Since October 7 thousands have attended events at our shuls

Sadly, tragic events in Israel overshadow much of 2023. Firstly in April we were devastated by the murders in Israel of Lucy, Maya and Rina Dee, the wife and daughters of Rabbi Leo Dee, formally of Hendon and Radlett United Synagogues. Then in October following the barbaric Hamas attacks we organised an evening of prayer with addresses by the Chief Rabbi and the Prime Minister.

We opened our website to more than 40 Israel charity emergency appeals with thousands of people logging on to donate. Thousands more have attended events and concerts arranged by our shuls.

I joined a small solidarity mission to Israel, led by executive members of our Rabbi and Rebbetzen representative groups. We visited displaced families, those who had been bereaved and family of hostages and heard remarkable messages of hope.

I fear the tragic events of Israel will dominate 2024 as we continue to pray for peace for all and an end to Hamas terror attacks. I thank our incredible rabbinic and lay leaders together with our dedicated professional team for all they have done over the last 12 months and I know that they will continue to power Jewish life through our many communities and the critical infrastructure and programmes we provide for the British Jewish community. I look forward to another year of communal engagement and growth as we hope to welcome more communities to the United Synagogue family.

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Michael Goldstein is the President of United Synagogue