By, Josh Jackman
2 min read
ByJosh Jackman, Josh Jackman
Rabbi Laura Janner-Klausner
Senior Rabbi to the Movement for Reform Judaism - Stay in
"I think as Jews we have so much to be grateful for in terms of international stability and co-operation. As Jews, since the EU was set up, we've seen a level of civility in Europe that we've never seen before. When countries are unstable, it ricochets, either economically or militarily, on to Jews.
"The issues around finances, independence and EU laws need to be worked out so they are equitable to all, but I'm committed to the EU.
"We need a coordinated Jewish response to this. We had a really strong cross-communal response to the refugee crisis, and we need that to the referendum too. If we had never been part of the EU that would be one thing, but divorcing ourselves from the EU? We know what happens to the weaker side in divorces."
Rabbi Jonathan Romain
Maidenhead Synagogue - Stay in
"In addition to all the economic and political arguments that are at the forefront, there is a strong moral and ethical issue that is not being heard about the EU's core function in promoting harmony and co-operation.
"The only caveat is that the EU has to recognise the importance of national identities within the superstructure, because if it surpasses them it will cause a backlash and disintegration.
"The Jewish side is the moral and ethical issue. It is not just about sovereignty, the Queen's head on our stamps or the pound in our pocket, but about relations between nation states and individuals."
Rabbi Sandra Kviat
Danish-born Liberal Judaism rabbi - Stay in
"A greater whole is better for everyone, instead of pretending we can live as an island. That is not the way the world works anymore.
"The big financial institutions are saying the same thing. It is a worry to me that we think we can do it all on our own. It is a worry for me that we think we can do human rights on our own as well.
"This feels like a part of the idea that foreigners are scary and dangerous, and as a foreigner myself I find that very difficult, especially as I see the benefits of moving across boundaries.
"Most people don't come over to countries for benefits, they come to contribute. I am not just Danish or British, I am European, a member of a better whole."
Rabbi Abraham Pinter
Leading Charedi communal figure - Stay in
"It's very complex. From an economic point of view, the argument is to stay in, but I'm concerned because there's something very special about being British, which recently seems to be being eroded.
"We are a traditionally conservative country, and family values and Jewish things like brit milah seem to be very safe in our British way of life. "A big part of the opposition is based on a negative view of immigration, and I would not be alive to give a view if it wasn't for immigration.
"People who make judgments on single issues show poor judgement."
Rabbi Yitzchak Schochet
Mill Hill United Synagogue - Unsure
"I've had many conversations about it, and like everyone else I've spoken to, I'm unsure.
"I would venture to say that there are perhaps economic benefits to staying within the EU, but I would question whether there is any inherent benefit to staying in for the Jewish community."
Rabbi David Lister
Edgware United Synagogue - Unsure
"The lesson of the Amidah is crystal clear. Security, good healthcare and financial stability are of most value if they are predicated on wisdom, spiritual ambition and an ability to recognise and remedy shortcomings. These are our goals as we reflect on the June 23 referendum.
"We have to choose not only where our prosperity lies, not only how to safeguard our economy, healthcare and security, but how our vote can do most good."
