Who are we?
The Board of Deputies of British Jews exists to promote and defend the religious rights and civil liberties of British Jewry. As the community's democratically elected cross-communal organisation, the Board engages with Government, media and wider society, providing a unique means through which all British Jews can be heard and represented.
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Statement: Itamar Murders
Meeting in Paris with counterparts from CRIF yesterday (13 March), the Board of Deputies of British Jews joined them in expressing abhorrence at the brutal murders of a family of five, including young children, by terrorists who escaped the scene.
Such an unspeakable act should draw universal and unequivocal condemnation. We are furious and saddened by Hamas's callous reaction, giving further evidence that this is not a group with whom anyone can negotiate peace.
The Board sends its condolences to the Fogel family and their wider community at this extremely painful time.
Statement: Japanese Earthquake -Tsunami
As the full and devastating effect of Friday's earthquake reveals itself, we join the Japanese people in mourning the terrible losses suffered.
We pray for the victims and those who have had to endure such unimaginable suffering. As British Jews we note with solemn pride the role played by both British and Israeli rescue teams in providing assistance to the humanitarian response to this disaster.
The Board has relayed its condolences to HE the Japanese Ambassador.
Statement on the UK Upgrade of Status of PA Delegation to the UK
The Board of Deputies of British Jews notes the decision of the UK Government to upgrade the status of the Palestinian Delegation to the level of a Mission despite the refusal of the Palestinian Authority to return to direct negotiations with Israel. The Government’s decision sends the wrong signal to the PA that it can reap rewards by doing nothing. The Government has compounded the error with rhetoric about setting deadlines for the creation of an interim Palestinian state by September this year when it is clear that a lasting settlement can only be produced by agreement between the parties.
The Board also notes that contrary to the UK government's latest announcement the Palestinian Delegation has now of its own accord upgraded its status to that of an ‘Embassy’ and lists its General Delegate as an ‘Ambassador’. The Government should immediately ensure this is corrected.
Shechita in the Netherlands
Yesterday (8 March), Vivian Wineman, President of the Board of Deputies and Henry Grunwald, Chairman of Shechita UK, met with the Dutch Deputy Ambassador to the UK to discuss legislation that would see Shechita, the practice of Jewish religious slaughter, outlawed in the Netherlands.
The meeting was part of a concerted effort by Jewish representative organisations in France, the UK, Germany and the Netherlands, to protect this vital Jewish practice. It came just months after legislation within the European Union which threatened the future viability of Shechita had successfully been defeated by efforts from the Board, Shechita UK and the European Jewish Congress.
Deputy Ambassador Westhoff gave the Board assurances that he would pass on our concerns in order to inform the debate within the Dutch Parliament. He was unaware that banning Shechita could well contradict an EU regulation which recognises the validity of slaughter according to religious methods and guarantees that kosher meat can be traded freely in all EU countries.