A Welsh Jewish cultural centre has removed Huw Edwards as patron, following pressure from Jewish sexual abuse support services.

The Foundation for Jewish Heritage made the former BBC presenter a patron of their project to restore Merthyr Tydfil synagogue in 2022, thanks to funding from the National Lottery.

Yesterday, a spokesperson told the JC: “Huw Edwards is no longer a Patron of the Merthyr Tydfil synagogue project and therefore no longer has an association with our organisation”.

This comes after Migdal Emunah, the only Jewish UK-wide sexual abuse support service helping children, women and men called for Welsh-born Edwards to be removed from his position with the project.

Migdal Emunah chief executive Erica Marks welcomed Edwards’ removal “wholeheartedly”. She told the JC: “In these circumstances I would encourage any organisation to act with an awareness and sensitivity that is reflective of the trauma and distress caused. The paramount motivation must, and should always, be for the protection and wellbeing of any victim and their families, and to provide support and care for them as required”.

Laurence Kahn, chair of the South Wales Jewish Rep Council, said it was “obvious” that Edwards had to be removed as patron of the Merthyr Tydfil project.

Merthyr Tydfil synagogue (Photo: Foundation for Jewish Heritage)

Last Wednesday, Edwards pleaded guilty to three counts of making indecent images of children. The broadcaster admitted to having 41 indecent images of children, including seven category A images – the most serious classification.

The Merthyr Tydfil synagogue project is a long-term restoration and renovation project to turn the synagogue in Merthyr Tydfil, Wales, into the Welsh Jewish Cultural Centre.