Nadine Osman
Five elected members of the Board of Deputies of British Jews—the UK’s largest and most influential organisation representing the Jewish community—have been suspended for two years following their public criticism of Israel’s military operations in Gaza.
In April, 36 members of the Board signed an open letter published in the Financial Times expressing serious concerns about Israel’s renewed military campaign in Gaza. The letter condemned the assault and the withholding of food and aid to Gaza, stating, “Israel’s soul is being ripped out… We stand against the war … it is our duty, as Jews, to speak out.” The letter also emphasized the humanitarian crisis, warning that hundreds of thousands of Palestinians were on the brink of starvation.
Following the letter’s publication, the Board launched a two-month internal investigation. The findings, released on June 24, 2024, concluded that the signatories had breached the Board’s code of conduct by publicly issuing a statement that many media outlets and community members mistakenly interpreted as an official Board position. The Board said deputies must not misrepresent the organisation or bring it into disrepute.
As a result, 31 signatories received formal notices of criticism. Five deputies were suspended for two years, with removal from elected roles where relevant. The Board indicated that three of those suspended may have their suspension reduced to six months if they issue formal apologies.
Michael Wegier, Chief Executive of the Board of Deputies, said, “We are a democratic organisation that welcomes debate, diversity and free speech. Managing this diversity of opinion within our organisation depends on our code of conduct. That code ensures deputies do not create misunderstandings about the position of the Board or its members, do not bring the institution into disrepute, and treat one another and the institution with respect.”
However, Daniel Grossman, one of the suspended deputies, resigned from the Board in May 2024. He said, “The Board is morally bankrupt and unable to tolerate dissent, even when motivated by ethical concerns.”
Rabbis Charley Baginsky and Josh Levy, both prominent progressive Jewish leaders, supported the suspended deputies’ right to voice criticism. Rabbi Baginsky stated,
“It is vital that members of the community can speak out on difficult truths about Israel without fear of reprisal.”
In May 2024, over 530 British Jews signed a letter coordinated by advocacy group Yachad expressing disappointment with the Board’s silence on Palestinian suffering. The letter accused the Board of presenting a “narrow, partisan” view that does not represent the broader community.
Ami Ayalon, former head of Israel’s Shin Bet security agency and a longtime critic of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, spoke out in support of the suspended deputies. He said, “The 36 Board members were true friends of Israel who expressed the exact concerns and sentiments voiced by thousands at weekly anti-government protests in Israel. It is not easy to speak out, and I commend them for their bravery.”
Since the outbreak of the conflict following Hamas’s attacks on October 7, 2023, the Board has largely maintained a position supportive of the Israeli government. It has criticized the UK government’s suspension of some arms export licences to Israel and opposed the Labour government’s withdrawal of objections to International Criminal Court investigations of Israeli leaders.
Phil Rosenberg, President of the Board, said last month, “It was a mistake for the British government to suspend free trade talks with Israel.”
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