A proper legacy
Enoch Powell’s famous maxim that all political careers end in failure is not entirely true, as Jonathan Arkush’s term as President of the Board of Deputies shows. It is not a political role as such but it is nonetheless intensely political in the sense of needing fine judgment and building coalitions of support.
It is to Mr Arkush’s immense credit that he has decided to step down after one term, when people are wondering why he has not stood again, rather than after two terms, when they might wonder why he did. Mr Arkush has not been afraid to lead; he has not always made the right call but better a leader who sometimes takes a misstep than one who is afraid to say anything of substance lest someone is upset.
The Board itself is in better shape than for many years, with excellent professional staff and cordial relations with the Jewish Leadership Council. Mr Arkush leaves a legacy of which he can be proud.
