Board of Deputies – 21 abril 2017

by Comunidad Judía · 25 Nisan 5777 – 21 April, 2017

Call for election candidates to show where they stand on Jewish issues

Board of Deputies President Jonathan Arkush has called on candidates in the forthcoming General Election to support the issues and concerns of the UK Jewish community.

Jonathan said: “This is an important time for the Jewish community. The forthcoming General Election is a major opportunity for candidates to demonstrate their stance on the key issues for our community.

“We have a newly updated Jewish Manifesto which we will be sending to candidates, encouraging them to support our ‘Ten Commitments’. Now is the time for our political representatives to show where they stand.”

The Jewish Manifesto can be viewed here. If you would like to order hard copies of the manifesto, email joel.salmon@bod.org.uk

If you would like to see more details or apply for any of the jobs listed above, click here

Guardian journalist Jonathan Freedland (above) will be chairing an “Invest in Peace” event in London in May – a new initiative in which communities are invited to come together to support peace-building in the Middle East (see story below)

First Israeli-Palestinian ‘Invest in Peace’ events with national church announced

Everyone is invited to join the first series of events – involving leading journalist Jonathan Freedland – in the Board of Deputies’ highly anticipated partnership with Churches Together in Britain and Ireland. Hosted by Orthodox and Reform synagogues, in partnership with Methodist and URC churches, this new initiative invites communities to come together to support Israeli-Palestinian Peacebuilding.

In March 2002, Robi Damelin’s son, David, was shot by a Palestinian sniper. He was 28 years old. In January 2007, Bassam Aramin’s 10-year-old daughter, Abir, was shot by an Israeli soldier. As a result of their experiences, Robi and Bassam joined The Parents Circle – Families Forum, which is renowned for its work to promote peace and reconciliation. Now, on a rare visit to London, Robi and Bassam will address audiences at three events. Food and drinks will be served at each. Tickets are free, but registration is essential through the links below:

West Hampstead, 9 May 7pm:hampstead.eventbrite.co.uk

Central London (with The Guardian’s Jonathan Freedland), 10 May 12:15pm:hindestreet.eventbrite.co.uk

Muswell Hill, 10 May 7pm:muswellhillevent.eventbrite.co.uk

For further information, please contact Interfaith and Social Action Officer Anthony Silkoff, on anthony.silkoff@bod.org.uk

Supporters warned over antisemitic chanting ahead of FA Cup semi-final

The Board of Deputies together with Action against Discrimination (AAD) have called on Chelsea FC and Tottenham Hotspur FC, The FA and Metropolitan Police to come to together and take a stand against racist singing and chanting ahead of this weekend’s FA Cup semi-final between the two clubs.

While the two clubs, along with the police and footballing authorities are aware of the problem, Board of Deputies and AAD are asking for all parties to remind fans ahead of the game at Wembley Stadium via their social media platforms, that there is a zero tolerance approach towards racism in football and that offenders will be treated severely.

AAD chairman Jonathan Metliss said: “It’s about time that the vile chanting from the Chelsea supporters towards Tottenham Hotspur supporters is brought to an end. AAD is endeavouring to ensure that this will not take place at the forthcoming Chelsea vs Spurs FA Cup semi-final and to the extent that it does, all offenders should be appropriately dealt with.”

Board of Deputies President Jonathan Arkush and Vice President Marie van der Zyl said: “Sick racist chanting has been an enduring part of the football scene in this country for far too long now. It is a criminal offence and any perpetrators should be arrested and feel the full force of the law.”

Board of Deputies Activity

EDUCATION

Vice President Sheila Gewolb and Education Development Manager Sara Perlmutter attended a meeting at the Jewish Museum with its learning and outreach department.

Sara Perlmutter attended the launch of the “Education Plan for Britain” featuring a speech by Education Secretary Justine Greening.

COMMUNITY

As part of a Board of Deputies speaking tour, Parliamentary Officer Joel Salmon brought diplomatic journalist Shyam Bhatia to Kinloss Synagogue, where he was in conversation with Rabbi Jeremy Lawrence. They spoke about Shyam’s near-death experiences, his relationships with Yitzhak Rabin and Yasser Arafat and his biggest news scoops. If you would like Shyam to speak at your institution, please contact Joel Salmon at joel.salmon@bod.org.uk.

INTERNATIONAL

Public Affairs Director Phil Rosenberg met Stephen Schneider, Director of International Relations at AIPAC, to discuss UK-US-Israel cooperation.

Grassroots and Advocacy Consultant Steven Jaffe spoke at two churches in Northern Ireland on standing with Israel. Over 220 attended the events at Abbots Cross Congregational Church, Newtownabbey, and Larne Mission Hall.

Steven Jaffe arranged a viewing of the exhibition Jerusalem by Ulster artist, Colin Davidson, at the Fitzroy Gallery in central London. Among those attending were Lord Alderdice, Ian Paisley MP, Danny Kinahan MP, Vice President Sheila Gewolb, Education Policy Officer Dawn Waterman and Joel Salmon

Steven Jaffe met Pastor Chris Wickland about launching a Hampshire Friends of Israel.

Steven Jaffe attended a breakfast briefing organised by the United Synagogue. The speaker was David Quarry, UK Ambassador to Israel.