Unity does not mean uniformity – diversity is a testament to our vitality - The Jewish Chronicle

We live in times of great tension – globally, nationally, and, perhaps most challengingly, within our own Jewish world. The weight of history, memory and trauma lives close to the surface. This is especially true in the Sephardi and Mizrahi communities, many of whom still carry the stories of flight and loss in their bodies and hearts.

In my role as Senior Rabbi of the S&P Sephardi Community here in the UK, I am constantly aware of the breadth of voices I serve –each shaped by their own experience, each holding perspectives that are, at times, in profound tension with one another.

The overwhelming majority of our members are either refugees from Arab lands, such as Iraq, Egypt, Iran and Lebanon, or the children and grandchildren of those who were. They have known what it is to be expelled, marginalised, and persecuted, simply for being Jews. And as a result, their sense of belonging to Am Yisrael and their loyalty to Medinat Yisrael is visceral, unshakeable and deeply personal. Zionism, for them, is not an ideology – it is a lifeline, a home reclaimed and a symbol of Jewish dignity restored.

But we are also a community that includes younger voices – British-born, university-educated, and often progressive in their political and social thinking. Some of these members have come to me – respectfully, thoughtfully, and often distraught – expressing deep concern with Israel’s political directions, its handling of power, and even questioning the very premise of the nation-state.

As a spiritual leader, I see it not only as my duty but as my privilege to sit with these individuals – to listen, question and understand. Dialogue, even when difficult, is part of our tradition. We are not strangers to debate.

At the same time, leadership does require lines. We must allow space for heartfelt expression, but we must also know where to draw our red lines – where concern becomes delegitimization. Within my community, there is room to question, to challenge, and even to grieve. But there is not room to reject the right of the Jewish people to self-determination, or to deny the miracle and necessity of a Jewish homeland in the Land of Israel.

Since October 7, this balance has become even more delicate. The trauma of that day continues to reverberate. In response, we began singing Hatikvah – Israel’s national anthem – at the close of Shabbat and Yom Tov services. This was not a political act; it was a spiritual one. It was a way to affirm hope, to feel united with our brothers and sisters in Israel, and to express our faith in the resilience and future of the Jewish people. For most of our members, it has been deeply moving – cathartic, even.

And yet, there are those who believe we have not gone far enough. Influential voices in the community – journalists, social media figures, and public intellectuals – have pressed for a more forthright stance, more visible support, more action. I hear them, too.

Leadership is not about pleasing all voices. It is about holding them. It is about creating a space where people feel seen and heard, even when their views are not shared by the majority. It is about reminding us that we are more than our politics – we are a people with a shared memory, a shared destiny, and an enduring covenant.

In difficult times, our leaders must strengthen the spirit, lift hearts and guide our people with wisdom, inspiration and faith. Unity does not mean uniformity. And diversity of thought is not a threat – it is a testament to our vitality. But unity is of supreme importance, especially during these trying times. It is vital that we face one another with compassion, humility and a shared sense of purpose. When we dig deep to find the resolve for it, we will not only survive these storms – we will grow stronger through them.

Rabbi Dweck is the senior rabbi of the S&P Sephardi Community

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Rabbi Dweck

S&P Sephardi Community

Antisemitism