Board of Deputies of British Jews

january report

January’s Plenary took place 5 days before National Holocaust Memorial Day (NHMD), thus its focus was on the Holocaust and associated matters. Our guest speaker, Olivia MarksWoldman, CEO of the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust, emphasised it’s not just about 6 million murdered Jews, but also other slain and tortured minorities. Despite the horrors of the Holocaust, we have learnt ‘Never Again’ has not meant ‘Never Again’ for those still suffering from genocides; for example, the Uyghurs of Tajikistan and others. The Trust’s mission statement was repeated by Edwin Shuker, vicePresident of the Board who chairs the Education and Community Division, who succinctly put it later; ‘Zachor - Remember. Haggadah - Tell. Le Chaim - Take action and live.’ Deputies asked if the commemorations of the Holocaust were too passive; that it wasn’t just the German Nazis who murdered, but also one third who were lost in the Holocaust were killed or handed in by their own homelands.

The President reported on her recent meeting with President Herzog. He is wellaware of the concerns of the Board about the plight of Reform and Progressive Jews and the LGBTQ communities in Israel. She told us, ‘It’s not for the Diaspora to give a running commentary on Israel’s government’s policies, but we can, do, and will continue to comment when appropriate.’ But Israel is a democracy that voted in their government, notwithstanding a small majority. Deputies made their wide-ranging views known - they support a two-state solution, despite the fact that Palestinians under President Abbas do not; why does the Board hold Israel to a different standard than other governments, as it’s a

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double standard; many Israelis do protest; the actions of the new government are harming Israel’s reputation abroad; rather than boycott Israeli visiting ministers, we should keep channels of communication open and use our influence to persuade and chide. One Deputy claimed he was among thousands protesting in Israel against the new government’s indications they will end the Law of Return for Reform and Progressive Jews. He advised that we need to react, pre-empt, and express our views. It was a lively discussion. Why not witness the next plenary yourself, streamed live from the Board’s website?

In the Divisions’ reports, it was noted a £560,000 legacy had been given in recognition of the Board’s work. The Brighton Testator had no connection with the Board. He also left a substantial amount to Trinity College Dublin to continue its ‘wonderful history of good Irish/ Jewish relations.’ Deputies were encouraged to convey this news to their organisations, hoping to elicit more to show how valued and necessary these donations are to each and all of our communities.

Every speaker at the plenary including the honorary officers and Deputies gave fulsome congratulations to the President for her OBE, immediate past President, Jonathan Arkush, and other members of the UK Jewish community on the New Year’s Honours List.