the thinking?
0:05:16 > 0:05:20I don't know. I don't think they like it in the first place.
0:05:20 > 0:05:23And it's also below sea level.
0:05:23 > 0:05:25Dangerous waters, no?
0:05:25 > 0:05:28I'd go, my wife doesn't want to. Yeah.
0:05:29 > 0:05:33Naftali is tempted to join the Hasidic exodus to Canvey.
0:05:33 > 0:05:36How serious are you about making a move with your family
0:05:36 > 0:05:37to Canvey Island?
0:05:37 > 0:05:39If I had an opportunity, I would do it tomorrow.
0:05:39 > 0:05:43The actual idea of a front garden space, detached,
0:05:43 > 0:05:45we don't see it in this area. That's the dream.
0:05:49 > 0:05:51Yeah, I like the idea of living in Canvey myself, actually,
0:05:51 > 0:05:55I think it's great. But my wife, my family.
0:05:55 > 0:05:57Gabby, she'd put her foot down, I think.
0:05:57 > 0:06:00You know, Hackney's become quite trendy for the kind of Jews we are.
0:06:00 > 0:06:04Steve understands why his friend Naftali wants to go to Canvey,
0:06:04 > 0:06:05but he's worried.
0:06:05 > 0:06:07I worry for Naftali.
0:06:07 > 0:06:10It's not like he's naive, but...
0:06:11 > 0:06:13What... Whether you're Haredi community or whatever,
0:06:13 > 0:06:17the fact that you're going into an area where there's a very strong
0:06:17 > 0:06:21English identity, Brexit is going on at the moment,
0:06:21 > 0:06:24and they're up to their necks in it in Canvey, and they're really on it.
0:06:24 > 0:06:26You know, and they're up for it.
0:06:29 > 0:06:31- Nice to see you.- Going to Canvey.
0:06:33 > 0:06:37I'm on my way to Canvey with Naftali.
0:06:38 > 0:06:41Erm, we just wanted to know the address where we should come
0:06:41 > 0:06:43to see the house. Yep.
0:06:43 > 0:06:47Woodberry Close, Canvey Island, there we go.
0:06:47 > 0:06:50What are you expecting to find in Canvey Island this afternoon?
0:06:51 > 0:06:54A better education for my kids,
0:06:54 > 0:06:56a change and a place that will make them get used
0:06:56 > 0:06:58to a different kind of people.
0:06:59 > 0:07:03A new start, a fresh start, loads of opportunities,
0:07:03 > 0:07:07and, eventually, to fulfil my dreams.
0:07:12 > 0:07:16Canvey Island is in the Thames Estuary in Essex.
0:07:16 > 0:07:18It's famous for its oil and gas industry
0:07:18 > 0:07:21and has got a two mile wall to protect it from the sea.
0:07:22 > 0:07:28With a population of 40,000, 73% voted to leave the EU.
0:07:28 > 0:07:33Barry Campagna and his gang are the Canvey Bay Watch group.
0:07:33 > 0:07:38When they did the last census, most people who live on Canvey,
0:07:38 > 0:07:40instead of putting British, they put English,
0:07:40 > 0:07:44but that was nothing to do with National Front
0:07:44 > 0:07:45or anything like that.
0:07:45 > 0:07:48It's just that they felt that they were English
0:07:48 > 0:07:49more than anything else.
0:07:49 > 0:07:52- The majority of islanders wanted Brexit.- Yeah.
0:07:53 > 0:07:56We've heard about them moving to Canvey.
0:07:56 > 0:07:58Obviously, they've got their own traditions
0:07:58 > 0:08:01and their own religion and that lot,
0:08:01 > 0:08:05so that will probably stop them mixing as much as what
0:08:05 > 0:08:07someone else would.
0:08:07 > 0:08:10We've seen their Jewish Times and they call it
0:08:10 > 0:08:13Stamford Hill-on-Sea, don't they?
0:08:21 > 0:08:24The Hasidic landlords are busy buying houses.
0:08:24 > 0:08:27They've just completed on these new builds,
0:08:27 > 0:08:29and Naftali is hoping to rent one.
0:08:29 > 0:08:31- What about the garden? - The garden's a good size again.
0:08:31 > 0:08:34It's huge. Wow! Man!
0:08:34 > 0:08:36This is exactly six...
0:08:36 > 0:08:4112 times the size of my entire house.
0:08:41 > 0:08:43The garden, I'm not talking about the house.
0:08:43 > 0:08:47- One...- Bedroom three, bedroom four.
0:08:47 > 0:08:51I can see the builders here are doing a perfect job.
0:08:51 > 0:08:53Wow.
0:08:53 > 0:08:56When do you estimate I can come with my luggage?
0:08:56 > 0:08:59I think we're looking at the end of July for completion,
0:08:59 > 0:09:00so in about six weeks.
0:09:00 > 0:09:04Six weeks. So for summer holidays, I can spend my holidays here?
0:09:04 > 0:09:06You can bring your bucket and spade,
0:09:06 > 0:09:09- and you can be on the beach in six weeks' time.- Wow.
0:09:10 > 0:09:13My wife should better pick up now.
0:09:13 > 0:09:16Looks like we've got a house.
0:09:16 > 0:09:18I'm going mad over it.
0:09:20 > 0:09:23Looking forward... Anyway, talk to you. Bye.
0:09:23 > 0:09:26- Are we out of here? - Now she's angry why she's not here.
0:09:31 > 0:09:34A benefactor has bought Castle View School on the island
0:09:34 > 0:09:36for the Hasidic pioneers.
0:09:36 > 0:09:38At the moment, it's used as a synagogue
0:09:38 > 0:09:41and community centre as well.
0:09:42 > 0:09:44Steve meets Joel Friedman.
0:09:44 > 0:09:47He's one of the first of seven families to move to Canvey.
0:09:49 > 0:09:51What are the challenges?
0:09:51 > 0:09:53I think the biggest challenge for people is to take the plunge
0:09:53 > 0:09:56and move out of the area and that's why there's only seven families.
0:09:56 > 0:09:57That was the first phase.
0:09:57 > 0:10:00I'm happy to say there are 25 families who are moving out
0:10:00 > 0:10:02in the very near future, and that probably means
0:10:02 > 0:10:04the third phase will be bigger, you know?
0:10:04 > 0:10:07We're aiming for 50, 60 families within a year or so.
0:10:08 > 0:10:11The Hasidic community needs its own schools,
0:10:11 > 0:10:14kosher shops and synagogues.
0:10:14 > 0:10:16Everything has to be in walking distance,
0:10:16 > 0:10:19- because they can't drive on the Sabbath.- What a view!
0:10:19 > 0:10:22When you move a community over, you have to have the infrastructure,
0:10:22 > 0:10:25the synagogues, the schools, the shops
0:10:25 > 0:10:27and everything a community needs.
0:10:27 > 0:10:29We've got a little tuck shop here for the school,
0:10:29 > 0:10:30but it's very, very basic.
0:10:30 > 0:10:32As the community grows, we're hoping to open a shop.
0:10:32 > 0:10:36We've got fresh meat and fish on a weekly order basis,
0:10:36 > 0:10:38so that's not a problem, it gets delivered here.
0:10:38 > 0:10:40It gets delivered here from Stamford Hill?
0:10:40 > 0:10:42It gets delivered here. So everyone makes an order together
0:10:42 > 0:10:45and they then bring it round.
0:10:45 > 0:10:48I think there's a certain level of optimism there.
0:10:48 > 0:10:50What's inside the school at the moment is very little,
0:10:50 > 0:10:52and they've got a long way to go to build this community.
0:10:54 > 0:10:59But, you know, it feels like going back to the shtetl.
0:10:59 > 0:11:03It feels almost like 18th, 19th century Poland,
0:11:03 > 0:11:07and these little core villages with a little synagogue
0:11:07 > 0:11:11and a little shop, and the tinker, the tailor, the candlestick maker,
0:11:11 > 0:11:14that kind of old Jewish model.
0:11:14 > 0:11:16And in some ways, it sort of feels like that,
0:11:16 > 0:11:17it resonates in that way.
0:11:20 > 0:11:23- Where's my keys?- Around your neck.
0:11:23 > 0:11:26Oh, I'll get rid of those!
0:11:26 > 0:11:31Mrs Ita Symons is chief executive of a big Jewish housing association,
0:11:31 > 0:11:34and runs this old people's home in Stamford Hill.
0:11:34 > 0:11:38She knows the problems of trying to relocate the Hasidic community.
0:11:39 > 0:11:44There were different groups in the community trying different projects,
0:11:44 > 0:11:48Milton Keynes and other places, where we tried to move,
0:11:48 > 0:11:51and the communities there were...
0:11:51 > 0:11:53Oh, they went absolutely ballistic!
0:11:53 > 0:11:57They didn't hide their animosity and fear and hatred.
0:11:57 > 0:11:59And, God, it was terrible.
0:12:01 > 0:12:05Then I was invited to go and see Canvey Island I thought,
0:12:05 > 0:12:07"Oh, no, not that one!"
0:12:07 > 0:12:11I mean, I lived most of my life in London, in north London,
0:12:11 > 0:12:13and I've always heard of Canvey Island.
0:12:13 > 0:12:17We saw it as a mountaintop full of sewers
0:12:17 > 0:12:20and rubbish, and I don't know what.
0:12:20 > 0:12:23Anyway, I saw the site and I saw this,
0:12:23 > 0:12:25and I went back quite impressed.
0:12:25 > 0:12:28And we're in the midst of exchanging and completing
0:12:28 > 0:12:31on some beautiful houses.
0:12:33 > 0:12:36The Hasidic Jews have a history of having to move.
0:12:36 > 0:12:40They trace their ancestry to 19th-century Eastern Europe,
0:12:40 > 0:12:43and first moved to Stamford Hill in the late 1800s.
0:12:45 > 0:12:47The biggest wave came over during the Second World War
0:12:47 > 0:12:50as refugees and survivors of the Holocaust.
0:12:50 > 0:12:53This beautiful lady came from Auschwitz.
0:12:53 > 0:12:56And look, she's still smiling.
0:12:56 > 0:12:59- Over 90.- Over 90 and smiling.
0:12:59 > 0:13:00She's got three beautiful daughters...
0:13:00 > 0:13:03- How many daughters, three?- Three.
0:13:12 > 0:13:13I've got so many pictures.
0:13:13 > 0:13:16Miriam and Naftali's families came from central Europe,
0:13:16 > 0:13:18fleeing the Holocaust.
0:13:18 > 0:13:21From my father's side, Hungary.
0:13:21 > 0:13:25Although I don't like goulash, the most famous Hungarian food!
0:13:25 > 0:13:30My father's side, my father's father, he's from Vienna.
0:13:30 > 0:13:34And he was on the Kindertransport at aged 11 years and he came...
0:13:34 > 0:13:37They brought him to London and that's where he remained.
0:13:37 > 0:13:41And he was a young boy, and he found papers, he read them,
0:13:41 > 0:13:44and he even knew the dates when his parents were killed.
0:13:44 > 0:13:48That's how, you know, he still keeps today to that date how...
0:13:48 > 0:13:50What they did. He knows almost everything.
0:13:50 > 0:13:53At the end of the day, they are the heroes.
0:13:53 > 0:13:56We wouldn't be able to survive, not 50% of what they survived.
0:13:58 > 0:14:00They are real, real heroes.
0:14:00 > 0:14:01# Hallelu
0:14:01 > 0:14:03# Hallelujah
0:14:05 > 0:14:09# Hallelujah
0:14:10 > 0:14:14# Hallelujah... #
0:14:14 > 0:14:17Every Sunday, the Canvey church is full.
0:14:17 > 0:14:20The island is over 70% white and Christian.
0:14:22 > 0:14:24Reverend Tudor is their leader
0:14:24 > 0:14:27and wants his congregation to welcome the new arrivals.
0:14:27 > 0:14:30And they are searching for a better understanding of God,
0:14:30 > 0:14:35and they do it by separating themselves from the world.
0:14:36 > 0:14:39By focusing on their Scriptures,
0:14:39 > 0:14:42the stories of their ancestors,
0:14:42 > 0:14:46the rules and regulations that were passed down through the ages.
0:14:46 > 0:14:50They focus on what to wear,
0:14:50 > 0:14:55what days to work, and the children are allowed mobile phones...
0:14:57 > 0:14:59..but, you teenagers, you're going to be shocked by this.
0:14:59 > 0:15:01Ready?
0:15:01 > 0:15:05They have the internet taken out.
0:15:05 > 0:15:07"What's the point of that, then?" I hear you cry!
0:15:07 > 0:15:10"What, they make calls with it?" Yes!
0:15:15 > 0:15:19I came to England from Barbados 42 years ago now,
0:15:19 > 0:15:23and I've been in Canvey Island for the last nearly 20.
0:15:23 > 0:15:26And the similarities are amazing,
0:15:26 > 0:15:29the attitude to life.
0:15:30 > 0:15:34If you want to be superior, you can be superior by yourself.
0:15:34 > 0:15:38If you want to meet me halfway, I will meet you the other half,
0:15:38 > 0:15:39and I grew up with that.
0:15:39 > 0:15:42And we also have palm trees, two, in Canvey Island.
0:15:43 > 0:15:47We commend those who died at this time in former years.
0:15:48 > 0:15:50Rose Norman.
0:15:52 > 0:15:53Jack Fenwick.
0:15:55 > 0:15:56And Private William Stokes.
0:15:58 > 0:16:01May they rest in peace and rise in glory.
0:16:07 > 0:16:08After losing his son Jack,
0:16:08 > 0:16:12Chris Fenwick knows the importance of community and family.
0:16:13 > 0:16:17The work that David does in the church,
0:16:17 > 0:16:20irrespective of whether you're a believer or nonbeliever,
0:16:20 > 0:16:25I still want to be part of it, right, of David's church.
0:16:25 > 0:16:27I am part of the community,
0:16:27 > 0:16:30because it represents the island that I come from.
0:16:31 > 0:16:34And may the body of Christ keep you.
0:16:35 > 0:16:37We have become friends.
0:16:37 > 0:16:40He's a very, very special guy.
0:16:40 > 0:16:44And, yeah, I go and see him and he was very, very good to me
0:16:44 > 0:16:47when I lost my son and...
0:16:48 > 0:16:53..he was there, that's the main thing.
0:16:53 > 0:16:56What helps you if you go anywhere in this world, is for people to say,
0:16:56 > 0:16:59"Welcome. Is there anything I can do for you?"
0:16:59 > 0:17:02It makes you feel better, right? It just does.
0:17:02 > 0:17:04# She does it right
0:17:04 > 0:17:06# She does it right. #
0:17:06 > 0:17:08Canvey Island's most famous export
0:17:08 > 0:17:12is the 1970s British pub rock band Dr Feelgood.
0:17:14 > 0:17:17Chris has been their manager for over 40 years
0:17:17 > 0:17:19and has travelled the world.
0:17:19 > 0:17:23He wants to bring the two unlikely communities together.
0:17:23 > 0:17:28Standing on the steps of where my album sleeve
0:17:28 > 0:17:34was shot 44 years ago was two Orthodox Jewish gentleman.
0:17:34 > 0:17:37This I felt was a little bit strange.
0:17:37 > 0:17:39So I went, said to the lads,
0:17:39 > 0:17:42"Good afternoon. What brings you to Canvey Island?"
0:17:44 > 0:17:47They introduced themselves, Abraham and Abraham, and I'm Chris.
0:17:47 > 0:17:50"And we're thinking of moving here from Stamford Hill, London."
0:17:51 > 0:17:55Abraham, good afternoon, Chris Fenwick from The Oysterfleet.
0:17:55 > 0:17:57How are you doing? Are you well?
0:17:57 > 0:17:59Tonight, there's a Dr Feelgood concert.
0:17:59 > 0:18:01As a friendly gesture,
0:18:01 > 0:18:05Chris invites the two Abrahams and their Hasidic friends.
0:18:07 > 0:18:09# Leave a late show
0:18:09 > 0:18:10# Still feel alive
0:18:10 > 0:18:14# I need a place to go round about five
0:18:14 > 0:18:16# Down to the doctor's
0:18:16 > 0:18:19# I head down to the doctor's. #
0:18:19 > 0:18:22For the Hasidics, the lyrics to the Feelgood songs
0:18:22 > 0:18:25about booze and girls are religiously inappropriate.
0:18:25 > 0:18:29The Feelgood fans have come in from all over Europe,
0:18:29 > 0:18:33and the Hasids families that have moved here,
0:18:33 > 0:18:36I have invited them tonight.
0:18:36 > 0:18:37Whether they're going to be able to stomach
0:18:37 > 0:18:40a night of rock and roll or not, is a little unclear.
0:18:40 > 0:18:44Eventually, I think they will, right, but maybe not tonight.
0:18:44 > 0:18:45But it all takes time.
0:18:45 > 0:18:49From little acorns, great oak trees do grow.
0:18:54 > 0:18:56Chris is not giving up.
0:18:56 > 0:18:59He invites Barry, soon to become Mayor of Canvey,
0:18:59 > 0:19:01to talk about what they can do.
0:19:01 > 0:19:04Yeah, I know... I know that obviously both communities
0:19:04 > 0:19:07have got to get used to each other and all that lot,
0:19:07 > 0:19:11but how much will their religion allow them
0:19:11 > 0:19:13to be part of the community?
0:19:13 > 0:19:16Because there's obviously certain things they can't do
0:19:16 > 0:19:18on certain days and things like that.
0:19:18 > 0:19:21- In a way, I think that they choose to distance themselves.- Yeah.
0:19:21 > 0:19:25- They are used to being looked at, right...- Oh, yeah, yeah.
0:19:25 > 0:19:29..all of their lives, because as they go out
0:19:29 > 0:19:33not away from their community, they stand out.
0:19:35 > 0:19:39They decide on a plan of action to help the two communities mix.
0:19:40 > 0:19:42First off, a guided tour of the island,
0:19:42 > 0:19:46and then in a couple of weeks, a welcome meal.
0:19:46 > 0:19:48By talking to them and conversing,
0:19:48 > 0:19:51they're going to see where they're going and where they're going...
0:19:51 > 0:19:53They're going to see where they're going.
0:19:53 > 0:19:55- They're meeting us, we're meeting them.- Yeah.
0:19:55 > 0:19:58- It can only help them and the rest of us.- Yeah, I think so.
0:19:58 > 0:20:00Because the more they feel at home,
0:20:00 > 0:20:03the more comfortable they're going to be, right?
0:20:03 > 0:20:06And, no, I'm looking forward to it.
0:20:06 > 0:20:09I think it's going to be an historic occasion.
0:20:09 > 0:20:12This historic occasion is a tall order.
0:20:12 > 0:20:14The rabbis have to give their permission,
0:20:14 > 0:20:17women aren't allowed to mix with men,
0:20:17 > 0:20:20and there are lots of strict dietary rules that must be abided by.
0:20:22 > 0:20:26It's the beginning of summer, and with 25 new families arriving,
0:20:26 > 0:20:29the Hasids are being spotted around the town.
0:20:33 > 0:20:37Retired gas fitter Biff is a hardened Brexiteer.
0:20:37 > 0:20:40As you can see, we've got the English flag flying over there,
0:20:40 > 0:20:42so they'll know where they're living.
0:20:42 > 0:20:45Funnily enough, it's right outside the back of the school, look.
0:20:45 > 0:20:48He helps run Canvey Island Rugby Club,
0:20:48 > 0:20:50and is curious about his new neighbours.
0:20:53 > 0:20:56No, I know they're tribal, you can tell that by...
0:20:56 > 0:21:00They keep themselves to themselves and they wear funny clothes,
0:21:00 > 0:21:02I've got to be honest.
0:21:02 > 0:21:04You'd think you was at a fancy dress,
0:21:04 > 0:21:05if you went to one of their parties.
0:21:05 > 0:21:07Yeah, I've got no problem with them.
0:21:07 > 0:21:10At the moment, let's be honest about it, at the moment.
0:21:10 > 0:21:14I don't know what... I know they bought the school.
0:21:14 > 0:21:17And I know that, apparently, they've been knocking on doors,
0:21:17 > 0:21:20offering over the price.
0:21:20 > 0:21:22I should imagine they're like any other race,
0:21:22 > 0:21:27as long as they don't do me any damage, or my people,
0:21:27 > 0:21:29then I've got no problem.
0:21:29 > 0:21:33Chris starts putting his plan into action.
0:21:33 > 0:21:35The rabbis have given him permission
0:21:35 > 0:21:38to take some of the growing school community on a sightseeing walk.
0:21:40 > 0:21:42Hopefully, they'll turn up this time.
0:21:42 > 0:21:46Message from Joel, right, "Slightly behind schedule."
0:21:48 > 0:21:52OK. Could be the start of an interesting day.
0:22:06 > 0:22:08I think we're in business.
0:22:08 > 0:22:11People carriers.
0:22:11 > 0:22:13At least something's happening.
0:22:14 > 0:22:18Hasidic boys and girls are educated separately, and today,
0:22:18 > 0:22:20only the boys turn up.
0:22:20 > 0:22:23- Good afternoon, my friend. - Just a quick word.
0:22:23 > 0:22:25Joel is worried that Chris doesn't really understand
0:22:25 > 0:22:28the religious rules, and will lead the boys astray.
0:22:28 > 0:22:30- So subject matters...- Yes.
0:22:30 > 0:22:32Stay away from anything, um, not very traditional.
0:22:32 > 0:22:34So stay away...
0:22:34 > 0:22:36- Just not much about the pub or... - No.
0:22:36 > 0:22:38My speech is going to go there, right,
0:22:38 > 0:22:40so I'm getting them away from the pub.
0:22:40 > 0:22:42Just think Victorian and then you're...
0:22:42 > 0:22:46Right, OK, we're going to give you, right, a good treat today.
0:22:46 > 0:22:49- You can see the sea, yes? - ALL:- Yes!
0:22:49 > 0:22:52- You can see the road, yes? - ALL:- Yes!
0:22:52 > 0:22:56Tell me which is higher.
0:22:56 > 0:22:57- The water?- The water.
0:22:57 > 0:23:01Right. You're dead right, top of the class.
0:23:01 > 0:23:03But there's always the risk on Canvey,
0:23:03 > 0:23:07- everyone says, about flooding, the water.- Yes.
0:23:07 > 0:23:10It's impossible for the water to come over the sea wall,
0:23:10 > 0:23:14so tell all your mums and dads, they're safe.
0:23:14 > 0:23:18Right, follow me, and we're going to walk over the sea wall.
0:23:21 > 0:23:24This is where there's petrol,
0:23:24 > 0:23:28diesel, and aviation fuel for the aeroplanes, right?
0:23:28 > 0:23:32They look a bit funny with their big hats.
0:23:32 > 0:23:33- I thought they was Chinese.- Chinese!
0:23:33 > 0:23:36No, we go to a different shop for that one, babe.
0:23:38 > 0:23:40Orthodox Jews, are they? Orthodox Jews.
0:23:40 > 0:23:43- Yeah, ultra... - Yeah, ultra-Orthodox Jews.
0:23:43 > 0:23:46Do you not learn about different religions at school, at your school?
0:23:46 > 0:23:49- No.- Do you not learn about more religions than just your religion?
0:23:49 > 0:23:53- No.- Sometimes we're learning about Africans.- Not a lot.
0:23:53 > 0:23:57Did you not learn about the Germans?
0:23:57 > 0:23:59- They wasn't very friendly.- No.
0:23:59 > 0:24:01Years and years ago they didn't like each other.
0:24:01 > 0:24:02The Germans were horrible to the Jews.
0:24:02 > 0:24:04Well, not that they didn't like them,
0:24:04 > 0:24:07the Germans were horrible to the Jews, that's right. Not nice.
0:24:07 > 0:24:10It's a shame that religion only ever hurts people.
0:24:10 > 0:24:11That's right, it does.
0:24:12 > 0:24:15Chris knows he has to think Victorian.
0:24:15 > 0:24:18But he's not sure he can mention the war.
0:24:18 > 0:24:22- That plaque...- Yeah?- ..is about a Second World War bomber.
0:24:22 > 0:24:25- Right.- Is it OK to mention?
0:24:25 > 0:24:28- Yes, sure.- That's all right? OK, I just wanted to...
0:24:28 > 0:24:29Mention the Germans.
0:24:29 > 0:24:31Well, yeah, I wanted to clear that
0:24:31 > 0:24:35because I wanted to understand what's what. OK.
0:24:36 > 0:24:39You can see in the Second World War, the German planes
0:24:39 > 0:24:41used to come up the river.
0:24:41 > 0:24:43This is how they worked out where London was.
0:24:43 > 0:24:48So in this area, there's lots of parts of different
0:24:48 > 0:24:54aircraft and a lot of guys who were German pilots...
0:24:55 > 0:24:56..they died here.
0:24:56 > 0:25:00Or they were picked up and they were taken ashore as prisoners of war.
0:25:00 > 0:25:01- Yes.- Right?
0:25:01 > 0:25:05So this whole area is full of different parts
0:25:05 > 0:25:08of aeroplanes that have...
0:25:08 > 0:25:12- Now, too?- Yeah, yeah. It's found all the time.
0:25:12 > 0:25:16So we're going to have a five-minute drink here, right,
0:25:16 > 0:25:19and then we're going to be 20 minutes to where the bus is.
0:25:19 > 0:25:22They're lovely kids, they really are.
0:25:22 > 0:25:26I own the hotel on Canvey, have you seen it, The Oysterfleet?
0:25:35 > 0:25:38Now it's time for Chris's next plan, the big meal.
0:25:38 > 0:25:42He needs to know the strict religious rules for the occasion,
0:25:42 > 0:25:44or the Hasidics won't turn up.
0:25:45 > 0:25:48The rabbis have suggested Steve act as a go-between.
0:25:50 > 0:25:52Have you had any contact with any of the ladies?
0:25:52 > 0:25:54No, but I'm terrified to meet them, actually.
0:25:54 > 0:25:58I am looking forward to the day but I'm terrified.
0:25:58 > 0:26:01- And I don't know whether to go and shake hands with them...- Oh.
0:26:01 > 0:26:04..or how to greet them, and I've got to take advice on all of this.
0:26:04 > 0:26:05I'd say it's a no handshake situation.
0:26:05 > 0:26:08I'm understanding it's a no handshake situation.
0:26:08 > 0:26:11Are we going to mix this, are we?
0:26:11 > 0:26:13Yeah, but men and women separate.
0:26:13 > 0:26:15Yeah, no, I understand that.
0:26:15 > 0:26:17- It can be a girls' end and a boys' end.- Absolutely.
0:26:17 > 0:26:22So the bottom line is, it's got to be glatt kosher,
0:26:22 > 0:26:25it's not just kosher, it's got to be super kosher for these guys.
0:26:25 > 0:26:27Right.
0:26:29 > 0:26:32Chris is inviting local residents to the meal.
0:26:33 > 0:26:35Gary and Sharon are neighbours of the Hasidics on Canvey.
0:26:37 > 0:26:40I'd like to know why they've moved on to the island,
0:26:40 > 0:26:42what's brought them to the island.
0:26:42 > 0:26:44I want to know what their daily routine is.
0:26:44 > 0:26:45Yeah, I would like to know that
0:26:45 > 0:26:47because I'd be able to tell them mine,
0:26:47 > 0:26:49so I'd see if they were on par with mine!
0:26:49 > 0:26:52Do they go to work? I don't know. Do they go to work or...?
0:26:52 > 0:26:55Do they pray all day?
0:26:55 > 0:26:58I don't know. You know, it would just be nice
0:26:58 > 0:27:00just to find out exactly what they do.
0:27:03 > 0:27:05So they need to be trusting the Canvey people
0:27:05 > 0:27:09and I think coming out a little bit more and understanding us
0:27:09 > 0:27:10so we can understand them.
0:27:15 > 0:27:18To encourage more people to move to Canvey,
0:27:18 > 0:27:20the community have bought a house for the families
0:27:20 > 0:27:22to try out the island for the weekend.
0:27:24 > 0:27:26The Shavuot, a Jewish holiday to celebrate
0:27:26 > 0:27:28the giving of the commandments.
0:27:29 > 0:27:32Rachel and her sister Miriam are getting ready
0:27:32 > 0:27:36for a picnic on the beach with their extended family.
0:27:36 > 0:27:39They're very positive about it, the residents here.
0:27:39 > 0:27:42They really dream of it building up a little bit, you know?
0:27:42 > 0:27:44We had a garden party yesterday, they were really nice,
0:27:44 > 0:27:46and they looked more like Kew Gardens to me.
0:27:46 > 0:27:48It was something special.
0:27:52 > 0:27:56- BOTH:- I love Canvey Island!
0:27:58 > 0:28:01THEY LAUGH
0:28:01 > 0:28:04- Wow!- Are you joining us for Shavuot?
0:28:05 > 0:28:10This is a sister of ours and her family coming down from London.
0:28:10 > 0:28:12They love surprising us.
0:28:18 > 0:28:21Do you think it's strange that everyone's stripped off
0:28:21 > 0:28:23on the beach?
0:28:23 > 0:28:25Sort of, yeah.
0:28:26 > 0:28:28We just keep modest.
0:28:30 > 0:28:32You're doing it together.
0:28:32 > 0:28:34You all look very different.
0:28:34 > 0:28:38Are you worried about any prejudice from the Canvey community?
0:28:38 > 0:28:41That is... Because of the Jewish history,
0:28:41 > 0:28:43that's always in the back of the mind of people,
0:28:43 > 0:28:46that's always something that we are ready for,
0:28:46 > 0:28:48going out, holidays or this and that.
0:28:48 > 0:28:50And there's things that we do face.
0:28:50 > 0:28:54We come to a new area, people see us for the first time, Jewish people,
0:28:54 > 0:28:56we expect they will ask questions and some will ask questions
0:28:56 > 0:29:00in a nice way and some will rather shout something derogatory.
0:29:03 > 0:29:06Barry and John from the Canvey Bay Watch group
0:29:06 > 0:29:08help monitor the seafront.
0:29:10 > 0:29:14Good to see them congregating with all of us.
0:29:15 > 0:29:19They seem to have walked right up the other end of the beach
0:29:19 > 0:29:21to be on their own.
0:29:21 > 0:29:23Whether that's just because they wanted to sit up this
0:29:23 > 0:29:25end or not, we don't know.
0:29:25 > 0:29:29But, I mean, all the others are down there. So...
0:29:29 > 0:29:31If I was going to a beach, I'd want to be out of the way,
0:29:31 > 0:29:33I wouldn't want to be around everybody,
0:29:33 > 0:29:36so I don't see that as a problem for Jewish people.
0:29:36 > 0:29:38I'm not saying that, I'm just saying that they couldn't
0:29:38 > 0:29:41have got much further down the beach,
0:29:41 > 0:29:44if they wanted to be on the beach, could they?
0:29:44 > 0:29:47They couldn't have got much further down there.
0:29:47 > 0:29:50I mean, there's nothing stopping them...
0:29:50 > 0:29:54Between the last person and there is probably half of the beach.
0:29:54 > 0:29:56I don't know, Barry, to me, does it matter?
0:29:56 > 0:29:58I mean...
0:29:58 > 0:30:03I'm not saying I want them to totally integrate with each other,
0:30:03 > 0:30:08I'm just saying that I think they won't be able to integrate as much,
0:30:08 > 0:30:12because of the rules of their religion, you know?
0:30:17 > 0:30:21The community now own 30 houses on the island.
0:30:21 > 0:30:23Naftali and Miriam's dream house is ready.
0:30:23 > 0:30:27It's probably going to take time to settle down.
0:30:27 > 0:30:32It takes time to sink in that the kids can actually run round carefree
0:30:32 > 0:30:36and to actually to have the sun and come out together with it,
0:30:36 > 0:30:40and play and refresh ourselves, and it's absolutely lovely.
0:30:44 > 0:30:47What are your dreams in life?
0:30:47 > 0:30:51To be the very best mother that I am capable of.
0:30:52 > 0:30:53Mummy!
0:30:56 > 0:30:59I love flying.
0:30:59 > 0:31:01I love to play the cello.
0:31:01 > 0:31:03I love martial arts.
0:31:03 > 0:31:05Expensive, but love, yes.
0:31:05 > 0:31:09Doing taekwondo in Stamford Hill, I hope to continue here.
0:31:10 > 0:31:12I'm quite an adventurous person.
0:31:12 > 0:31:16I'll take anything that brings in life
0:31:16 > 0:31:19and anything that brings colour into our life.
0:31:23 > 0:31:25Careful.
0:31:31 > 0:31:34Preparations for the meal are under way.
0:31:34 > 0:31:38The rabbis have told Chris the meal has to be strictly kosher.
0:31:39 > 0:31:43Israel, a Hasidic chef, cooks the food according to Jewish law.
0:31:44 > 0:31:48Cooking for tonight I make haddock, breaded,
0:31:48 > 0:31:50and after it'll be chips.
0:31:52 > 0:31:55Everything must be kosher.
0:31:55 > 0:31:58The kitchen has special areas for meat and dairy.
0:31:58 > 0:32:01Fish have to have fins and scales,
0:32:01 > 0:32:03and even the gas used to cook can only be switched on
0:32:03 > 0:32:05by a kosher chef.
0:32:14 > 0:32:17It's the evening of the big meal.
0:32:17 > 0:32:19Chris, we've got a few sort of nibbles,
0:32:19 > 0:32:22- we'll put those out on the table. - Yeah, put everything on the table.
0:32:22 > 0:32:26Reverend David Tudor, Danielle, Barry and Biff are all here.
0:32:26 > 0:32:30And even Rebecca Harris, Conservative MP for Canvey turns up.
0:32:32 > 0:32:34But the Hasidics have still not arrived.
0:32:38 > 0:32:42I know what I'm going to get this lot for Christmas, watches.
0:32:45 > 0:32:46It is touch-and-go right now.
0:32:46 > 0:32:48I mean, we've been waiting here an hour.
0:32:48 > 0:32:50Everyone's getting a bit uncomfortable.
0:32:50 > 0:32:53You know, the band's warmed up, everybody's ready to go,
0:32:53 > 0:32:55and the star turn's not rocked up yet.
0:32:55 > 0:32:58So, for all the talk of integration and hands across the water,
0:32:58 > 0:33:01actually, when it comes to the crunch, and we're going to try
0:33:01 > 0:33:03and get people together, you know what,
0:33:03 > 0:33:06they may not do it, because this could be where they think,
0:33:06 > 0:33:08"Well, do we really need to sit down with...
0:33:10 > 0:33:11"..Canvey?"
0:33:14 > 0:33:17An hour and a quarter late, they finally turn up.
0:33:17 > 0:33:21Listening to non-Jewish music, watching TV,
0:33:21 > 0:33:26there's this whole idea of contamination, corruption,
0:33:26 > 0:33:32being infected with something which is alien to their clear-headed path,
0:33:32 > 0:33:35which is a holy and respectful path.
0:33:35 > 0:33:38In the absence of a wall between the men and the women,
0:33:38 > 0:33:41the food table is creating a makeshift barrier.
0:33:41 > 0:33:43Gents on this side, ladies on this side.
0:33:43 > 0:33:46- You're on that side.- I know.
0:33:46 > 0:33:49My husband's the local councillor, Barry Campagna.
0:33:49 > 0:33:50You'll see his face in the paper.
0:33:50 > 0:33:52I have to look at it every day!
0:33:52 > 0:33:54With introductions over,
0:33:54 > 0:33:57it's time to find out if Chris's choice of entertainment
0:33:57 > 0:33:59will go down well.
0:33:59 > 0:34:03My band started out from here in 1974.
0:34:03 > 0:34:05And we're very lucky tonight,
0:34:05 > 0:34:07we've have the guitarist of Dr Feelgood.
0:34:07 > 0:34:10Steve is going to play three songs for us.
0:34:10 > 0:34:12- APPLAUSE - Thank you.
0:34:19 > 0:34:21# White boy in town
0:34:21 > 0:34:24# Big black, blue sound
0:34:24 > 0:34:26# Nightclub, I paid in
0:34:26 > 0:34:29# I got a stamp on my skin
0:34:29 > 0:34:32# Black man rhythm with a white boy beat
0:34:32 > 0:34:35# Black man rhythm with a white boy beat
0:34:35 > 0:34:37# They got him on milk and alcohol
0:34:39 > 0:34:43# They got him on milk and alcohol. #
0:34:43 > 0:34:45It's the first time many of the Canveyites
0:34:45 > 0:34:48are trying kosher food and wine.
0:34:48 > 0:34:51- What are these?- Which ones?- These.
0:34:51 > 0:34:54- Those are spring rolls.- Yes.
0:34:54 > 0:34:56- These are fish.- What do they have in the spring rolls?
0:34:56 > 0:34:58They've got some cabbage in them
0:34:58 > 0:35:00and they've been fried in a kind of pastry, as you can see.
0:35:00 > 0:35:04Oh, I just need a little piece, I can't be doing with fish.
0:35:04 > 0:35:08That's Israeli... Israeli wine, Chardonnay, Sauvignon blanc.
0:35:08 > 0:35:10- It's very nice.- I don't think it tastes much different
0:35:10 > 0:35:13- to our white wine.- It's lovely.
0:35:13 > 0:35:16It's got a lovely body.
0:35:16 > 0:35:18So far, so good. It's very nice.
0:35:20 > 0:35:21Oh...
0:35:21 > 0:35:25The Reverend David Tudor would like to say something.
0:35:25 > 0:35:28Whatever our religion, whatever our tradition,
0:35:28 > 0:35:32what we have in common is our humanity.
0:35:32 > 0:35:37And although the books that we call holy have many differences,
0:35:37 > 0:35:40the one thing in common that our books have
0:35:40 > 0:35:44is the welcome of the stranger.
0:35:44 > 0:35:46And so, in a sense, we're all strangers,
0:35:46 > 0:35:50we're all travelling through this earth,
0:35:50 > 0:35:53and in a sense, we all belong, and we're the same family.
0:35:54 > 0:35:58So may the God of Abraham bless us this night.
0:35:59 > 0:36:01Thank you.
0:36:09 > 0:36:13Gary has an important question for the chef Israel.
0:36:13 > 0:36:15All of my family and all of my friends
0:36:15 > 0:36:19and the people downstairs who I was drinking with before I come up here,
0:36:19 > 0:36:25can't wait till you open a shop selling bagels.
0:36:25 > 0:36:28- So when are you going to do it? - We'll see, OK.
0:36:28 > 0:36:30- Top man. We all love it.- OK.
0:36:30 > 0:36:34He's going to open a bagel shop and he's going to be the cook.
0:36:34 > 0:36:38And I'll be the first one in there, brother.
0:36:38 > 0:36:40On the island we've got a place called The Paddocks,
0:36:40 > 0:36:42so is that somewhere where you'd take your children?
0:36:42 > 0:36:43There's, like, a sandpit.
0:36:43 > 0:36:47- We'd only consider it if it's going to be girls only or boys only.- OK.
0:36:47 > 0:36:49Even our weddings are separated.
0:36:49 > 0:36:53Women can't be seen usually by the men, so we'd usually have a wall.
0:36:53 > 0:36:55Yeah, even this wouldn't really be allowed.
0:36:55 > 0:36:58Actually, though, when we have, like, a party,
0:36:58 > 0:37:01all the women go one place and all the men go the other.
0:37:01 > 0:37:03Yeah, but they actually separate them off, I like it.
0:37:03 > 0:37:05I know...
0:37:07 > 0:37:10I'm going to have a party this year, men and women -
0:37:10 > 0:37:12a wall down the middle of the garden.
0:37:12 > 0:37:15- Well, we can come to that if you do that.- OK.
0:37:15 > 0:37:17Hi, everybody.
0:37:17 > 0:37:21I'd like to give my thanks to all of you here.
0:37:21 > 0:37:27I have never experienced a non-Jewish community so welcoming,
0:37:27 > 0:37:33so open-hearted and so friendly to us Jewish people.
0:37:33 > 0:37:34APPLAUSE
0:37:34 > 0:37:37I hope... Stop, I haven't finished.
0:37:37 > 0:37:41I hope that we will not let you down.
0:37:41 > 0:37:44We will live side by side,
0:37:44 > 0:37:48and although we've got our own very strict rules and regulations,
0:37:48 > 0:37:51which you will think we're mad, and we are,
0:37:51 > 0:37:55but don't worry about that. We are. But your tolerance...
0:37:55 > 0:37:57And, you know, we let you do what you want
0:37:57 > 0:37:59and we do our own lifestyle.
0:37:59 > 0:38:03But I just want to tell you, together we will make Canvey Island
0:38:03 > 0:38:06a great, great place in the world.
0:38:06 > 0:38:08APPLAUSE
0:38:10 > 0:38:12The meal is a success.
0:38:12 > 0:38:14The women are exchanging numbers...
0:38:14 > 0:38:160797...
0:38:16 > 0:38:18..and the men are getting to know each other.
0:38:18 > 0:38:21- We welcome you on the island. - I'm very touched.
0:38:21 > 0:38:23So I want a man hug.
0:38:23 > 0:38:26- I am not used to this so you have to teach me.- I'll teach you.
0:38:26 > 0:38:29- Like that, that's it.- Group hug! - A squeeze.
0:38:29 > 0:38:33And he keeps on looking after us all the time.
0:38:33 > 0:38:36- That's my job, I'm the fixer. - Thank you very much.
0:38:36 > 0:38:39But Steve thinks there's still a way to go.
0:38:39 > 0:38:43I mean, I think their religion is always going to be an obstacle
0:38:43 > 0:38:46to fully integrating.
0:38:46 > 0:38:47I hear the priest and I say,
0:38:47 > 0:38:50"Yeah, sure, we should meet you halfway."
0:38:50 > 0:38:53But I think for these guys, even meeting halfway
0:38:53 > 0:38:54is going to be tough.
0:38:54 > 0:38:56The Hasidic community is here to stay,
0:38:56 > 0:38:59but the strict Orthodox laws of the Torah
0:38:59 > 0:39:02always make it difficult for them to fully assimilate
0:39:02 > 0:39:03with other communities.
0:39:06 > 0:39:09The one thing with Canvey people is they won't take no for an answer.
0:39:09 > 0:39:11And, no, I was very pleased with tonight.
0:39:11 > 0:39:12Well done you. I appreciate it.
0:39:12 > 0:39:15- No, well done you, and well done everyone that was involved.- Yeah.
0:39:15 > 0:39:18It's not an easy thing to pull together.
0:39:18 > 0:39:21- So well done to you, Steve. - Aw, well done, mate!
0:39:23 > 0:39:26- Anyway.- Well done, sir.- Mazeltov.
0:39:26 > 0:39:27We don't do mazeltov.
0:39:27 > 0:39:30Mazeltov means when you have a baby - you say mazel tov.
0:39:30 > 0:39:32There isn't a word. There's l'chaim.
0:39:32 > 0:39:34- What is l'chaim?- "To life".
0:39:34 > 0:39:38- To life. Actually, I'll take that. L'chaim.- L'chaim.- L'chaim.