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Board of Deputies expresses solidarity with Muslim communities following attack
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Board of Deputies Vice President Marie van der Zyl expresses her support for Muslim communities in an interview with Sky News Arabia, at Finsbury Park on Monday
Board of Deputies President Jonathan Arkush condemned this week's terrorist attack outside a mosque in north London.
Jonathan said: “We condemn the attack on Muslim worshippers in Finsbury Park. Our heartfelt sympathy, thoughts and prayers are with the victims. This weekend, the Jewish community joined Muslims and others up and down the country for the Great Get Together in memory of Jo Cox. All good people must stand together and join in rejecting hatred and violence from wherever it comes. The way forward is to strengthen the moderate majority and repudiate and marginalise extremism of every type. Hatred of people because of their religion has no place in our society.”
Following the incident, Vice President Marie van der Zyl and Interfaith and Social Action Officer Anthony Silkoff attended a meeting at Finsbury Park Mosque with Prime Minister Theresa May and faith leaders to discuss responses to terrorism and community cohesion.
Board of Deputies honorary officers and staff have been attending a number of events with representatives of Muslim communities. Marie van der Zyl and Anthony Silkoff attended the Great Get Together interfaith Iftar hosted by the Muslim Women’s Council in Bradford to remember Jo Cox, alongside Bishop Toby Howarth, Laurence Saffer from Leeds Jewish Representative Council, and other faith leaders.
Jonathan Arkush and Parliamentary Officer Joel Salmon attended the Great Get Together and Big Iftar event near London Bridge with families and leaders of all faiths, where they shared a meal and broke the fast together.
Gillian Merron gave a speech at the London Central Mosque’s interfaith iftar, alongside other faith leaders and Karen Buck MP.
Anthony Silkoff attended an iftar hosted by the Ismaili Centre in London, alongside London Mayor Sadiq Khan and representatives of other faith communities.
Women in Jewish Leadership celebration event with (left to right) Board of Deputies Chief Executive Gillian Merron, WJL Co-Chair Norma Brier, NUS President Elect Shakira Martin and WJL Co-Chair Laura Marks. See story below
Vice President Sheila Gewolb's letter published in today's Times on the benefits of a faith school education
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Praise for achievements of Women in Jewish Leadership at celebration event
Speakers including Shakira Martin, the president-elect of the National Union of Students, last night celebrated the achievements of Women in Jewish Leadership (WJL) – the project founded to address gender equality issues in the community.
Shakira Martin told the audience at the event in central London that “by coming together, women of ethnic minorities can smash the glass ceiling”. She added that during her presidency she would be providing support for Jewish students on campus.
Board of Deputies Chief Executive Gillian Merron praised the contribution of Women in Jewish Leadership Co-Chair Laura Marks. She said: “Laura, thank you for everything you’ve done. You have truly blazed a trail for women in the Jewish community.”
Gillian added: “Over a short period of time, all of you – staff and volunteers alike – have secured changes and growing levels of communal awareness concerning gender equality within our communal institutions.
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Organisations, which, it has to be said, have often leant towards more conservative attitudes.”
Laura Marks said: “We have moved a long way in six years, with the help of an army of talented people. But an issue which has existed for millennia can’t be solved in one generation. The challenge for The Board of Deputies, communal organisations, The Association of Jewish Women’s Organisations and everyone in our community, is to really think about equality and how we can all play a role in driving change.”
Read the full article here.
Board of Deputies reacts to Tim Farron's resignation
Board of Deputies President Jonathan Arkush has reacted to the resignation of Tim Farron as Liberal Democrat leader.
He said: Tim Farron made admirable progress in reaching out to the Jewish community and in taking action against bigotry in his party. We wish him well and look forward to working with his successor to continue the positive trajectory of engagement with British Jews.”
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Board of Deputies Activity
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2017 DINNER
Save the date for the President's Dinner, which will take place on Monday September 11. More information to come soon. To host a table, please contact Bernice Black on 020-7543 5426 or at dinner2017@bod.org.uk
EDUCATION
Vice President Sheila Gewolb attended the Standing Advisory Council for Religious Education (SACRE) conference in Penrith, where she promoted the Board of Deputies GCSE Judaism Resource and the Jewish Living Experience (JLE) outreach programme to RE teachers from all over Cumbria.
A Jewish Living Tour took place for 50 Year 9 students from St Thomas More Catholic School. The tour began at Bushey Cemetery with explanations of Jewish burial and mourning rituals. This was followed by a tour of Elstree & Borehamwood Synagogue, a question and answer session with Rabbi Alex Chapper, kosher pizza lunch supplied by Eli’s Pizzas, a demonstration by a scribe and a visit to the local kosher shop. A similar tour has been arranged for the school’s Year 10 students. Thanks to all of our volunteer guides.
INTERNATIONAL
Grassroots and Advocacy Consultant Steven Jaffe visited Northern Ireland with Rony Yedidya Clein, director of Public Affairs at the Israeli embassy in London. Both spoke at an Evening to Celebrate Israel at the Northern Ireland Assembly buildings at Stormont organised by the International Christian Embassy of Jerusalem.
Steven Jaffe and Rony Yedidya Clein met with Ian Paisley MP to discuss post-election political developments in Northern Ireland and at Westminster.
Steven Jaffe helped arrange a roundtable which Rony Yedidya Clein led to discuss women's issues in Israel and Northern Ireland. This meeting was hosted by Dr Katy Radford of the Institute of Conflict Research. A number of leading participants in community relations, conflict resolution and the arts in Northern Ireland participated in the roundtable.
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POLITICAL
President Jonathan Arkush spoke at a counter-demonstration to the Al Quds Day rally in London.
MEDIA
Marie van der Zyl spoke about the Al Quds Day rally on Talk Radio.
GRENFELL TOWER
We were appalled by the tragic fire which took so many lives at Grenfell Tower. Synagogues and communities have been rallying around with donations, supplies and have been generous with their time. We understand that the local council needs trauma counsellors both for adults and children. If anyone can help, please contact grenfellvolunteers@rbkc.gov.uk.
COMMUNITY
Jonathan Arkush was guest speaker at the Wizo's Rebecca Sieff Day, talking about the impact of the Board of Deputies Jewish Manifesto. Chief Executive Gillian Merron also attended.
Gillian Merron was the guest speaker at the United Synagogue's Women's Dinner.
Senior Vice President Richard Verber spoke at Menorah Synagogue.
INTERFAITH
Interfaith and Social Action Officer Anthony Silkoff met Daniel Leon, an architect who is working with others from different faith traditions, to design a place of worship that all can share. The initiative is entitled FridaySaturdaySunday.
SOCIAL ACTION
Vice President Marie van der Zyl attended a reception held by family support charity Home-Start Camden.
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