Put away your egos, we Jews need to work together

Given that Jewish people make up less than one per cent of the UK population, the sheer breadth of communal organisations serving our needs is both astonishing and inspirational. From dealing with physical illness and social welfare to advocating Israel, fighting antisemitism or celebrating the arts, every shade of need is catered for.

That’s not to say it’s easy being involved with communal life. Serving on any kind of voluntary committee can bring out the very best and the absolute worst in its members. Over the years I have negotiated weak chairmen who have allowed me to be slung under the proverbial bus, lost friendships because of an unwillingness to stand up against the clique view. Heck, I was even physically pushed and sworn at by a fellow committee member backstage at a major communal memorial event. I’ve witnessed the politics, the insecurities and the sharp elbows which, in the past have made fulfilling any committee role an absolute misery.

Yet somehow the job gets done – even when four Jews and five opinions seem to suggest the very opposite would occur. That’s the pay off. And so the community continues to reap the benefits.

But where we really fall down as a community is not the variety but connection. Similar organisations whose remits overlaps with others are all too often unwilling and unable to get past their self imposed territorialism to achieve the best results. My sister calls it the art of getting in one’s own way. As own goals go, this one’s a belter.

Certainly in the provinces where the patch is smaller, rivalries, and an inability to share can risk blowing successful collaboration. The goal is lost in a race to the top to claim the photo opportunity. That’s not to say some groups don’t want to talk. It’s just that others don’t want to listen. I’ve seen requests refused, dismissed with a brisk “no need”.

Rather than being strengthened by the sum of our parts we are weakened by those who refuse the invitation to collaborate effectively despite similar goals. All of which leaves a few figureheads claiming they are “on it” and the rest working in silos. This is an approach which leads to duplicated efforts, wasted resources and the risk of a failure of impact.

Yet at a time of spiralling antisemitism it has never been more important for us to pool expertise. Something which, given our size, we have in disproportionate amounts.

Of course organisations such as the Board of Deputies and the Jewish Leadership Council are important umbrella groups which also give us representation at a national level.

But on a local level during this time of existential threats it would make sense for provincial communities to ensure relevant groups talk to each other. For example, if there are antisemitic protests at arts or other venues, then those involved with advocacy or fighting antisemitism should come together and work as one.

After all, different organsations have different strengths. It may be that some are well connected, have a particular group of professionals amongst their ranks, or use singular tools to make their point. By focusing on what unites rather than divides us all our impact can be optimised. That way duplication is avoided, ownership is shared and joint power is effectively harnessed

What’s more, by aligning goals, it will also kill the perpetual complaint – and this is heard a lot – that ego comes before effectiveness. It also demonstrates to younger people that our communal organisations are not fusty and irrelevant, or too focused on staking their turf to serve the greater good. Instead we’ll display our can-do dynamism.

That doesn’t mean we shoudn’t celebrate our diverse elements. Jewish life is vibrant because of the sheer number of shuls, charities, cultural organisations and advocacy groups But at times of need coordination is vital. Not least over matters such as antisemitism, education and security. Fragmentation weakens collective bargaining power.

Jewish people know what it means to be resilient not least in times of crisis. Let’s not allow disunity, ego and self-importance to weaken our position. I’m ready to talk. Are you?