Chief Rabbi joins town-hall meeting to discuss response to Gaza conflict
The Chief Rabbi advocated a proactive approach to supporting Israel for the Jewish community at a packed town-hall meeting convened to discuss British Jewry’s response to Israel’s ongoing conflict in Gaza.
The meeting, which saw a panel of representatives from the JLC, UJIA, Bicom and the CST – as well as the Chief Rabbi – speak out on issues ranging from how best to promote Israel’s case to the local repercussions of the war, was arranged in haste by the Board of Deputies. Among the local issues debated were concerns about anti-Semitism, the need for greater security and the role of education in creating strong advocates for Israel.
Chief Rabbi Mirvis told the audience, which numbered near 700, that he felt compelled “to express solidarity with Israel at this time,” acknowledging the challenging nature of the situation and recognising the community’s desire “to engage in positive action.” He added that while “Antisemitism concerns us, communal unity strengthens us.”
