In recent days, significant attention has been given to a letter published in the Financial Times, signed by 36 Deputies of the Board of Deputies of British Jews. The letter sharply criticised Israel’s conduct in Gaza, and it has since been widely reported — by the BBC, Channel 4 and other national media — as though it reflects the position of the Board itself and, by extension, the British Jewish community.
Let me be clear: it does not.
The Board of Deputies is a democratically elected body of more than 300 representatives from synagogues and Jewish organisations across the UK. While we welcome a wide range of views – and the right of Deputies to express their personal opinions – the views of 36 individuals, around 10 per cent of the total body, do not and cannot constitute the collective stance of the organisation.
As a past president of the Board, I am deeply concerned by how the media has rushed to amplify a relatively small group whilst presenting their views as emblematic of British Jewry at large. In doing so, these outlets risk contributing to a harmful and divisive narrative – one that distinguishes between so-called “good” and “bad” Jews based on where they purport to stand on Israel. This is profoundly troubling and should concern us all.
No one with a conscience wants this war to continue. Every loss of life – Israeli or Palestinian – is a tragedy. I grieve for every innocent life lost. But we must also be honest about why this war began and what sustains it. Hamas’s brutal attack on October 7th and its ongoing refusal to release hostages or accept ceasefire terms bear heavily on the prospects for peace.
The letter in question makes barely any reference to Hamas. It speaks of Israel as the sole actor in this conflict, eliding the fact that it was Hamas that launched an unprovoked attack, murdering 1,200 people and taking hundreds of hostages – some of whom remain captive as I write.
Of course many in the community are critical of elements of the Israeli government or some of its actions or policies. But the criticism is itself diverse as are approaches as to how to articulate it. This is the case with criticism of the British and indeed every other government. But would anyone seek to conflate, as an example, the particular language used by 10% of the British public with the public as a whole. I have myself spoken out against the actions and rhetoric of some members of Israel’s current government, including Ministers like Bezalel Smotrich, whose views I find deeply troubling. I also share the concern many in the Jewish community — particularly within progressive circles — feel about the long-term direction of Israeli democracy under Prime Minister Netanyahu. Criticism of government policy is both legitimate and necessary in any democracy.
But we must not confuse principled and nuanced criticism with blanket condemnation. Nor should we assume that the views of a small number of British Jews, even if drawn disproportionately from the progressive community, represent all progressive Jewish opinion. They do not. It is perfectly possible – and indeed essential – to uphold progressive values while recognising Israel’s right to defend itself from terror, and to support a path to peace that includes security for Israelis and dignity for Palestinians.
As someone who deeply desires peace, I stand firmly in support of humanitarian aid to Gaza and the urgent need to rebuild. The suffering of innocent Palestinians cannot be ignored, and it is my hope that one day we will see the emergence of a two-state solution – one where both Israelis and Palestinians live in peace and security, side by side.
There is no moral clarity in demanding peace while ignoring those who openly oppose peace and act with violence and hatred. Unity, accountability and compassion are what our community needs now – not further polarisation or selective outrage.
Nor is there merit in subverting the standing of the representative voice of the Jewish community which is at times a vulnerable minority. During the Corbyn years we saw attempts to sideline and muffle the voices of the mainstream community with ginger groups. And it is no surprise that the remnants of the Corbyn left have embraced the so-called 36.
The Board of Deputies remains committed to representing the breadth of Jewish opinion in the UK, while standing firm in its support for peace, justice, and the right of Israel to exist in security. The Jewish community is not monolithic – nor should it be – but it must not be misrepresented by the loudest or most media-savvy voices.
In times like these, leadership means distinguishing disagreement from division. It means conveying complexity and nuance, even when headlines do not. And above all, it means defending the dignity and integrity of a community that, while diverse, is united by a profound yearning for peace and security.
Marie van der Zyl OBE is past President of the Board of Deputies of British Jews, 2018-2024
