Freddy David, the fraudster whose Ponzi scheme defrauded 55 people, mostly Jewish, of £14.5 million, received a call up in shul on Shabbat, two days before he was jailed for his crimes.

The chairman and rabbi of Borehamwood and Elstree Synagogue, where David was a prominent member and regular shul-goer, have apologised to the community.

David used his standing within the community to scam his victims by selling them fake investments, when he was managing director at wealth management company HBFS Financial Services.

He transferred the money into his own account which he used to fund his lavish lifestyle and gambling addiction.

Between January 2005 and November 2017, David spent £15.6 million on gambling websites. On one day alone, he lost £240,000 while gambling online.

His victims, many of whom are elderly, lost between £20,000 and £750,000.

After David was jailed, the shul’s chairman, Simon Mitchell, apologised for honouring David in a message to members.

“Over the past couple of days, I have rightly fielded a number of calls and emails from members concerned around the perceived position of the community with regard to calling up Mr David on Shabbat in the Limmud Minyan”, Mr Mitchell wrote.

“Mr David should not have been called up. Although there was guidance in place by the honorary officers this perhaps should have been clearer. There was absolutely no malicious intent on the part of those involved and this call up does not reflect BES policy”.

BES’s Rabbi Chaim Kanterovitz also sent a letter of regret to his “beloved community” in which he blamed the decision to call up David on “not know[ing] all the facts”.

He said: "To hear how (his victims') lives have been shattered and the way they were deceived is heart-breaking. In the hours since then I have done much reflecting and soul searching and whilst I passionately believe my role as your Rabbi is supporting members who are facing personal challenges and never passing judgement, in this case, and with the benefit of hindsight, I would have acted differently.

“I truly and sincerely hope that I have not added additional hurt to any of the victims, and if I did I seek their mechila [forgiveness]."

He signed his letter: "With a heavy heart and tears in my eyes".

Mr Mitchell made clear, however, that he wanted to offer support to David’s family, whom he described as “innocent victims of these crimes” as well as others who “have been affected by this terrible crime.”

He also stressed that the shul had not given David any character references and the rabbis who did did so "in a personal capacity" without consulting the honorary officers. 

“I want to clarify that neither BES, the HOs or the United Synagogue have issued any letters of support or character for Freddy David and that any issued by our members or employees were done so in a personal capacity without knowledge or consultation with the HOs who would have guided against it," he said.

Steven Wilson, United Synagogue chief executive, said: "Our hearts go out to the many victims of this despicable crime […]

"We are working with the Rabbis and the Honorary Officers of  our Borehamwood and Elstree community in their efforts to support local victims. In addition, as many of the victims were members of United Synagogue shuls, anyone affected is welcome to call our US Chesed department in confidence and will find a listening ear."

A daughter of one of David's elderly victims told the JC that synagogue's letter "is a mockery, a disgrace. This 'community' needs to come together and help those who have been left crippled by David".

David, 49, was sentenced to six years in prison after pleading guilty to fraud by abusing his position and transfer by deception, at Southwark Crown Court on Monday.