News
by
Comunidad Judía
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3 Tevet 5778 – 21 December, 2017
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Welcome for the BBC’s religion and Ethics Reviews |
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Board of Deputies Chief Executive Gillian Merron has welcomed the BBC’s Religion and Ethics review in which the broadcaster commits to expanding coverage around Jewish festivals.
She said: “The BBC has a vital role to play in dispelling myths and prejudices. We are encouraged that the corporation has undertaken a wide-ranging review, consulting the Board of Deputies and other stakeholders. We are glad that the BBC has committed itself to expanding its coverage around religious festivals. We would also like to see BBC coverage take into account the full diversity of the Jewish community in the UK and for that coverage to strive to be both rigorous and accurate.”
You can read the full review here.

We are looking for an International Relations Officer to take forward the international agenda of the Board of Deputies. Click here for a full specification and details of how to apply |
Board of Deputies welcomes Twitter policy changes on hate posts
Vice President Marie van der Zyl this week responded to Twitter’s new policy changes.
She said: “We welcome Twitter’s toughening stance on extremism and hatred. Social media presents many emerging opportunities, but many emerging challenges as well. Twitter and other social media companies must be continually mindful about making their platforms safe as they evolve. Today’s announcement is very much a step in the right direction.”
Read the JC story here. |
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Deep concern over involvement of the far-right in Austrian coalition
The Board of Deputies is deeply concerned by the coalition agreement reached in Austria which sees the Freedom Party (FPO) return to government with the Austrian People’s Party (ÖVP).
Senior Vice President Richard Verber said: “The far right brought unprecedented misery on Austria and other European countries in the past. It is up to all European countries, including the new Government of Austria, to make sure it does not do so again in the future.
Read the full report here |
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Board of Deputies Activity |
LOCAL GOVERNMENT
Vice President Marie van der Zyl with colleagues from the Jewish Representative Council of Greater Manchester and Shechita UK, this week met Leader of Lancashire County Council, Geoff Driver, to discuss the Council’s recent decision to ban non-mechanically stunned meat from schools. Following the meeting, she said: “I remain troubled by Councillor Driver’s dismissive attitude. He refused to see the danger of his assertion that Jewish and Muslim councillors could not be objective because of their faiths. He also stood by polarising and divisive language that can only harm community relations. Our elected representatives should be taking a lead on how to treat others with respect. Councillor Driver has failed to do that on this occasion.
We will be writing to Councillor Driver to express our views and will continue to work with colleagues to protect our community’s rights.”
EDUCATION
Education Development Manager Sara Perlmutter and Pikuach Director Jeffrey Leader attended the launch of the Ofsted Chief Inspector’s Annual Report in Westminster.
INTERNATIONAL
Public Affairs Director Phil Rosenberg attended celebrations for Bangladesh Independence Day at the British Library with the High Commissioner of Bangladesh. |
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We Believe in Israel and the Zionist Federation are holding an “Activate for Israel” seminar on January 28 in London. For more details or to book, click here.
INTERFAITH
Vice President Sheila Gewolb attended the 10th anniversary celebration of Lapido Media at St Ethelburga’s Centre for Reconciliation and Peace in Bishopsgate, London. Lapido Media works towards the advancement of religious literacy in the media, engaging with journalists and faith communities to overcome religious myths and misconceptions, so that issues concerning diverse religious issues can be fairly reported.
CHANUKAH
Sheila Gewolb attended a Chanukah party for the cheder children at Cardiff United Synagogue.
Sheila Gewolb represented the Board of Deputies at the Civic Menorah Lighting event at Cardiff Reform Synagogue.
Sheila Gewolb represented the Board of Deputies at the Northwood United Synagogue’s Traditional Lighting of the Chanukah Candles event, hosted by Three Rivers District Council. |
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